A guide to the Spanish terms and expressions you will hear when chatting with Colombians
Written by Peter
Founder, Colombian Spanish
One of the problems I faced as a Spanish learner in Colombia was that the meaning of many of the words I heard in everyday conversation didn’t appear to match what the dictionary said they should.
This happened as much with local slang terms as it would for international Spanish idioms that I’d not come across previously. Any attempt to translate such things literally proved extremely unenlightening.
And this was true even of the simplest of everyday expressions like the Colombian greeting: “¿qué más?“. Translating that literally, word-for-word, I’d make only the English phrase, “what more?”, which gave little clue to the idiomatic meaning of “how’s it going?” or “what’s up?”.
The A-Z of Colombian Spanish
To clear up such mysteries I’ve started compiling a list of colombianismos, international idiomatic expressions and other little useful turns of phrase that I’ve learned during many years spent conversing with the locals. The idea of the below list is to cover all the good stuff you’ll hear when talking to Colombians, but that which is rarely covered in generic Spanish textbooks and dictionaries.
Far from all the below terms are exclusive to Colombia, but sooner or later, they will crop up in your conversations with the locals. To find a specific word/phrase, you can browse the list alphabetically or press control/command + F to use the search function in your browser.
For more advice on the pronunciation of the below, together with examples and explanations of how to use them in the correct contexts, you can also register for the Conversational Spanish for Colombia video course from which these are drawn:
337 words
A
¡Así de sencillo!
ah-SEE deh
Phrase
It’s that straight forward / it’s as easy as that!
“Solo tienes que pedir permiso, ¡así de sencillo!”You just have to ask for permission, it's as easy as that!
¿A cómo tienes [objeto]?
ah KOH-moh
Phrase
What are you charging for [object]?
“¿A cómo tienes los tomates?”What are you charging for the tomatoes?
¿A cuánto está?
ah KWAN-toh
Everyday
What’s the price (today)?
“¿A cuánto está el dólar hoy?”What's the exchange rate on the dollar today?
A escondidas de
es-kon-DEE-das
Phrase
Hidden from… / behind someone’s back…
“Salió a escondidas de sus papás.”He went out behind his parents' back.
A lo mejor
a lo meh-HOR
Phrase
Another way to say “maybe” (along with “de pronto”, “tal vez”, “quizás” etc).
“A lo mejor llueve mañana.”Maybe it'll rain tomorrow.
Abrazos
ah-BRAH-sos
Greeting
Hugs. A typical way to sign off electronic messages and emails.
“Nos vemos pronto, ¡abrazos!”See you soon, hugs!
Acercarse a alguien
ah-sehr-KAR-seh
Phrase
To go up to someone.
“Se acercó a ella para pedirle el número.”He went up to her to ask for her number.
Ahí en la lucha / ahí voy
a-EE en la LOO-cha
Greeting
‘Getting there’ / ‘battling on’ (responses for when someone asks how you are).
“—¿Cómo vas? —Ahí en la lucha.”'How's it going?' 'Getting there.'
Ahora / ahorita / ahoritica
a-oh-REE-ta
Everyday
Meaning depends on context, but can be “now”, “in a little bit”, “later” or even “never”. To definitely say “now” go for “ya“.
“Ahorita te llamo.”I'll call you in a little bit (or maybe never).
Ahora mismo
a-OH-ra MEEZ-moh
Everyday
Right now.
“Necesito que vengas ahora mismo.”I need you to come right now.
Ahorita más tarde
a-oh-REE-ta mas TAR-deh
Everyday
In a little bit, later.
“Nos vemos ahorita más tarde.”See you a bit later.
Algo así / Algo por el estilo
AL-go ah-SEE
Phrase
Something like that.
“Quiero una casa grande, con piscina, algo así.”I want a big house, with a pool, something like that.
Algo es algo, (peor es nada)
AL-go es AL-go
Phrase
The Spanish equivalent of “something is better than nothing”.
“No me subieron mucho el sueldo, pero algo es algo.”They didn't raise my salary much, but something's better than nothing.
Aliviadito
a-lee-vee-ah-DEE-toh
Everyday
The diminutive version of ‘(estar) aliviado’ meaning “to have eased up” or for a problem to have got better.
“Ya estoy aliviadito de la gripa.”I've eased up from the flu already.
Amanecimos…
a-ma-neh-SEE-mos
Everyday
Colombians use the verb "amanecer" (usually "to dawn"/"sunrise") to describe how someone feels upon waking up, not just how the day starts.
“Amanecimos medio enguayabitos.”We woke up a bit hungover.
Amar a alguien
ah-MAR
Relationships
To love someone (stronger than ‘querer a alguien’).
“Te amo con todo mi corazón.”I love you with all my heart.
Amigo/a con derechos
ah-MEE-goh kon
Relationships
“Friend(s) with benefits” – one of several ways to talk about seeing someone casually.
“Ellos son amigos con derechos, nada serio.”They're friends with benefits, nothing serious.
Amigovio/a
ah-mee-GOH-vee-oh
Relationships
A casual relationship; somewhere between being friends and being boyfriend and girlfriend.
“No somos novios todavía, es más como amigovios.”We're not boyfriend and girlfriend yet, it's more of a casual thing.
Amiguita
ah-mee-GHEE-tah
Relationships
When used by men, it means girls that they are seeing casually (or that they are trying to “conquistar”).
“Salió con una amiguita el fin de semana.”He went out with a girl he's seeing casually over the weekend.
Apreciar a alguien
ah-preh-see-AR
Relationships
To care for someone a lot, to think very highly of someone.
“Te aprecio mucho como amigo.”I think very highly of you as a friend.
Arrocito en bajo
a-rroh-SEE-toh
Relationships
A potential love interest who you’re keeping “on the backburner”.
“Ella es mi arrocito en bajo por si las cosas no funcionan con mi novia.”She's my backup option in case things don't work out with my girlfriend.
B
¿Bien o no? / ¿Bien o qué?
bee-EN oh noh
Greeting
All good? (Greeting)
“¿Bien o qué, parcero?”All good, buddy?
‘Barman’
BAR-man
Everyday
Barman (obviously). There are a few more examples of English words Colombians regularly use in their conversations.
“El barman nos recomendó un cóctel nuevo.”The bartender recommended a new cocktail to us.
(Un) bacán / (una) bacana
bah-KAN
Slang
A cool person.
“Mi profesor es un bacán, siempre nos ayuda.”My teacher is a cool guy, he always helps us out.
Bacano
bah-KAH-noh
Slang
Cool / really good (Medellín).
“¡Qué bacano que viniste!”How cool that you came!
Bien/demasiado borracho –
boh-RRA-choh
Slang
Really drunk.
“Anoche quedé bien borracho en la fiesta.”Last night I got really drunk at the party.
Buena gente
BWEH-na HEN-teh
Everyday
A good person (applies for singular, plural, male and female).
“Mi vecino es buena gente, siempre me ayuda.”My neighbor is a good person, he always helps me out.
Buenas
BWEH-nas
Greeting
‘Morning / ‘afternoon / ‘evening.
“¡Buenas! ¿Cómo está?”Morning! (or afternoon/evening) How are you?
Bulla
BOO-yah
Everyday
A more common word than “ruido” in Colombia to describe noise.
“No hagan tanta bulla, que el bebé está durmiendo.”Don't make so much noise, the baby's sleeping.
C
¿Cierto?
see-EHR-toh
Phrase
Right? / OK?
“Vamos a llegar a las ocho, ¿cierto?”We're arriving at eight, right?
¿Cómo amaneció?
ah-ma-neh-see-OH
Greeting
How did you sleep? / How has your morning been?
