Spanish word

charlar

Pronunciation

IPA/tʃaɾˈlaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbchat

Example

¿Quieres charlar un momento?

Do you want to chat for a moment?

Illustration for charlar (chat)

More examples

Después de la cena, solemos charlar un rato sobre el trabajo.

After dinner, we usually chat for a while about work.

Core concept

Two friends exchanging light, friendly small talk over coffee.

Common phrases

  • charlar un rato

    chat for a while

  • charlar con amigos

    chat with friends

  • charlar por teléfono

    chat on the phone

Similar words

hablar: Speaks aloud to communicate information, ideas, or basic conversation.
conversar: Converses in a calm, mutual way with thoughtful back-and-forth exchange.
platicar: Has a relaxed, extended informal conversation with close friends or family.
chatear: Sends and receives written messages online to hold a real-time text conversation.

Definition in Spanish

Hablar de modo ameno y distendido sobre asuntos triviales o personales, sin intención de debatir ni profundizar.

Word origin

The verb derives from the colloquial noun charla 'chat' plus the verbal suffix -ar and appears mainly in spoken Spanish with an uncertain deeper origin.

Usage tips

  • Charlar denotes informal, amiable chatter rather than serious discussion, so it is common among friends but less appropriate in formal or professional settings where hablar or conversar is preferred.

Other meanings

  • make small talkverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word