How to Say "load" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “load” is “cargamento” — use 'cargamento' when referring to a physical shipment of goods, especially a large one, or metaphorically for a large amount of non-physical items like emails..
cargamento
kar-gah-MEN-toh/kaɾɣaˈmento/
Examples
El camión transportaba un gran cargamento de frutas.
The truck was carrying a large load of fruit.
El barco llegó al puerto con un cargamento de café.
The ship arrived at the port with a cargo of coffee.
Estamos esperando un gran cargamento de suministros médicos.
We are waiting for a large shipment of medical supplies.
La policía interceptó un cargamento ilegal en la frontera.
The police intercepted an illegal shipment at the border.
Always Masculine
Cargamento ends in '-o', so it is almost always masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' before it.
Result Noun
The suffix '-mento' is added to verbs (like 'cargar') to name the result of that action.
Figurative Use
Just like in English we say 'a truckload of work,' Spanish uses 'cargamento' to show there is a lot of something.
Cargamento vs. Cargo
Mistake: “Using 'cargamento' to mean a job position.”
Correction: Use 'cargo' for a job title or fee, and 'cargamento' for physical goods being moved.
cargo
/KAR-go//ˈkaɾɣo/
Examples
El marinero descargó el cargo del barco.
The sailor unloaded the cargo from the ship.
El barco llegó al puerto con un cargo de plátanos.
The ship arrived at the port with a cargo of bananas.
El cargo aéreo es más rápido pero más caro.
Air freight is faster but more expensive.
Using 'cargo' for any load
Mistake: “Puse el cargo de ropa en la lavadora.”
Correction: Puse la carga de ropa en la lavadora. Use 'carga' for a general 'load' (like laundry or groceries). 'Cargo' is usually for commercial goods being transported.
Cargamento vs. Cargo
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