Inklingo

How to Say "to gossip" in Spanish

English → Spanish

charlar

char-LARtʃaɾˈlaɾ

verbA1informal
Use 'charlar' when referring to informal, friendly conversation, which may sometimes include talking about others in a casual, non-malicious way.
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'.

murmurar

moor-moo-RAHRmuɾmuˈɾaɾ

verbB1
Choose 'murmurar' when the conversation involves speaking about someone behind their back, often implying secrets or criticisms.
Two people talking secretly in a corner while looking towards a third person in the distance.

Examples

La gente siempre murmura sobre su vida privada.

People are always gossiping about her private life.

Es de mala educación murmurar de los demás.

It is rude to talk behind other people's backs.

The preposition 'de'

When you want to say you are gossiping 'about' someone, use the word 'de' followed by the person's name.

Don't use 'sobre' as often

Mistake: “Murmurar sobre alguien.”

Correction: Say 'murmurar DE alguien.' While 'sobre' is understood, 'de' is much more natural for gossip.

rajar

rah-HARra'xaɾ

verbB2informal
Employ 'rajar' for lively, often critical or negative discussions about other people's affairs, implying a more intense or backbiting tone.
Two people whispering to each other while pointing at a third person who is walking away.

Examples

Ellos siempre están rajando de todo el mundo.

They are always badmouthing everyone.

No me gusta que rajes de tu hermano delante de mí.

I don't like it when you talk trash about your brother in front of me.

Se pasaron toda la cena rajando del jefe.

They spent the whole dinner badmouthing the boss.

Always use 'de'

When you are badmouthing someone, you must follow 'rajar' with the word 'de' (e.g., 'rajar DE María').

Missing the 'de'

Mistake: “Rajar Juan.”

Correction: Say 'Rajar de Juan'. Without 'de', it sounds like you are physically splitting Juan!

Casual chat vs. Malicious talk

The most common mistake is using 'charlar' for what is actually negative gossip. Remember, 'charlar' is for friendly chats, while 'murmurar' and 'rajar' specifically imply talking negatively about others, with 'rajar' being more intense and informal.

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