Want to master “Cargar” conjugations fast?

This short audio loop makes it easy to memorize the forms for the Preterite (Past) Tense — just press play.

🔊 Audio plays automatically on a loop – makes memorization easy. While the audio plays, follow the chart below to reinforce what you hear.

Conjugation Chart

“Cargar” (to load/charge) in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Learn Faster with Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Preterite (Past) Tense of “Cargar”

The preterite of cargar is used to express a specific instance of loading or charging something in the past, for example Cargué la batería del teléfono (I charged the phone battery). This tense emphasizes the completed action of loading at a particular moment.

As a regular -ar verb, cargar follows the standard preterite pattern with one spelling change: adding ‘u’ before ‘é’ in the first person singular to maintain the hard ‘g’ sound.

How to Use Cargar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of cargar describes a completed action of loading or charging in the past.

To load/carry: Describes bearing weight or burden, for example Cargué las maletas al coche (I loaded the suitcases into the car) or Cargó todo el peso ella sola (She carried all the weight by herself).

To charge: In modern context, refers to charging electronics, for example Cargué el teléfono anoche (I charged the phone last night).

Real Life Examples of Cargar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Cargué las maletas en el auto. (I loaded the suitcases into the car.)

Cargaste el celular durante la noche. (You charged the phone during the night.)

El camión cargó los materiales. (The truck loaded the materials.)

Cargamos las cajas pesadas. (We loaded the heavy boxes.)

Los trabajadores cargaron el camión. (The workers loaded the truck.)

Cargué la batería de la cámara. (I charged the camera battery.)

Cargaste demasiado peso. (You loaded too much weight.)

El estudiante cargó su mochila. (The student loaded their backpack.)

Cargamos las provisiones. (We loaded the supplies.)

Los técnicos cargaron el software. (The technicians loaded the software.)

Cargué los documentos importantes. (I loaded the important documents.)

Cargaste la tarjeta de crédito. (You charged the credit card.)

El avión cargó el combustible. (The plane loaded the fuel.)

Cargamos los datos en la computadora. (We loaded the data into the computer.)

Los empleados cargaron el inventario. (The employees loaded the inventory.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Cargar (to load/charge) in the Preterite (Past) Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.