Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| charlar | /t͡ʃaɾˈlaɾ/ |
| platicar | /platiˈkaɾ/ |
| chamuyar | /t͡ʃamuˈʝaɾ/ |
To engage in a general conversation, you can use hablar, which is a versatile term. For a formal or dignified exchange of opinions and discussions, use conversar or dialogar. If you are referring specifically to online chatting or digital messaging, use chatear or the English loanword chat.
Which one should you use?
While charlar is the verb for the action of chatting, the noun charla refers to the actual talk itself or, depending on the context, a lecture or speech. If you want to say you are talking specifically on the phone, use the expression hablar por (teléfono).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Charlar is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. In contrast, conversar and dialogar carry a formal and dignified tone. For slang, chamuyar can be used, but it often implies sweet-talking or using smooth talk to deceive someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, platicar is the preferred verb for 'to chat'. In Spain, charlar is more common.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃaɾˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The term chamuyar comes from Caló, a historical language used by Romani people in Spain, which often influences Spanish slang.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, chamuyar is often used specifically to describe the art of flirting or using smooth talk to seduce a partner.
- In some contexts, platicar is used to describe a deep, heart-to-heart conversation rather than just a brief, superficial chat.
Examples in context
- Vayamos a charlar con Tom.Let's go have a chat with Tom.This sentence is useful for suggesting a conversation with someone.Tatoeba #5704692 by arh, translation #3392666 by CK
- ¿Es mal momento para charlar?Is this a bad time to chat?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is available to talk.Tatoeba #5704684 by arh, translation #4895517 by AqQoyriq_1
- Tienes que venir y charlar con nosotros.You must come and have a chat with us.This sentence is useful for telling someone they should come talk to a group.Tatoeba #594861 by clerval, translation #51294 by sundown
- ¿Podemos hablar un momento?Can we have a chat for a moment?
- Vamos a conversar sobre estos asuntos importantesLet's chat about these important matters
- Necesitamos platicar sobre el proyectoWe need to chat about the project
- Es importante dialogar sobre este tema antes de tomar una decisiónIt's important to have a chat about this topic before making a decision
- ¿Quieres charlar un rato? Tengo una buena historia que contarteDo you want to chat for a while? I have a good story to tell you
- Voy a hablar por teléfono con mi mejor amigoI'm going to chat on the phone with my best friend
- Me gusta platicar con mis compañeros de trabajoI enjoy chatting with my coworkers
- Me encanta chatear con mis amigos en líneaI love chatting with my friends online
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- SofíaHola Daniel, ¿tienes tiempo para charlar un rato?Hi Daniel, do you have time to chat for a while?
- DanielSí, Sofía. Me encantaría ponerme al día contigo.Yes, Sofía. I would love to catch up with you.
- Sofía¡Genial! Podemos charlar mientras tomamos un café.Great! We can chat while we have a coffee.
- DanielPerfecto, busquemos una mesa libre.Perfect, let's look for a free table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chat” translations and entries charlar, platicar, chamuyar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chamuyar, charlar, platicar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