“¿Cómo amaneció, don Pedro?”How did you sleep, Don Pedro?
¿Cómo así (que)?
KOH-moh ah-SEE
Phrase
Something like “What do you mean (that)…?” or “how is it (that)?”. Often used to convey some disbelief.
“¿Cómo así que no vas a venir?”What do you mean you're not coming?
¿Cómo hacemos para llegar?
KOH-moh ah-SEH-mos
Phrase
How will we get there?
“¿Cómo hacemos para llegar a la fiesta?”How are we going to get to the party?
¿Cómo haces para saber…?
KOH-moh AH-ses
Phrase
How do you go about finding out…? / What do you do to find out…?
“¿Cómo haces para saber si la fruta está madura?”How do you go about telling if the fruit is ripe?
¿Cómo me le va? / ¿Cómo le ha ido?
KOH-moh meh leh va
Greeting
How are things? / How’s it going?
“¿Cómo me le va, vecino?”How's it going, neighbor?
¿Cómo sigue la causa?
KOH-moh SEE-geh
Greeting
Roughly: How are things? / how’s life?
“Quiubo, ¿cómo sigue la causa?”Hey, how's life?
¿Cómo te fue…?
KOH-moh teh FWEH
Greeting
How did your [x] go?
“¿Cómo te fue en el examen?”How did your exam go?
¿Cómo te trata la vida?
KOH-moh teh TRA-tah
Greeting
How’s life been treating you?
“¡Hola! ¿Cómo te trata la vida?”Hi! How's life been treating you?
¿Cómo van las cosas?
KOH-moh van
Greeting
How are things going?
“¿Cómo van las cosas por la oficina?”How are things going at the office?
¿Cómo vas?
KOH-moh vahs
Greeting
How are you doing?
“¿Cómo vas con el proyecto?”How's it going with the project?
¿Cuál es el propósito de…?
kwal es el
Phrase
What is the purpose of…? / what is…for?
“¿Cuál es el propósito de la vida?”What is the purpose/meaning of life?
¿Cuánto le/te debo?
KWAN-toh teh DEH-boh
Everyday
What do I owe ya?
“¿Cuánto te debo por el almuerzo?”What do I owe you for lunch?
¿Cuánto llevas…?
KWAN-toh YEH-vas
Phrase
How long have you been…?
“¿Cuánto llevas viviendo en Medellín?”How long have you been living in Medellín?
¿Cuánto me cobras para…?
KWAN-toh meh KOH-bras
Everyday
How much would you charge me for…?
“¿Cuánto me cobras para arreglar el computador?”How much would you charge me to fix the computer?
¿Cuánto vale?
KWAN-toh VA-leh
Everyday
How much is it?
“¿Cuánto vale esta camisa?”How much is this shirt?
Cachaco/a
ka-CHA-koh
Slang
Mainly used to refer to people from the capital, Bogotá. If used along the Caribbean coastal region, it means anyone from the interior of the country.
“Los cachacos hablan distinto a los costeños.”People from Bogotá talk differently than people from the coast.
Cada ocho días
KA-da OH-choh
Everyday
Every week.
“Nos vemos cada ocho días para almorzar.”We get together every week for lunch.
Cada quince días
KA-da KEEN-seh
Everyday
Every two weeks (lit. every fifteen days).
“Me pagan cada quince días.”I get paid every two weeks.
Cada veinte días
KA-da VAYN-teh
Everyday
Every three weeks (lit. every twenty days).
“Voy a la peluquería cada veinte días.”I go to the hair salon every three weeks.
Caerle (a alguien)
ka-EHR-leh
Relationships
To hit on someone. Can also mean something like ‘to drop by’ or ‘to meet up’ with someone.
“Creo que le voy a caer a esa chica en la fiesta.”I think I'm going to hit on that girl at the party.
Caleta
ka-LEH-tah
Slang
An illegal stash of weapons (or sometimes cash). Usually heard in the context of insurgent groups or drug traffickers.
“La policía encontró una caleta de armas en la finca.”The police found a stash of weapons on the farm.
Cali es Cali. Lo demás es loma
KA-lee es KA-lee
Phrase
Cali is the best city in the world — everything else pales in comparison.
“Cali es Cali. Lo demás es loma.”Cali is Cali. Everything else is just a hill.
Cariñoso/a
ka-ree-NYOH-soh
Relationships
Affectionate.
“Mi abuela es muy cariñosa con sus nietos.”My grandmother is very affectionate with her grandchildren.
Carrera
ka-RREH-rah
Everyday
A journey in a taxi (also a university degree, a race, or a career).
“Pedí una carrera hasta el aeropuerto.”I ordered a taxi ride to the airport.
Cervecita
sehr-veh-SEE-tah
Food & Drink
Beer.
“¿Nos tomamos una cervecita esta tarde?”Shall we grab a beer this afternoon?
Chau
chow
Greeting
Bye.
“¡Chau, nos vemos mañana!”Bye, see you tomorrow!
Chévere
CHEH-veh-reh
Slang
Cool / really good. More detail.
“¡Qué chévere que ganaste el premio!”How cool that you won the prize!
Chiquitico
chee-kee-TEE-koh
Everyday
“Chiquito” is a very popular way to say “small” in Colombia; probably more so than the standard “pequeño“. “Chiquitico” is the diminutive version of “chiquito” so it’s very small.
“El perro de mi vecina es chiquitico.”My neighbor's dog is really small.
Claro
KLA-roh
Phrase
Yes, of course.
“—¿Me ayudas? —¡Claro!”'Will you help me?' 'Of course!'
Clima
KLEE-mah
Everyday
The standard word for ‘weather’ in Colombia. “El tiempo” is very rarely (if ever) used for this.
“El clima en Bogotá cambia todo el tiempo.”The weather in Bogotá changes all the time.
Colaborar –
koh-lah-boh-RAR
Everyday
Technically the verb for “to collaborate”, but Colombians use it more like “to help someone out” (or as an alternative to “ayudar“).
“¿Me colaboras con esta caja?”Can you help me out with this box?
Colombianizarse
koh-lom-bee-ah-nee-SAR-seh
Everyday
To become a Colombian / to have fully adopted Colombian customs or speech.
“Después de diez años allá, ya se colombianizó por completo.”After ten years over there, he'd fully become Colombian.
Comer cuento
koh-MEHR KWEN-toh
Phrase
To buy into a story.
“No le comas cuento a lo que dice, siempre exagera.”Don't buy into what he says, he always exaggerates.
Comerse a alguien
koh-MEHR-seh
Slang
Slang phrase for “to have sex with someone”.
“Esos dos se comieron anoche.”Those two hooked up last night.
Como buen colombiano, todo lo deja pa’ lo último
KOH-moh bwen
Phrase
A joking dig at Colombians' habit of leaving everything until the last minute.
“Como buen colombiano, todo lo deja pa' lo último.”Like any Colombian worth his salt, he leaves everything to the last minute.
Como te ves de bonita hoy
KOH-moh teh VEHS
Relationships
You look so beautiful today.
“Como te ves de bonita hoy.”You look so beautiful today.
Compa’e
kom-PAH-eh
Slang
Short for ‘compadre‘, meaning friend (Caribbean coast).
“¿Qué más, compa'e?”What's up, buddy?
Conquistar
kon-kees-TAR
Relationships
To seduce or to win someone over romantically.
“Lleva meses tratando de conquistarla.”He's spent months trying to win her over.
Contar con alguien
kon-TAR kon
Phrase
To be able to rely on / depend on someone.
“Sabes que puedes contar conmigo para lo que sea.”You know you can count on me for anything.
Correrse la teja
koh-RREHR-seh
Slang
An idiomatic way to say “volverse loco”, “to go crazy”.
