Inklingo

How to Say "to chat" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to chat” is “charlar” — use 'charlar' when you want to describe a relaxed, informal talk or gossip, often with friends or family, that doesn't necessarily have a deep purpose..

English → Spanish

charlar

/char-LAR//tʃaɾˈlaɾ/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'charlar' when you want to describe a relaxed, informal talk or gossip, often with friends or family, that doesn't necessarily have a deep purpose.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friends sitting opposite each other at a small table, engaged in a casual, informal conversation.

Examples

Nos gusta charlar un rato después de cenar.

We like to chat for a while after dinner.

¿Con quién estabas charlando tan animadamente?

Who were you chatting with so lively?

Siempre charlan sobre política y el tiempo.

They always talk about politics and the weather.

Using 'Con'

When you want to say who you are chatting with, you must use the preposition 'con' (with). Example: 'Charlo con mi madre' (I chat with my mother).

Confusing 'charlar' and 'hablar'

Mistake: “Using 'charlar' when you mean 'to speak a language' or 'to give a formal talk.'”

Correction: Use 'charlar' only for informal, relaxed conversation. For general speaking or formal communication, use 'hablar'.

conversar

/kohn-ver-SAR//kom.berˈsaɾ/

VerbA1Informal
Choose 'conversar' for talking or discussing something in a more structured or meaningful way, even if it's still informal.
A simple storybook illustration showing a rabbit and a squirrel sitting on the ground, leaning slightly towards each other, suggesting they are having a conversation.

Examples

Me gusta conversar con mis abuelos sobre su juventud.

I like to converse with my grandparents about their youth.

¿Podemos conversar un momento? Necesito tu opinión.

Can we chat for a moment? I need your opinion.

Ellos conversaron toda la noche en la terraza.

They talked all night long on the terrace.

A Regular Verb

Since 'conversar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common conjugation patterns in Spanish. Learn the '-ar' endings, and you know how to use this verb in every tense!

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Voy a conversar a mi amigo.”

Correction: Voy a conversar con mi amigo. ('Conversar' needs the preposition 'con' (with) to introduce the person you are talking to.)

Charlar vs. Conversar

Learners often use 'charlar' and 'conversar' interchangeably. While both are common, 'charlar' leans towards casual, lighthearted talk, whereas 'conversar' can imply a slightly more substantial exchange of ideas or information.

Related Translations

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