{"id":59250,"date":"2024-05-05T00:46:21","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T23:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=59250"},"modified":"2024-05-07T04:07:56","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T03:07:56","slug":"spanish-slang-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/spanish-slang-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Slang Words"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with anywhere between 7 to 11 different dialects spoken under the Spanish umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Spanish so widely spoken around the world, you might be surprised by how many different Spanish slang words you hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catalan, for example, is Andorra\u2019s official language, but Spain\u2019s official language is Castilian Spanish. Both versions of Spanish use different slang words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also various Spanish dialects spoken throughout countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all the different dialects, it can get a little confusing remembering what words or phrases are specific to a country or even a region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why we\u2019ve created a guide with some <strong>common Spanish slang words<\/strong> and phrases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll go over some common slang words that are specific to Spain, as well as other Spanish slang expressions you may not be familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u00a1Bienvenidos to Our Spanish Slang Words Guide!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ll be working or studying abroad in Spain, you may want to brush up on your Spanish slang phrases before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/best-books-learn-spanish\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learning Spanish<\/a><\/strong> online or in a classroom is one thing, but learning to speak like a local? <strong>No hay color!<\/strong> (There\u2019s no comparison!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1-1024x498.jpg\" alt=\"spanish slang words\" class=\"wp-image-54339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1-1024x498.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1-768x374.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1-1536x747.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/resources-to-learn-spanish-1920x934-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spanish Slang Words<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start off with a few common Spanish slang words that will help you sound like a local!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, <strong>cool<\/strong> in Spanish slang can be a few different words like <strong><em>guay<\/em><\/strong> or <strong><em>chulo\/chula<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both words mean that something is cool or awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, \u201cEstas zapatos est\u00e1n guay\u201d means \u201cThese shoes are cool\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A more common form that might be taught more often in a classroom might be something like <em>muy bien<\/em> or <em>genial<\/em>. \u201cElla es genial\u201d (she is cool!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few additional slang words that you might not learn in grammar class:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Vale<\/strong><\/em>: Alright or OK<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Venga<\/strong><\/em>: Alright or come on<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Chulo\/Chula<\/strong><\/em>: Cool<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Chorrada<\/strong><\/em>: Nonsense<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Majo\/maja<\/strong><\/em>: A friendly person<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Cutre<\/strong><\/em>: Bad quality or cheap<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Tapeo<\/strong><\/em>: To go out for tapas<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>T\u00edo\/T\u00eda<\/em>:<\/strong> Used to address friends<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Molar<\/strong><\/em>: To be awesome<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Pijo<\/strong><\/em>: Posh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Mono\/mona<\/strong><\/em>: Cute<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Joder<\/strong><\/em>: How good or bad something is<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Charlar<\/strong><\/em>: To talk or to chat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Rajarse<\/strong><\/em>: To back down or chicken out<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Confiar<\/strong>: <\/em>To trust<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Colega<\/strong>: <\/em>Buddy or acquaintance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Ostia<\/strong>: <\/em>To be surprised<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spanish Slang Sentences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But you don\u2019t just want to learn the words themselves! How do we apply these slang words to natural speech?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these words used in a sentence might look something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chula<\/strong>: \u201cEsa camiseta est\u00e1 chula\u201d or \u201cThat shirt is cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Guay<\/strong>: \u201cEstas zapatos est\u00e1n guay\u201d or \u201cThese shoes are cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vale<\/strong>: \u201c\u00bfMe puedes ayudar? Vale.\u201d or \u201cCan you help me? Okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Confiar<\/strong>: \u201cConf\u00eda en m\u00ed\u201d or \u201cTrust in me.<em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Charlar<\/strong>: \u201cSantos quiere charlar conmigo\u201d or \u201cSantos wants to talk with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pijo<\/strong>: \u201cLl\u00e9vala a un restaurante pijo\u201d or \u201cTake her to a posh restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/4.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spanish Slang Expressions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One way you know you\u2019ve started to learn a new language is to understand new idioms or expressions within the language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expressions are so particular to a language because they are embedded in a culture\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a native English speaker, common expressions like \u201c<strong>break a leg<\/strong>!\u201d or \u201c<strong>don\u2019t cry over spilled milk<\/strong>\u201d may translate differently in Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, something that\u2019s really great might be described as \u201cThe bees knees\u201d in English, but in Spain that phrase might be \u201c\u00a1<strong>Es la leche<\/strong>!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rarely can we translate certain expressions exactly, but here are a few Spanish slang sayings that will help you feel more at ease when learning to speak like a local!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>No pasa nada<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 No worries<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Muy mala pata<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 Very bad luck<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Ir cagando leches<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 To go fast or in a hurry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Es pan comido<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 It\u2019s a piece of cake<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Darle la vuelta a la tortilla<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 The tables have turned<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Me importa un pepino<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 Use when you couldn\u2019t care less<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Donde comen dos, comen tres<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 There\u2019s always room for one more (or the more the merrier!