Spanish word

charla

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʃaɾla/

Meaning

  • feminine nounchat

Example

En el descanso tuvimos una charla rápida.

We had a quick chat during the break.

Illustration for charla (chat)

More examples

Después de la cena tuvimos una charla de sobremesa sobre viajes.

After dinner we had an after-dinner chat about travel.

Core concept

Brief small talk intended to break the ice.

Common phrases

  • una charla de sobremesa

    an after-dinner chat

  • una charla distendida

    a relaxed chat

Similar words

conversación: Consists of a sustained everyday exchange covering a variety of topics.
diálogo: Progresses as a back-and-forth exchange between two people, with responsive turns.
plática: Takes the form of casual, friendly talk exchanged with someone familiar.
tertulia: Brings people together in a social meeting to converse about shared interests.

Definition in Spanish

Diálogo informal y corto que sirve para romper el hielo o charlar entre conocidos.

Word origin

Formed from the verb charlar plus a nominal ending to name a short informal dialogue, with the verb itself being colloquial and of uncertain historical origin.

Usage tips

  • Charla emphasizes informality and shortness; in some regions plática is used similarly, while conversación is safer for formal or extended exchanges.

Other meanings

  • conversationnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word