Inklingo

How to Say "to flirt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ligar

/lee-GAHR//liˈɣaɾ/

verbB1informal
Use 'ligar' when the primary goal is to meet someone romantically or sexually, often in a social setting like a bar or club, implying a direct attempt to 'pick someone up'.
Two people sitting on a park bench, smiling warmly at each other and blushing.

Examples

Voy a la fiesta para intentar ligar con alguien.

I'm going to the party to try and flirt with someone.

Fuimos a la discoteca para ligar.

We went to the club to flirt/pick someone up.

Él siempre intenta ligar con la camarera.

He is always trying to flirt with the waitress.

Anoche ligué con un chico muy guapo.

Last night I hooked up with a very handsome guy.

Using 'con' for people

When you are flirting with someone, you must use the word 'con' (with). You don't just 'flirt someone,' you 'flirt WITH someone' (ligar con alguien).

Spelling change in the past

In the 'yo' form of the past (preterite), the 'g' becomes 'gu' (ligué) to keep the hard 'g' sound. Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j'.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Ligo a mi vecina.”

Correction: Ligo con mi vecina. In Spanish, you flirt 'with' the person, not 'at' or 'to' them.

coquetear

/ko-kay-teh-ahr//koke-teˈaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'coquetear' to describe playful, often indirect, romantic or flirtatious behavior and interaction, without necessarily aiming for a specific romantic outcome.
A man and a woman sitting on a park bench, smiling shyly and exchanging a small flower.

Examples

Le gusta coquetear con todos, pero no se compromete con nadie.

He/She likes to flirt with everyone, but doesn't commit to anyone.

Ella siempre coquetea con el camarero para conseguir bebidas gratis.

She always flirts with the waiter to get free drinks.

Juan está coqueteando con la idea de dejar su trabajo.

Juan is toying with the idea of quitting his job.

No te tomes en serio sus palabras; solo le gusta coquetear.

Don't take his words seriously; he just likes to flirt.

Using 'con'

In Spanish, you always 'coquetear con' (flirt with) someone or something. Don't leave out the 'con'!

It's a Regular Verb

The verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar, so it is easy to conjugate once you know the basics.

Mixing it up with 'cocinar'

Mistake: “Estoy cocinando con él (when you mean flirting).”

Correction: Estoy coqueteando con él. 'Cocinar' means to cook, while 'coquetear' means to flirt.

Ligar vs. Coquetear

Learners often confuse 'ligar' and 'coquetear'. Remember that 'ligar' implies a more direct intention to find a romantic partner or hook up, whereas 'coquetear' describes the playful act of flirting itself, which might not lead to anything further.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.