Inklingo

How to Say "to charge" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cargar

/kar-GAR//kaɾˈɣaɾ/

verbA2/B1general
Use 'cargar' when referring to recharging electronic devices like phones or batteries, or when debiting money from an account or credit card.
A storybook illustration showing a stylized smartphone plugged into a wall outlet with a cable. The screen shows a green battery icon with a lightning bolt, indicating it is charging.

Examples

¿Dónde puedo cargar mi teléfono? Por favor, cargue la compra a mi tarjeta de crédito.

Where can I charge my phone? Please charge the purchase to my credit card.

¿Dónde puedo cargar mi teléfono?

Where can I charge my phone?

Necesitas cargar la batería antes de usar la cámara.

You need to charge the battery before using the camera.

El coche eléctrico ya está completamente cargado.

The electric car is already completely charged.

Reflexive Use for Status

When talking about the device itself running out of power, use 'descargarse' (reflexive), but for the positive action of restoring power, just use 'cargar'.

Using 'A' for the Destination

When charging money, you often use the preposition 'a' (to) to specify where the money is going: 'cargar [algo] a [la tarjeta/la cuenta].'

atacar

ah-tah-KAHR/ataˈkaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'atacar' when 'to charge' means to physically attack someone or something, often in the context of sports or battle.
A small cartoon knight, wearing simple armor, running and raising a sword in a charging stance.

Examples

El león intentó atacar a la cebra.

The lion tried to attack the zebra.

Las fuerzas enemigas atacaron al amanecer.

The enemy forces attacked at dawn.

Spelling Change in Preterite 'Yo'

To keep the hard 'k' sound of the 'c' before the vowel 'e', the 'c' changes to 'qu' only in the 'yo' form of the preterite (ataqué).

Incorrect Preterite Spelling

Mistake: “Yo atacé (with a 'z' sound)”

Correction: Yo ataqué. Remember that 'c' sounds like 's' or 'th' before 'e' or 'i', so you must use 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound.

cometer

koh-meh-TER/ko.meˈteɾ/

verbC1formal
Use 'cometer' when 'to charge' means to entrust someone with a task or responsibility.
A colorful illustration of one adult character handing a large, important-looking golden key to another adult character, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility.

Examples

El director cometió la nueva tarea al equipo más experimentado.

The director entrusted the new task to the most experienced team.

Use Modern Alternatives

While 'cometer' is historically correct for 'to entrust,' modern Spanish speakers almost always use 'encargar' or 'confiar' instead. Stick to those verbs for daily conversation.

Confusing 'cargar' and 'atacar'

Learners often confuse 'cargar' (to recharge/debit) with 'atacar' (to attack). Remember that 'cargar' is used for devices and finances, while 'atacar' implies aggression or a physical assault.

Related Translations

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