What is a charades generator?
A charades generator picks random words and phrases for you to act out, so nobody has to sit and think of ideas or write slips of paper. Choose the categories you like, pick a difficulty and the game shows one secret word at a time. It also runs the countdown and keeps score for two teams, so the whole game fits on one phone.
There are 400 charades ideas in ten categories, from easy ones for kids (elephant, brushing teeth) to hard ones that will make adults laugh (stepping on a toy brick, untangling headphones). Words never repeat until the whole list has been used.
How to play charades
- Make two teams. Any size works, but even teams are the most fun. Type your team names above.
- Choose categories, difficulty and timer. 60 seconds per turn is a good start. Use Easy for young kids and Mixed for adults.
- Pass the phone to the actor. When they tap Start turn, the timer begins and the first word appears. Only the actor looks at the screen.
- Act it out without speaking. No words, no sounds, no pointing at real objects in the room. Gestures, mime and facial expressions only.
- Tap “Got it” or “Skip”. Each correct guess earns one point. Skipping is free, so move on when a word is too hard.
- Switch teams when time runs out. The next team picks a new actor. Play as many rounds as you like. The highest score wins.
Classic charades hand signals
These signs are optional, but they speed up the game. Agree on them before you start.
- Number of wordsHold up that many fingers.
- Which word you're onHold up fingers again: one finger means the first word.
- SyllablesLay fingers on your forearm to show how many syllables.
- Sounds likeTug your earlobe, then act out a word that rhymes.
- Small wordHold your thumb and finger close together (a, the, of).
- Whole ideaSweep your arms in a big circle to act out everything at once.
- Getting closeWave your hands toward you: “keep going!”
- Correct!Point at your nose and then at the person who guessed it.
Charades ideas by category
A few examples of what you'll find in the generator. Each category has easy, medium and hard words.
Tips for a great game of charades
For kids and families
Pick the Easy level with Animals, Actions and Food, and turn the timer off or use 90 seconds. Let small children act in pairs with an adult. Animals are the easiest category to start with, because almost everyone can guess a monkey or an elephant.
For adult parties
Use Mixed or Hard with a 60-second timer. Hard phrases like parallel parking or assembling furniture are the ones people remember afterwards. For a big group, rotate the actor every turn so everyone gets a go.
For classrooms and team building
Project the setup screen, split the class into two teams and let one student act at a time. Charades is a great way to practise vocabulary in English or any language class: act out verbs from the Actions list and jobs from the Jobs list.
For video calls
The actor opens this page on their own phone, reads the word privately and acts in front of the camera. Everyone else guesses in the chat or out loud.
Frequently asked questions
What is a charades generator?
A charades generator picks random words or phrases for you to act out, so nobody has to think up ideas or write slips of paper. This one also runs the timer and keeps score for two teams.
How do you play charades?
Split into two teams. One player gets a secret word and acts it out without speaking, while their team guesses before the timer runs out. Each correct guess is one point. Teams take turns and the highest score wins.
What are good charades words for kids?
Choose the Easy level and simple categories like Animals, Actions and Food. Words such as elephant, swimming, brushing teeth and ice cream are easy to act out and guess.
How many people do you need to play charades?
You need at least three people: one actor and two guessers. With four or more, split into two teams and use the team scoring mode.
Can you play charades on a video call?
Yes. The actor opens the generator on their own phone, reads the word privately and acts it out on camera while everyone else guesses.
Is this charades generator free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no sign-up or download and works in any browser on phones, tablets and computers.