“Se le corrió la teja después de tanto trabajo.”He went a bit crazy after so much work.
Cosas así
KOH-sas ah-SEE
Phrase
Things like that.
“Me gusta el senderismo, acampar, cosas así.”I like hiking, camping, things like that.
Costeño/a
kos-TEH-nyoh
Slang
Someone from the Atlantic/Caribbean coastal region.
“Los costeños son muy alegres y hospitalarios.”People from the coast are very cheerful and hospitable.
Cuadro / compa
KWA-droh
Slang
Dude / friend (Caribbean coast only).
“Ese manes mi cuadro de toda la vida.”That guy's been my buddy forever.
Cuando la cosa está más seria
KWAN-doh la KOH-sa
Relationships
When things have got a bit more serious.
“Se lo voy a presentar a mis papás cuando la cosa esté más seria.”I'll introduce him to my parents when things get a bit more serious.
Cuando le toca, toca
KWAN-doh leh TOH-ka
Phrase
The literal translation is something like “when you have to, you have to”; the closest English equivalent is probably “duty calls”.
“No quería trabajar el sábado, pero cuando le toca, toca.”I didn't want to work Saturday, but duty calls.
Cuchibarbi
koo-chee-BAR-bee
Slang
A slang-term combining the term “cucha” (“older woman”) and “barbie” to describe a, generally good-looking, older woman who has gone heavy on the plastic surgery and who is interested in younger guys. Vaguely similar to the English slang ‘cougar’ or ‘MILF’.
“Esa manes una cuchibarbi, le encantan los veinteañeros.”She's a real cougar, she loves guys in their twenties.
Cucho/a –
KOO-choh
Slang
Old man / old lady.
“Mi cucho todavía trabaja a los ochenta años.”My old man still works at eighty years old.
Cuenta conmigo
KWEN-tah kon-MEE-goh
Phrase
Count me in / you can rely on me.
“Si necesitas ayuda con la mudanza, cuenta conmigo.”If you need help with the move, count me in.
Cuídate (mucho)
kwee-DA-teh
Greeting
Take (real good) care.
“Nos vemos pronto, cuídate mucho.”See you soon, take real good care.
D
¡De una!
deh OO-nah
Phrase
Yes, absolutely.
“—¿Quieres ir a la playa? —¡De una!”'Want to go to the beach?' 'Absolutely!'
Dale
DA-leh
Phrase
Go ahead / sure.
“—¿Vamos a cine? —¡Dale!”'Wanna go to the movies?' 'Sure!'
Dar la mano –
dar la MA-noh
Everyday
To shake hands.
“Le dio la mano al llegar a la reunión.”He shook hands when he arrived at the meeting.
Dar papaya
dar pah-PA-yah
Phrase
To expose yourself to unnecessary risk / to be asking for trouble.
“No des papaya dejando el celular en la mesa.”Don't ask for trouble by leaving your phone on the table.
Darse cuenta
DAR-seh KWEN-tah
Phrase
To realise / to figure out.
“Me di cuenta de que había olvidado las llaves.”I realized I'd forgotten my keys.
De casualidad
deh ka-swa-lee-DAD
Phrase
By any chance.
“¿De casualidad sabes dónde queda el baño?”Do you by any chance know where the bathroom is?
De eso se trata
deh EH-soh
Phrase
That’s what it’s all about.
“Ayudarnos entre todos, de eso se trata.”Helping each other out, that's what it's all about.
De hecho
deh EH-choh
Phrase
In fact / actually.
“De hecho, ya había terminado la tarea.”Actually, I'd already finished the homework.
De pronto
deh PRON-toh
Phrase
In Colombia, this mainly means “maybe” rather than “all of a sudden” as it would in international Spanish.
“De pronto llueva más tarde.”Maybe it'll rain later.
Defenderse –
deh-fen-DEHR-seh
Everyday
To get by (in the context of a skill e.g. dancing, speaking a foreign language).
“Me defiendo bailando salsa.”I can hold my own dancing salsa.
Desde pequeño/a
DES-deh peh-KEH-nyoh
Everyday
Since I was little…
“Desde pequeño me ha gustado el fútbol.”I've liked soccer since I was little.
Despelucarse
des-peh-loo-KAR-seh
Everyday
To get your hair messed up.
“Con el viento me despeluqué toda.”The wind messed my hair up completely.
Distinto/a
dees-TEEN-toh
Everyday
Different.
“Cada región de Colombia es bien distinta.”Every region of Colombia is quite different.
Dizque
DEES-keh
Everyday
Supposedly (informal). It’s a mash-up of “dicen que…” as in “they say that”.
“Dizque va a llover todo el fin de semana.”Supposedly it's going to rain all weekend.
Donde mi mamá
DON-deh mee
Everyday
At my mum’s place (“donde Juan” would be ‘at Juan’s place’, “donde María”, “at María’s” etc.).
“Voy a almorzar donde mi mamá.”I'm going to have lunch at my mum's place.
E
¿En cuánto está [objeto]?
en KWAN-toh
Everyday
How much is [object] at the moment?
“¿En cuánto está el kilo de arroz?”How much is a kilo of rice going for right now?
¿En cuánto me llevas al centro?
en KWAN-toh
Everyday
How much would you charge to take me downtown?
“¿En cuánto me llevas al centro?”How much would you charge to take me downtown?
¿En cuánto me lo dejas?
en KWAN-toh
Everyday
How much will you let it go for?
“¿En cuánto me lo dejas si pago en efectivo?”How much will you let it go for if I pay in cash?
¿Estás amañado/a (aquí)?
a-ma-NYA-do
Everyday
Do you feel settled / at home here?
“¿Ya estás amañada aquí en Medellín?”Do you already feel at home here in Medellín?
¿Estás contento/a con…?
kon-TEN-to
Everyday
Are you happy (contented) with…?
“¿Estás contenta con tu nuevo apartamento?”Are you happy with your new apartment?
Echarle los perros (a alguien)
eh-CHAR-leh
Relationships
To come on to someone.
“Le está echando los perros a la nueva del trabajo.”He's coming on to the new girl from work.
El guayabo se quita con…[objeto]
gwa-YA-bo se KEE-ta
Food & Drink
You can get over your hangover by… [whatever].
“El guayabo se quita con un buen caldo de costilla.”You can get over your hangover with a good rib broth.
El hecho de que
EL EH-cho
Phrase
The fact that…
“El hecho de que llegue tarde no significa que no le importe.”The fact that he arrives late doesn't mean he doesn't care.
El man es bien feo –
el man es
Slang
The guy is really ugly.
“El man es bien feo, pero tiene buena actitud.”The guy is really ugly, but he's got a good attitude.
El man es como feito
el man es
Slang
He’s not the best looking guy in the world (lit. “The guy is like a bit ugly).
“El man es como feito, pero es muy simpático.”He's not the best looking guy, but he's really nice.
El que madruga, dios le ayuda
el keh ma-DROO-gah
Phrase
“God favours those who get up early” (Colombia’s version of “the early bird catches the worm)”.
“Salí a las cinco de la mañana, el que madruga, dios le ayuda.”I left at five in the morning, the early bird catches the worm.
El que reza y peca, empata
el keh REH-sah
Phrase
“He who prays, but also sins, breaks even overall”. In other words, you’re free to indulge in bad behaviour as long as you balance it out by going to church too.
“Va a misa todos los domingos después de rumbear el sábado; el que reza y peca, empata.”He goes to mass every Sunday after partying on Saturday; he who prays but also sins breaks even.
Embarrar
em-bah-RRAR
Everyday
Colombian verb for “to mess something up”.
“La embarré con el proyecto del trabajo.”I messed up the work project.
