carga
/ˈkaɾɡa/
The English word 'burden' (as a cause of worry) is translated into Spanish as carga.
To specifically express the idea 'to be a burden,' you use the phrase ser una carga.
Meaning: cause of worry (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, carga means 'load' or 'cargo' in a physical sense. This physical meaning is the basis for its metaphorical use to describe a mental or emotional burden.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of carga is cargas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɾɡa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, when someone says they are 'cargando con un muerto', they are not actually carrying a corpse, but are actually dealing with a heavy responsibility or a problem caused by someone else.
- The word cargar can also mean 'to charge' a battery or 'to charge' a credit card, showing how the concept of 'filling up' or 'adding to' spans from physical loads to electricity and debt.
- While carga is the most common term for a burden, the word lastre is often used metaphorically to describe a 'ballast' or a burden that slows down progress, such as a person or a habit that holds a group back.
Examples in context
- No quería ser una carga.I didn't want to be a burden.This sentence shows how to use carga to express the idea of not wanting to be a burden.Tatoeba #2081558 by marcelostockle, translation #2013504 by CK
- Era una carga para sus padres.He was a burden to his parents.This sentence illustrates using carga to describe someone being a burden to their parents.Tatoeba #3784302 by Seael, translation #288306 by CK
- Él no era una carga financiera para ella.He was not a financial burden on her.This sentence demonstrates using carga in the context of a financial burden.Tatoeba #2911150 by cueyayotl, translation #294434 by CK
- El peso de la responsabilidadThe burden of responsibility
- La carga de la deudaThe burden of debt
- Llevar sus secretos es una mochila pesadaCarrying his secrets is a heavy burden
- La cruz del pasadoThe burden of the past
- El peso de tomar decisiones difíciles recae con frecuencia en los líderes.The burden of making difficult decisions often falls on leaders.
- Mi chamba es una carga, necesito un descanso.My job is such a burden, I need a break.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is talking to Lucía about his family problems.
- JavierSiento que soy una carga para mi familia.I feel like I am a burden to my family.
- LucíaNo digas eso, Javier, ellos te quieren.Don't say that, Javier, they love you.
- JavierPero mis problemas son una carga muy pesada.But my problems are a very heavy burden.
- LucíaPodéis superar esto juntos, Lucía te ayudará.You can overcome this together, Lucía will help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry carga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
