1 B1 informal
To talk continuously and in a relaxed, friendly manner for an extended period.
"The two old friends sat in the garden, chatting away for hours over a pot of tea."
chat away
B1 informal intransitive
To talk in a relaxed, continuous, and friendly way for a period of time.
In plain English
To keep talking happily with someone for a long time.
What does "chat away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
Used as an invitation or permission for someone to go ahead and speak.
"If you have questions, chat away — I'm happy to answer."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To chat continuously — the 'away' adds the sense of sustained, ongoing activity.
Actually means
To keep talking happily with someone for a long time.
Usage tip
The particle 'away' emphasizes continuity — it suggests chatting that goes on for some time without stopping. Usually used positively. Can also be used as an invitation ('chat away!' meaning 'go ahead and talk').
Words that pair with "chat away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friends hours afternoon happily merrily
How to conjugate "chat away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
chat away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chats away
he/she/it
Past simple
chated away
yesterday
Past participle
chated away
have + pp
-ing form
chating away
continuous
Hear "chat away" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chat away"
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