Empaisarse
em-pai-SAR-seh
Everyday
To become a paisa / to have fully adopted paisa customs or speech.
“Lleva diez años en Medellín y ya se empaisó.”He's been in Medellín for ten years and has fully become a paisa.
En este caso
en ES-teh
Everyday
In this case / in this instance.
“En este caso, es mejor esperar.”In this case, it's better to wait.
En seguida
en seh-GHEE-dah
Everyday
Straight away, immediately.
“Ya te traigo la cuenta en seguida.”I'll bring you the bill right away.
En serio
en SEH-ree-oh
Everyday
Seriously.
“¿En serio vas a renunciar?”Are you seriously going to quit?
Ennoviarse
en-noh-vee-AR-seh
Relationships
To get coupled up.
“Después de meses saliendo, por fin se ennoviaron.”After months of dating, they finally became a couple.
Estado de ánimo
es-TA-doh deh
Everyday
A fancy way to say a person’s “mood”.
“Hoy tengo un estado de ánimo un poco bajo.”I'm in a bit of a low mood today.
Estafa
es-TA-fa
Everyday
A scam, a rip off.
“Ese negocio resultó ser una estafa.”That business turned out to be a scam.
Estar ‘happy’ –
ES-tar HA-pee
Slang
To be tipsy (mainly used by women).
“Después de dos copas de vino ya estaba happy.”After two glasses of wine she was already tipsy.
Estar acostumbrado/a a
es-TAR a-kos-toom-BRA-doh
Everyday
To be used to… / to be in the habit of…
“Estoy acostumbrado a madrugar.”I'm used to getting up early.
Estar amañado/a
es-TAR a-ma-NYA-doh
Everyday
To feel settled / at home somewhere.
“Ya estoy bien amañado en esta ciudad.”I already feel really settled in this city.
Estar borracho/a –
es-TAR boh-RRA-choh
Slang
To be drunk (international Spanish).
“Estaba borracho y no se acordaba de nada.”He was drunk and didn't remember anything.
Estar desparchado/a
es-TAR des-par-CHA-doh
Everyday
To have not social life (to be without a ‘parche’). Read more.
“El fin de semana estuve desparchado, no tenía nada que hacer.”I had no social plans this weekend, nothing to do.
Estar dispuesto a
es-TAR dis-PWES-to
Phrase
To be willing to, to be prepared to.
“Estoy dispuesto a ayudarte con la mudanza este fin de semana.”I'm willing to help you with the move this weekend.
Estar en la olla
en la OH-yah
Everyday
To be in real trouble or to be out of luck.
“Perdí mi trabajo y no tengo ahorros, estoy en la olla.”I lost my job and I have no savings, I'm in real trouble.
Estar en sano juicio
SA-no HWEE-syo
Everyday
To be of sound mind (used to mean “sober” in Colombia).
“No puedo firmar nada, no estoy en sano juicio después de esas cervezas.”I can't sign anything, I'm not sober after those beers.
Estar enamorado/a de alguien OR enamorarse de alguien
en-ah-mo-RA-do
Relationships
To be in love with someone, or to fall in love with someone (stronger than “querer a alguien”).
“Está enamorado de ella desde que la conoció.”He's been in love with her since he met her.
Estar jincho/a –
HEEN-cho
Slang
To be drunk (Colombian version).
“No le pares bolas, está jincho y no sabe lo que dice.”Don't pay attention to him, he's drunk and doesn't know what he's saying.
Estar mosca
MOS-ka
Everyday
To be alert.
“Estemos mosca porque en ese barrio roban mucho.”Let's stay alert because there's a lot of theft in that neighborhood.
Estar pensando en…
pen-SAN-do
Phrase
To be thinking of, e.g. doing something, going somewhere etc.
“Estoy pensando en cambiarme de trabajo el próximo año.”I'm thinking about changing jobs next year.
Estar prendido/a OR prendo/a
pren-DEE-do
Slang
To be tipsy.
“Ya vamos por la tercera cerveza y ya estoy prendido.”We're already on our third beer and I'm already tipsy.
Estar saliendo (con alguien)
sa-LYEN-do
Relationships
To be seeing someone (casually).
“Llevo un mes saliendo con un chico que conocí en la universidad.”I've been seeing a guy I met at university for a month.
Estar tragado/a de alguien
tra-GA-do
Relationships
To have a big crush on someone, to be totally smitten with someone.
“Está tragada de su compañero de trabajo.”She's totally smitten with her coworker.
Estrenar
es-treh-NAR
Everyday
To wear or use something for the first time.
“Voy a estrenar estos zapatos en la fiesta de mañana.”I'm going to wear these shoes for the first time at tomorrow's party.
F
Festivo
fes-TEE-vo
Everyday
A national holiday.
“El lunes es festivo, así que no hay clases.”Monday is a holiday, so there's no school.
Finca
FEEN-ka
Everyday
A country house and the location for many a social occasion.
“Vamos a la finca de mis papás este fin de semana.”We're going to my parents' country house this weekend.
Finde
FEEN-deh
Everyday
Weekend (shortened version of fin de semana).
“¿Qué vas a hacer este finde?”What are you doing this weekend?
Frío/a
FREE-oh
Everyday
Cold, not only of temperature, but also of temperament (i.e. unfriendly or unaffectionate).
“Ese profesor es muy frío con los estudiantes.”That teacher is very cold with the students.
Fua fua fua
FWAH fwah fwah
Slang
A more enthusiastic version of “hahaha” (or “jajaja” as it would be in Spanish).
“Jaja no puedo con ese meme, fua fua fua.”Haha I can't with that meme, hahaha.
G
Gordo/a OR gordito/a
GOR-do / gor-DEE-to
Relationships
Fatty (pet name for a man/woman).
“Ven acá, gordo, te extrañé mucho.”Come here, sweetheart, I missed you a lot.
Gracias a Dios
GRA-syas a DYOS
Phrase
Thanks to God.
“Gracias a Dios llegamos bien a pesar de la tormenta.”Thank God we arrived safely despite the storm.
Gracias al señor
GRA-syas al se-NYOR
Phrase
Thank the Lord. A popular alternative to “Gracias a Dios”.
“Gracias al señor todos estamos bien.”Thank the Lord we're all okay.
Guaro / guarito
GWA-ro
Food & Drink
Short for aguardiente, the main local alcoholic drink.
“Pidamos una botella de guaro para la fiesta.”Let's order a bottle of aguardiente for the party.
(Tener un) Guayabo
gwa-YA-bo
Food & Drink
(To have a) hangover.
“Tengo un guayabo tremendo después de la fiesta de anoche.”I have a terrible hangover after last night's party.
H
Habla más que un perdido
AH-bla mas keh
Phrase
To talk a lot, non-stop (lit. “to talk more than a lost person”). Note: “perdido” more often describes someone who's dropped out of contact for a while, not someone literally lost.
“¡Uy, estás muy perdido! ¿Dónde te habías metido?”Wow, long time no see! Where have you been hiding?
Hablamos / estamos hablando
a-BLA-mos
Phrase
Speak soon.
“Bueno, hablamos, me tengo que ir.”Okay, speak soon, I have to go.
Hablar (hasta) por los codos
a-BLAR por los KO-dos
Phrase
To talk a lot (lit. “to talk out of your elbows”).
“Mi abuela habla hasta por los codos cuando la visitamos.”My grandma talks non-stop when we visit her.
Hace tiempo que no te veía
A-seh tee-EM-po
Greeting
It's been so long since I'd seen you!
“¡Hace tiempo que no te veía, cómo has estado!”It's been so long since I've seen you, how have you been!
