Chat up Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃæt/ /ˈəp
CHAT-up
tʃˈæt/ /ˈʌp
CHAT-up
Definition
To talk to someone, usually in a friendly or flirtatious way, to show romantic interest or attract them.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used in British English. Implies flirting or romantic intention. Common collocation: 'chat up line' (a phrase used to start flirting). Not just friendly conversation; always with attraction involved.
Spanish: ligar (a alguien) - coquetear - flirtearPortuguese (BR): dar conversa (para paquerar) - flertar - conquistarPortuguese (PT): meter conversa (a alguém) - flertar - engatar conversaChinese (Simplified): 搭讪 - 调情Chinese (Traditional): 搭訕 - 調情Hindi: फ्लर्ट करना - बातों से प्रभावित करनाArabic: يغازل - يدردش مع (للتقرب)Bengali: ফ্লার্ট করা - প্রেমের কথা বলা - প্রেম নিবেদন করাRussian: подкатывать - заигрыватьJapanese: ナンパする - 声をかけて口説くVietnamese: tán tỉnh - bắt chuyện để tánKorean: 작업 걸다 - 작업 치다Turkish: asılmak - tavlamakUrdu: لفظی چھیڑنا - فلرٹ کرناIndonesian: merayu - menggoda (secara romantis)
Example Sentences
He tried to chat up the waitress at the café.
basic
Do you often chat up strangers at parties?
basic
She doesn't like it when people chat up her.
basic
He told me the worst chat up line I've ever heard.
natural
I saw you chatting up that guy at the bar last night!
natural
If you want to chat her up, just be yourself and smile.
natural