Conversar y charlar...

Question

Hola Silvia y Inma,

I tried to use 'charlar' for 'chatting- "...la gente pasa charlando después de comer".

It was suggested that 'conversar' should be used. Is there a distinction between the two or can charlar be added?

Gracias 😊

Silvia Píriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Clara M.
In this context, conversar, charlar and similar expressions can all be used to convey the idea of chatting informally after a meal. While conversar is slightly more neutral, charlar is also very natural and commonly used in this situation.
The exercise already accepts these variations as correct, so your original choice with charlar is perfectly valid.
Thanks for raising this!
Saludos
Silvia

Clara Melchor Bowman · Answer

Gracias Silvia 🤗

David McNaughton · Answer

Clara - Looking at the question of whether there is in fact a subtle difference, you might find it interesting to see how the "CLAVE" dictionary defines them -

Charlar: Conversar y hablar por pasatiempo, sin un objeto preciso/ Hablar mucho y de cosas intrascendentes... [i.e., it is indeed perfectly suitable here].

Conversar: Mantener una comunicación mediante palabras... [Derived from the Latin "conversari" = "vivir en compañia"; i.e., it is also appropriate for describing a serious, more formal exchange of ideas].

Regards and Good Wishes, David M

Clara Melchor Bowman · Answer

Thank you David! Very much appreciated. 😊