Hacer invierno –
een-BYER-no
Everyday
To be wintry (i.e. rainy).
“Hoy está haciendo invierno, mejor llevemos paraguas.”It's rainy today, we'd better bring an umbrella.
Hacer un catorce
ka-TOR-seh
Phrase
A way to ask someone to do you a favour.
“Hazme un catorce y pásame esa vaina allí.”Do me a favor and pass me that thingy there, would you?
Hacer una vaca
OO-na BA-ka
Everyday
To chip in to buy something.
“Hagamos una vaca para comprarle el regalo a Juan.”Let's chip in to buy Juan his gift.
Hacer una(s) vuelta(s)
BWEL-tas
Everyday
A beautifully descriptive expression for “running an errand”; an activity which often involves a lot of going round in circles in Colombia.
“No puedo salir hoy, tengo que hacer unas vueltas.”I can't go out today, I have to run some errands.
Hacer verano
be-RA-no
Everyday
To be summery (i.e. sunny).
“Por fin está haciendo verano después de tanta lluvia.”It's finally sunny after so much rain.
Hacerse el gringo
el GREEN-go
Phrase
To feign ignorance, to play dumb.
“No te hagas el gringo, sabes perfectamente de qué hablo.”Don't play dumb, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Hágale
HA-ga-leh
Phrase
Let's do it / go ahead / sure (Medellín).
“¿Vamos a tomar algo? ¡Hágale!”Shall we go grab a drink? Let's do it!
Hasta luego
LWEH-go
Greeting
Goodbye (formal).
“Fue un placer, hasta luego.”It was a pleasure, goodbye.
Hay una cantidad (enorme)
kan-tee-DAD
Phrase
There's a whole bunch of… / a ton of…
“Hay una cantidad enorme de gente en el concierto.”There's a ton of people at the concert.
Hembra
EM-bra
Slang
Slang term for a woman or girl.
“Esa hembra es la hermana de Camilo.”That girl is Camilo's sister.
Hermano
er-MA-no
Relationships
Lit. “brother”, but often used to refer to friends.
“¿Qué más, hermano, cómo vas?”What's up, bro, how's it going?
Hijueputa
ee-hweh-POO-ta
Slang
Common way to say “hijo de puta” (roughly, “son of a bitch”). In the right hands this phrase can be used affectionately, but most of the time it is offensive.
“¡Hijueputa, me asustaste!”Damn it, you scared me!
Hombre
OM-breh
Phrase
Literally “man”, but often used non-literally (like how we'd say: “No man, I'm not going there!”).
“¡Hombre, no puedo creer que llegaste tarde otra vez!”Man, I can't believe you're late again!
I
Infidelidad
in-fee-deh-lee-DAD
Relationships
Infidelity, cheating.
“La infidelidad fue la razón por la que terminaron.”Infidelity was the reason they broke up.
Intenso/a
in-TEN-so
Relationships
Of a person: intense, persistent, high-maintenance/annoying.
“Ese man es muy intenso, me escribe cien mensajes al día.”That guy is so intense, he texts me a hundred messages a day.
Ir al grano
al GRA-no
Phrase
To get to the point.
“Deja de dar rodeos y ve al grano.”Stop beating around the bush and get to the point.
Ir de paseo
pa-SEH-oh
Everyday
To go on a recreational trip.
“Vamos de paseo a la finca de mis tíos el sábado.”We're going on a trip to my aunt and uncle's country house on Saturday.
Irse de rumba
ROOM-ba
Everyday
To go out partying.
“Este sábado nos vamos de rumba hasta el amanecer.”This Saturday we're going out partying until dawn.
J
Jincho de la perra
HEEN-cho deh la PEH-rra
Slang
Totally smashed (drunk).
“Después del matrimonio quedé jincho de la perra.”After the wedding I was totally smashed.
L
La verdad es que
la ver-DAD es keh
Phrase
The truth is that…
“La verdad es que no tenía ganas de ir a la fiesta.”The truth is I didn't feel like going to the party.
Lanzado
lan-SA-do
Relationships
A guy who is really forward.
“Ese man es bien lanzado, la invitó a salir el mismo día que la conoció.”That guy is really forward, he asked her out the same day he met her.
Lanzarse
lan-SAR-seh
Relationships
To make a move on someone (lit. “to throw one's self”).
“Al fin se lanzó y le pidió el número.”He finally made his move and asked for her number.
(Un) lapicero
la-pee-SEH-ro
Everyday
A pen.
“¿Me prestas un lapicero para firmar esto?”Can you lend me a pen to sign this?
Les/te cuento que
KWEN-to keh
Phrase
A nice, natural way to introduce topics or ideas, especially in written conversation. Literally “I'm telling you that”, but in reality it conveys little additional meaning.
“Les cuento que por fin conseguí trabajo.”So, I got a job at last.
Linda
LEEN-da
Relationships
Beautiful or pretty (pet name for a woman).
“Hola linda, ¿cómo amaneciste?”Hi beautiful, how are you this morning?
Listo
LEES-to
Phrase
OK / sure (also “estar listo” – “to be ready” and “ser listo” – “to be smart”).
“¿Nos vemos a las siete? Listo, ahí estaré.”Shall we meet at seven? Sure, I'll be there.
Llave
YA-veh
Relationships
Friend (interior of the country). “Llave” is also literally the word for “key”.
“Ese manito es mi llave desde el colegio.”That guy has been my buddy since school.
Lo (más) chévere es que…
CHEH-veh-reh
Phrase
The cool(est) thing is…
“Lo más chévere es que nos dieron el día libre.”The coolest thing is they gave us the day off.
Lo bueno es que…
lo BWEH-no es keh
Phrase
The good thing is…
“Lo bueno es que ya no llueve.”The good thing is it's not raining anymore.
Lo malo/maluco es que…
ma-LOO-ko
Phrase
The bad thing is…
“Lo maluco es que el vuelo sale súper temprano.”The bad thing is the flight leaves really early.
Lo mejor que le ha pasado en el mundo
meh-HOR keh leh
Phrase
The best thing that's ever happened to someone.
“Conocerte fue lo mejor que me ha pasado en el mundo.”Meeting you was the best thing that's ever happened to me.
Lo raro es que…
RA-ro es keh
Phrase
The weird thing is…
“Lo raro es que nadie contestó el teléfono.”The weird thing is nobody answered the phone.
Lo visto, pero no lo mantengo
BEES-to peh-ro
Phrase
Said about those who eat exaggerated quantities; roughly means “I can clothe you, but I won't feed you” (implying you eat so much it's impossible to provide for you).
“Ese muchacho come tanto que lo visto, pero no lo mantengo.”That boy eats so much, I could clothe him, but I can't afford to feed him.
Lugarcito
loo-gar-SEE-to
Everyday
A small place (arguably used more often than “pequeño lugar”).
“Conozco un lugarcito perfecto para comer algo rico.”I know a nice little spot to eat something good.
M
¡Me lo llevo!
YEH-bo
Phrase
I'll take it!
“Este vestido es perfecto, ¡me lo llevo!”This dress is perfect, I'll take it!
¿Me regalas…?
reh-GA-las
Phrase
Could I get…? / Can I have…?
“¿Me regalas un vaso de agua, por favor?”Could I get a glass of water, please?
¿Mucho trabajo o qué? / ¿mucho estudio o qué? / ¿mucha fiesta o qué?
MOO-cho tra-BA-ho
Phrase
Have you been working/studying or partying a lot lately?
“No te había visto, ¿mucho trabajo o qué?”I hadn't seen you around, been working a lot or what?
M’ijo/a –
MEE-ho
Relationships
Contraction of “mi hijo” (“my boy”) or “mi hija” (“my girl”), often used when addressing friends.
