charco
/ˈt͡ʃaɾko/
In Spanish, the phrase "pool of water" is translated as charco.
charco refers specifically to a small, shallow collection of liquid on the ground, such as after rain, rather than a swimming pool (piscina).
Which one should you use?
Estanque de agua can be used in a formal context to convey a larger or more contained body of water.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, especially in rural areas, charca is used to describe a small, natural body of water.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of charco is charcos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃaɾko/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish speaking regions, the phrase hacer un charco is used metaphorically to describe someone who is crying excessively.
- The word charco may not be native to Spanish but could be a borrowing from the Basque language.
Examples in context
- Ten cuidado con el charco.Watch out for the puddle.
- Ten cuidado con ese charco.Be careful with that puddle.
- Hay un charco grande en la calle.There is a big puddle in the street.
- El niño salta en el charco.The child jumps in the puddle.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are walking outdoors after it rained.
- Lucía¿Ves ese charco de agua?Do you see that puddle of water?
- JavierSí, es muy profundo.Yes, it is very deep.
- LucíaNo quiero mojar mis zapatos.I don't want to get my shoes wet.
- JavierEntonces camina por la acera.Then walk on the sidewalk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry charco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries charco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
