Once again we are back with a Spanish verb with multiple uses and meanings. Today we are going to talk about the verb “cargar”.
Usually the verb is related to the act of filling something, but it has other meanings in expressions that are very interesting to know.

“He cargado el móvil toda la noche”

Here the verb “cargar” is used as “rellenar” or “recargar” and refers to the action of charging the battery of a mobile or other device. When a Spaniard plugs his mobile phone into a power supply, he says… “voy a cargar el móvil” not to be confused with “recargar” which is usually used to mean “top up” the mobile phone. Although there are people who also use the verb “cargar” to reload the phone card if it is prepaid.
What fun Spanish is!

“Me he cargado el ordenador”

In this expression the verb “cargar” has the meaning of “to break”. Here the person is telling us that he has broken or damaged a computer. It doesn’t matter if it is a slight or serious damage, the point here is that it doesn’t work. Now you know that when you break something in Spain you have to use the verb “cargar”. It will make you sound more Spanish 🙂

“He cargado el coche con muchas cosas”

Another meaning of the verb “cargar” is to fill. This expression has a similar meaning to “cargar el móvil” but refers to other objects. Here the verb “cargar” means “llenar”. The phrase means that the person has packed the car with a lot of stuff. A very common expression when a Spaniard goes on summer holiday and fills the car with things, especially if he goes with the kids.

“He cargado con los niños todo el día”

Again a very Spanish expression. Here, the meaning of the verb “cargar” is “to take care of”. Depending on how it is said it can denote weariness, i.e. that the person has not enjoyed being with the children and is a bit tired.

“Se han cargado a dos personas en una pelea”

This is the most evil usage of all. It is a synonym for “killing”. In colloquial Spanish, the verb “cargar” mens to kill, be it animals, people or plants.

Don’t forget to read our previous blog posts to continue learning about the usages of other Spanish verbs, such as colgar.