“¿Quiubo m'ijo? ¿Bien o qué?”What's up, buddy? All good or what?
Madrugar –
ma-droo-GAR
Everyday
To wake up early.
“Mañana tengo que madrugar para coger el bus.”Tomorrow I have to wake up early to catch the bus.
Maluco
ma-LOO-ko
Everyday
Bad.
“Me siento maluco, creo que tengo gripa.”I feel bad, I think I have the flu.
Mamacita
ma-ma-SEE-ta
Relationships
A, not entirely classy, slang term for an attractive woman.
“¡Uy, mamacita, qué linda estás hoy!”Wow, gorgeous, you look so pretty today!
Mami
MA-mee
Relationships
Literally, mummy, but also a pet name for a woman / female friend.
“Mami, ¿ya llegaste a la casa?”Hey girl, are you already home?
Mamita
ma-MEE-ta
Relationships
One of many terms of endearment that is roughly like “baby”.
“Ven mamita, vamos a bailar.”Come on baby, let's go dance.
Man
MAN
Slang
A guy.
“Ese man que vive al lado es muy amable.”That guy who lives next door is really nice.
Mantenerse
man-teh-NER-seh
Everyday
Can be used to mean “to keep” someone in the sense of providing for them, or looking after them.
“Él trabaja mucho para poder mantener a su familia.”He works hard to provide for his family.
Más aburrido que mico en un bonsái
MEE-ko en oon bon-SAI
Phrase
More bored than a monkey in a bonsai tree. Note that Colombians use the word “mico” for monkey; “mono”, the term used in most other countries, means “a blond / fair-haired person” in Colombia.
“Sin internet en la casa, estaba más aburrido que mico en un bonsái.”Without internet at home, I was bored out of my mind.
Más exagerado que un paisa
ek-sa-heh-RA-do
Phrase
To exaggerate more than a paisa (someone from Antioquia).
“Ese cuento tuyo es más exagerado que un paisa.”That story of yours is way over the top.
Más feliz que marrano estrenando lazo
ma-RRA-no es-treh-NAN-do
Phrase
To be very happy (lit. “happier than a pig with a new ribbon / bowtie”).
“Cuando le dieron el ascenso quedó más feliz que marrano estrenando lazo.”When he got the promotion he was happier than a pig with a new ribbon.
Más feo que pegarle a la mamá
FEH-oh peh-GAR-leh
Phrase
“Uglier” than hitting your mum (“feo” here is used in a broader sense than the English word “ugly” and means something unpleasant or that looks bad).
“Ese carro está más feo que pegarle a la mamá.”That car looks really awful.
Más paisa que una arepa
PAI-sa keh a-REH-pa
Phrase
A saying used in Antioquia to describe those who talk or act in ways typical of the region.
“Con ese acento y esas costumbres, es más paisa que una arepa.”With that accent and those customs, he's as paisa as they come.
Más que todo…
mas keh TOH-do
Phrase
Above all… / especially…
“Me gusta la comida colombiana, más que todo el sancocho.”I like Colombian food, especially sancocho.
Más tragado/a que boxer de ciclista –
tra-GA-do keh BOK-ser
Relationships
More “swallowed” (i.e. smitten) than a cyclist's boxer shorts.
“Desde la primera cita está más tragado que boxer de ciclista.”Since the first date he's been totally smitten.
Más tragado/a que calzoncillo de torero
kal-son-SEE-yo
Relationships
More “swallowed” (i.e. smitten) than a bullfighter's underwear.
“Ella está más tragada que calzoncillo de torero por su nuevo novio.”She's completely smitten with her new boyfriend.
Más tragado/a que tanga de loca –
TAN-ga deh LOH-ka
Relationships
More “swallowed” (i.e. smitten) than a crazy woman's thong.
“Ese pelado está más tragado que tanga de loca.”That guy is head over heels.
Más vale tarde, que más tarde
BA-leh TAR-deh
Phrase
A jokey adaptation of “Más vale tarde que nunca” (“Better late than never”), that means “Better late, than even later”.
“Llegó una hora tarde, pero bueno, más vale tarde, que más tarde.”He arrived an hour late, but well, better late than even later.
“Me alegro verte, hace mucho no nos veíamos.”It was good to see you, it's been ages.
Me avisas
a-VEE-sas
Phrase
Let me know.
“Cualquier cosa, me avisas.”If anything comes up, let me know.
Me cae fatal
KA-eh fa-TAL
Relationships
I really don't like him/her.
“Ese profesor me cae fatal.”I really don't like that teacher.
Me cae mal
KA-eh mal
Relationships
I don't like him/her.
“Su nuevo jefe me cae mal.”I don't like his new boss.
Me cae muy mal
KA-eh mwee mal
Relationships
I don't like him/her at all.
“Ese tipo me cae muy mal, siempre está criticando a todos.”I really don't like that guy, he's always criticizing everyone.
Me caes muy bien
KA-es mwee byen
Relationships
I like you a lot (non-romantically).
“Me caes muy bien, ojalá sigamos siendo amigos.”I like you a lot, I hope we stay friends.
Me estafaron
es-ta-FA-ron
Everyday
I got ripped off / scammed.
“Me estafaron cuando compré esos tenis por internet.”I got scammed when I bought those sneakers online.
Me gustas (mucho)
GOOS-tas
Relationships
I have a (big) crush on you.
“Te quería decir que me gustas mucho.”I wanted to tell you I have a big crush on you.
Me haga el favor
AH-ga el fa-VOR
Phrase
Do me a favour, would you?
“Me haga el favor y cierre la puerta.”Do me a favor and close the door.
Me imagino
ee-ma-HEE-no
Phrase
I imagine / I suppose.
“Me imagino que ya se enteraron de la noticia.”I imagine they've already heard the news.
Me refiero a…
reh-FYEH-ro
Phrase
I'm referring (here) to…
“Me refiero a lo que pasó ayer en la reunión.”I'm referring to what happened yesterday in the meeting.
Me suena
SWEH-na
Phrase
Sounds good (to me), or sounds familiar.
“Ir a cine el viernes, me suena.”Going to the movies on Friday sounds good to me.
Media
MEH-dya
Food & Drink
A half bottle of liquor (can also mean “sock” – don't get the two mixed up).
“Compremos una media de aguardiente para la fiesta.”Let's buy a half bottle of aguardiente for the party.
Mi amor / mi vida / mi corazón
mee a-MOR
Relationships
Literally, my love / my life / my heart (“sweetheart”); terms of endearment used for either sex.
“Mi amor, ¿ya almorzaste?”Sweetheart, have you had lunch yet?
Mi llave
mee YA-veh
Relationships
My friend. “Llave” is also the word for “key”.
“Este es mi llave de toda la vida.”This is my lifelong friend.
Mira..
MEE-ra
Phrase
Technically means “Look…” and is often used by Colombians as a way to start a sentence.
“Mira, para llegar ahí es medio complicado.”Listen, it's a bit tricky to get there.
Mono/a –
MO-no
Everyday
A blond / fair-haired person (outside Colombia, it means “monkey”).
“Ese man es mono, tiene el pelo rubio y ojos claros.”That guy is fair-haired, he has blond hair and light eyes.
Mostro –
MOS-tro
Relationships
Very slangy way to address a friend in Medellín.
“¿Qué más, mostro, cómo va todo?”What's up, buddy, how's everything going?
Motel
mo-TEL
Relationships
A sex hotel.
“Se fueron a un motel después de la fiesta.”They went to a love motel after the party.
Motelear
mo-teh-leh-AR
Relationships
To go to a sex hotel.
“Ese par siempre andan moteleando los fines de semana.”That couple is always going to love motels on weekends.