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Est\u00e1 como una cabra<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 When someone has a few screws loose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<strong>Ser u\u00f1a y carne<\/strong>\u201d \u2013 To be \u201cnail and meat\u201d or thick as thieves<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these phrases have slightly different meaning depending on the context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if someone asks you \u201cWhat is happening out there?\u201d You may want to respond \u201cNo pasa nada\u201d or \u201cNothing is happening\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you run into someone who\u2019s thanking you for your help, you may want to respond <strong>no pasa nada<\/strong><em> <\/em>to remind them it\u2019s not a big deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The phrase essentially reassures someone that it\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could also say <strong><em>todo bien<\/em><\/strong>, which means \u201call good!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-59286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/5.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spanish Slang Translator<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might\u2019ve used Urban Dictionary before in English, but did you know there\u2019s a similar version in Spanish?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.asihablamos.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AsiHablamos<\/a><\/strong> is a sort of Spanish slang translator that provides translations for various colloquial definitions and expressions in Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This site allows you to browse through various Spanish terminology in relation to different Spanish-speaking regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This online dictionary allows you to look at words, definitions, examples, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It even allows you to sort by country, so you can see what words or phrases mean throughout various Spanish speaking countries. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve searched for \u2018Urban Dictionary Spanish\u2019 before or \u2018dirty Spanish sayings\u2019, AsiHablamos provides a dynamic, ever-evolving perspective on the Spanish language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practice Makes Perfect<\/strong> <strong>with Spanish Slang Words <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the above phrases are typically relative to Spain, it\u2019s still a good idea to remember that not all Spanish words translate the same in other Spanish speaking countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some words and phrases truly only translate correctly in Spain, so be careful when trying out new slang words or phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Formal settings, for example, may not be the best time to try out a new word or phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, practice makes perfect, and getting a feel for how things are expressed can be a fun part of any language learning journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u00bf<strong>Te comi\u00f3 la lengua el gato?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully the cat doesn\u2019t have your tongue after you\u2019ve practiced using a few of these words and phrases!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how people communicate through slang is an important part of learning any language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practicing will help you better understand regional language differences, everyday conversation cadences, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not to mention, by learning common slang, you\u2019ll deepen your overall connection to the Spanish language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope that you\u2019ll have a deeper understanding of a few Spanish slang words after reading through this guide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for more ways to learn Spanish quickly, we have a few useful <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/learn-spanish-fast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spanish phrases<\/a><\/strong> on our website here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternately, feel free to browse any of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spanish lessons<\/a><\/strong> we have on our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you become more comfortable speaking Spanish with others, try mixing certain phrases and idioms like the ones above into your everyday conversations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By doing so, you\u2019ll start to remember more vocabulary, broaden your conversation skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714625328638\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are some common Spanish slang words?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Depending on where you&#8217;re speaking Spanish, slang words will vary from region to region. For example, &#8220;est\u00e1 guay&#8221; is one way to say &#8220;it&#8217;s cool&#8221;. You might describe a friendly person as &#8220;majo or maja&#8221; and describe an acquaintance as &#8220;colega&#8221;. There are many variations throughout the Spanish language, but some slang words are particular to Spain.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714625391842\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What does &#8220;vale&#8221; mean in Spanish?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Vale (pronounced bah-lay) means &#8220;alright&#8221; or &#8220;OK!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714625616234\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What does it mean when someone says &#8220;Tiene mala leche?&#8221;<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It means someone is grumpy or grouchy. In fact, &#8220;leche&#8221; is a word often used in various Spanish phrases or sayings. Depending on the context, you should be able to work out whether the saying is positive or negative.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1714625851604\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What does it mean when someone says they want to go get &#8220;pinchos&#8221; next weekend?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Pinchos are a traditional snack traditionally served in Basque country. They are sometimes served on a piece of bread or with a cocktail stick. However, many bars throughout Spain serve &#8220;pinchos&#8221; or &#8220;pintxos&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with anywhere between 7 to 11 different dialects spoken under the Spanish umbrella. With Spanish so widely spoken around the world, you might be surprised by how many different Spanish slang words you hear. Catalan, for example, is Andorra\u2019s official language, but Spain\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":59291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2049],"tags":[1516,1648,1652,1658],"class_list":["post-59250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn-spanish","tag-learn-spanish","tag-spanish-language","tag-spanish-language-learning","tag-spanish-lessons"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59250","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59250"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59250\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59311,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59250\/revisions\/59311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59250"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59250"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59250"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}