Mozo/a
MO-so
Relationships
The person with whom someone commits adultery.
“Se enteró de que su marido tenía una moza en otro barrio.”She found out her husband had a mistress in another neighborhood.
Mugre que no mata, engorda
MOO-greh keh no MA-ta
Food & Drink
The local version of the “three second rule”, said when picking up (and eating) food that's just fallen on the floor (lit. “dirt which doesn't kill you, will fatten you up”).
“Se le cayó la papa al piso pero la recogió diciendo: mugre que no mata, engorda.”His fry fell on the floor but he picked it up saying: what doesn't kill you makes you fatter.
Mujeres fáciles
moo-HEH-res FA-see-les
Relationships
“Loose” women.
“Ese bar tiene fama de estar lleno de mujeres fáciles.”That bar has a reputation for being full of loose women.
Mujeriego
moo-heh-RYEH-go
Relationships
A ladies man.
“Todos saben que es un mujeriego, sale con una diferente cada semana.”Everyone knows he's a ladies' man, he goes out with a different woman every week.
Muy bien / súper bien / demasiado bien
mwee byen
Greeting
Really good / great (responses for when someone asks how you are).
“¿Cómo estás? Muy bien, ¿y tú?”How are you? Really good, and you?
N
¡Nos pegó una borrachera tremenda el sábado! –
nos peh-GOH OO-na
Food & Drink
We got so drunk on Saturday!
“¡Nos pegó una borrachera tremenda el sábado!”We got so drunk on Saturday!
(la) ñapa
NYA-pa
Everyday
An extra thrown in for free with a purchase.
“El vendedor me dio una mandarina de ñapa.”The vendor threw in a tangerine for free.
No en tu caso específico
KA-so es-peh-SEE-fee-ko
Phrase
Not in your case specifically.
“La regla aplica para todos, no en tu caso específico.”The rule applies to everyone, not just in your specific case.
No estar bien visto
no es-TAR byen
Phrase
To not be well regarded; something society doesn't consider acceptable.
“Eso no está bien visto en mi pueblo.”That's not seen as acceptable in my town.
No hay mal que por bien no venga
no eye mahl keh
Phrase
Everything bad ultimately happens for a good reason (like a more positive version of "Every cloud has a silver lining").
“Perdí el trabajo, pero encontré uno mejor: no hay mal que por bien no venga.”I lost my job, but I found a better one: everything bad happens for a good reason.
No hay peor cosa que… [lo que sea]
no eye peh-OR
Phrase
There's nothing worse than… [whatever].
“No hay peor cosa que quedarse sin plata a fin de mes.”There's nothing worse than running out of money at the end of the month.
No pasa nada
no PA-sa NA-da
Phrase
It's fine / no worries.
“Rompí el vaso sin querer. – No pasa nada, tranquilo.”"I broke the glass by accident." "It's fine, don't worry."
(Yo) no podía de la risa
no po-DEE-ah
Phrase
I was laughing loads / couldn't stop laughing.
“Cuando se cayó al piso, yo no podía de la risa.”When he fell on the floor, I couldn't stop laughing.
No tener con quien salir/hablar
no teh-NEHR kon kyen
Relationships
To not have anyone to go out with or talk to.
“Desde que me mudé, no tengo con quien salir.”Since I moved, I don't have anyone to go out with.
No, ¡eso está muy caro! Bájalo un poco más
no, EH-so es-TAH
Phrase
No, that's so expensive! Drop the price a little.
“No, ¡eso está muy caro! Bájalo un poco más.”No, that's so expensive! Drop the price a little.
No, no. Está bien
no, no, es-TAH byen
Phrase
No, no. That's fine / no problem.
“¿Te ayudo con eso? – No, no. Está bien, yo lo hago.”"Can I help with that?" "No, no. That's fine, I've got it."
Nombres cariñosos
NOM-bres ka-ree-NYO-sos
Relationships
Pet names / terms of endearment.
“"Mi amor" y "corazón" son nombres cariñosos muy comunes en Colombia.”"My love" and "sweetheart" are very common terms of endearment in Colombia.
Nos vemos
nos VEH-mos
Greeting
See you soon.
“Bueno, ya me voy. ¡Nos vemos!”Okay, I'm heading out. See you soon!
O
Odontólogo/a
o-don-TOH-lo-go
Everyday
Dentist.
“Tengo cita con el odontólogo mañana.”I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.
P
¡Pilas! –
PEE-lahs
Phrase
A warning to watch out or be on your guard, used much like "¡ojo!" in other Latin countries.
“¡Pilas! Ahí viene un carro.”Watch out! There's a car coming.
Paisa
PIE-sa
Slang
Someone from Medellín, or the surrounding areas.
“Mi papá es paisa, nació en Medellín.”My dad is a paisa, he was born in Medellín.
Papacito
pa-pa-SEE-to
Slang
Slang term for an attractive man.
“¡Mira ese papacito que acaba de entrar!”Look at that hottie who just walked in!
Papi
PA-pee
Relationships
Literally, daddy, but also a pet name for a man.
“Papi, ¿ya llegaste a casa?”Daddy, are you home yet?
Para la próxima
PA-ra la PROK-see-ma
Phrase
Next time.
“Hoy no pude ir, pero para la próxima sí te acompaño.”I couldn't go today, but next time I'll come with you.
Parar bolas
pa-RAR BOH-las
Phrase
To pay attention to / to listen to.
“No le pares bolas a lo que dice, está molestando nomás.”Don't pay attention to what he says, he's just teasing.
Parce / parcero / parcera
PAR-seh
Slang
Dude / buddy (Medellín).
“¿Todo bien, parcero?”All good, buddy?
Parche
PAR-cheh
Slang
A group of friends, a social life (lit. "a patch").
“Vamos a armar un parche para ver la final.”Let's get the crew together to watch the final.
Pasar guayabo
pa-SAR gwa-YA-bo
Food & Drink
To spend time getting over a hangover.
“Hoy estoy pasando guayabo después de la fiesta de anoche.”Today I'm nursing a hangover after last night's party.
Pasear
pa-seh-AR
Everyday
To go on a recreational trip.
“Nos gusta pasear por el centro los domingos.”We like to go out and about downtown on Sundays.
Paseo
pa-SEH-oh
Everyday
A trip (for recreation). Colombians tend to use "viaje" to describe the journey itself rather than the vacation.
“Nos vamos de paseo a la finca este fin de semana.”We're going on a trip to the farm this weekend.
Pegarle a alguien
peh-GAR-leh
Everyday
To hit someone.
“Nunca le debes pegar a nadie, sin importar la razón.”You should never hit anyone, no matter the reason.
Pelar el cobre
peh-LAR el KOH-breh
Phrase
To show your true colours.
“Al final peló el cobre y mostró que no era de fiar.”In the end he showed his true colors and turned out not to be trustworthy.
Perfecto
per-FEK-to
Everyday
Perfect / great (often heard when confirming arrangements).
“Nos vemos a las siete. – ¡Perfecto!”"See you at seven." "Perfect!"
Perro
PEH-rroh
Slang
Literally, dog. Of a person: a guy who sleeps around a lot.
“Ese man es un perro, no le creas nada.”That guy's a player, don't believe a word he says.
(ser) pinta / pintoso
PEEN-tah
Slang
A good-looking man. It doesn't necessarily mean the speaker is attracted to the person they're talking about, so it's used by both men and women.
“Ese man es bien pintoso.”That guy is really good-looking.
Piropos
pee-ROH-pos
Relationships
Compliments / flattering remarks.
“En la calle le echaron un piropo al pasar.”Someone called out a flirty compliment to her as she walked by.
Pobrecito/a
poh-breh-SEE-to
Everyday
Poor guy/girl/woman (when being sympathetic).
“Pobrecito, se quedó sin trabajo la semana pasada.”Poor guy, he lost his job last week.
Ponerse las pilas [en algo]
poh-NEHR-seh las PEE-lahs
Phrase
(lit. "to put in the batteries") To concentrate / dedicate more attention to a particular task or activity.
“Tienes que ponerte las pilas en el trabajo si quieres el ascenso.”You need to get your act together at work if you want the promotion.
Por cierto –
por SYEHR-to
Phrase
By the way.
“Por cierto, ¿ya hablaste con ella?”By the way, have you talked to her yet?
Por eso –
por EH-so
Phrase
That's why… / for that reason…
“No estudié nada, por eso perdí el examen.”I didn't study at all, that's why I failed the exam.
Por fin
por FEEN
Phrase
Finally.
“¡Por fin llegaste!”You finally made it!
Por si las moscas
por see las MOHS-kas
Phrase
Alternative phrase for "por si acaso", meaning "just in case".
“Llevo un paraguas por si las moscas.”I'm bringing an umbrella just in case.
Por una parte (y por otra)
por OO-na PAR-teh
Phrase
Roughly: On the one hand (and on the other…).
“Por una parte quiero viajar, y por otra quiero ahorrar.”On the one hand I want to travel, and on the other I want to save money.
Prenderse
prehn-DEHR-seh
Food & Drink
To light up OR to get tipsy.
“Nos prendimos con un par de cervezas en la fiesta.”We got a bit tipsy on a couple of beers at the party.
Presentarse
preh-sehn-TAR-seh
Everyday
To introduce oneself (not to be confused with "introducirse", meaning "to insert oneself").
“Se presentó antes de empezar la reunión.”He introduced himself before the meeting started.
Pri
PREE
Slang
Used as a way to address friends (Caribbean coast).
“¿Qué más, pri?”What's up, bro?
Princesa / princesita
preen-SEH-sah
Relationships
Princess / little princess (pet name for a woman).
“Ven acá, princesa.”Come here, princess.
Puente
PWEHN-teh
Everyday
A weekend with a national holiday attached to the beginning or end (it also means "bridge").
“Este fin de semana es puente, así que no hay clases el lunes.”This weekend is a long weekend, so there's no school on Monday.
Q
¡Qué oso!
keh OH-so
Phrase
How embarrassing! (Bogotá).
“Se me cayeron los papeles frente a todos, ¡qué oso!”I dropped my papers in front of everyone, how embarrassing!
¡Qué pena!
keh PEH-na
Phrase
Sorry / excuse me.
“¡Qué pena, no fue mi intención!”Sorry, I didn't mean to!
¿Qué cuentas?
keh KWEHN-tahs
Greeting
What's new? (greeting).
“¡Hola! ¿Qué cuentas?”Hey! What's new?
¿Qué has hecho?
keh ahs EH-cho
Greeting
What have you been up to? / What have you been doing lately?
“¡Tanto tiempo! ¿Qué has hecho?”It's been ages! What have you been up to?
¿Qué hiciste el finde?
keh ee-SEES-teh
Greeting
What did you get up to at the weekend?
“¿Qué hiciste el finde? – Nada, me quedé en casa.”"What did you get up to at the weekend?" "Nothing, I stayed home."
¿Qué más?
keh MAHS
Greeting
What's up? How's it going?
“¿Qué más, cómo vas?”What's up, how's it going?
¿Quién se anima? / ¿quién se apunta?
kyen seh ah-NEE-ma
Phrase
Who's up for it? / Who's in? (When organising activities).
“Vamos a jugar fútbol el sábado, ¿quién se anima?”We're playing soccer on Saturday, who's up for it?
¿Quiubo? (¿Qué hubo?)
KYOO-bo
Greeting
What's up? How's it going?
“¡Quiubo! ¿Todo bien?”What's up! All good?
Que estés bien
keh ehs-TEHS byen
Greeting
Be well.
“Me tengo que ir, que estés bien.”I have to go, be well.
Qué pena, pero ya me toca irme / qué pena, pero ya me tengo que ir
keh PEH-na PEH-ro
Phrase
Sorry, but I have to get going now.
“Qué pena, pero ya me toca irme.”Sorry, but I have to get going now.
Que sé yo
keh seh YOH
Phrase
A conversation-filler phrase for when you need a moment to think, used much like "I dunno" or "let's say".
“No sé, podríamos ir al cine, o que sé yo, quedarnos en casa.”I don't know, we could go to the movies, or, I dunno, stay home.
Que te vaya bien
keh teh VA-yah byen
Greeting
I hope it goes well.
“Mañana tengo el examen. – Que te vaya bien.”"I have my exam tomorrow." "I hope it goes well."
Que tengas un buen finde
keh TEHN-gahs oon bwehn
Greeting
Have a good weekend.
“Nos vemos el lunes, que tengas un buen finde.”See you Monday, have a good weekend.
Que yo sepa
keh yoh SEH-pa
Phrase
"As far as I know / as far as I am aware".
“Que yo sepa, la reunión sigue siendo a las tres.”As far as I know, the meeting is still at three.
Querer a alguien
keh-REHR ah al-GYEN
Relationships
To love someone, in the sense of caring for them a great deal rather than 'love of your life' type love.
“Yo te quiero mucho, eres como mi hermano.”I love you a lot, you're like a brother to me.
Querido/a
keh-REE-do
Relationships
A nice, kind person.
“Mi abuela es una persona muy querida en el barrio.”My grandmother is a much-loved person in the neighborhood.
R
Regatear
reh-ga-teh-AR
Everyday
To bargain or barter (prices).
“En el mercado siempre puedes regatear el precio.”At the market you can always haggle over the price.
Resulta que…
reh-SOOL-ta keh
Phrase
It turns out that…
“Resulta que ella ya sabía todo desde el principio.”It turns out she knew everything from the start.
Rolo/a
ROH-lo
Slang
Someone from Bogotá, or the surrounding areas.
“Mi novia es rola, nació en Bogotá.”My girlfriend is a rola, she was born in Bogotá.
Rumba
ROOM-ba
Slang
A party (usually at a bar or club).
“Este fin de semana hay rumba en la casa de Juan.”This weekend there's a party at Juan's place.
Rumbear
room-beh-AR
Slang
To go out partying.
“Vamos a rumbear esta noche.”Let's go out partying tonight.
S
¿Sería tan amable de…?
seh-REE-ah tahn ah-MAH-bleh
Phrase
Would you be so kind as to…? (Works for both serious and sarcastic requests.)
“¿Sería tan amable de cerrar la puerta?”Would you be so kind as to close the door?
Sacar la piedra
sah-KAR la PYEH-dra
Phrase
In the interior of the country this expression means "to lose patience", "to get angry" or "to not be able to stand something any longer".
“Me saca la piedra que siempre llegue tarde.”It really gets on my nerves that he's always late.
Saludarse
sah-loo-DAR-seh
Greeting
To greet each other / to say hi to one another.
“Nos saludamos todos los días al llegar a la oficina.”We say hi to each other every day when we get to the office.
Saludos
sah-LOO-dos
Greeting
Greetings/saying hi (also used as an email sign-off, like a friendlier version of 'regards').
“Saludos a toda tu familia.”Greetings to your whole family.
Se fija bien
seh FEE-hah byen
Phrase
Loosely: Look carefully at… / pay close attention to…
“Se fija bien antes de firmar el contrato.”Look carefully before signing the contract.
Se nota que…
seh NOH-ta keh
Phrase
You can see that… / it's clear that…
“Se nota que estudiaste mucho para el examen.”It's clear that you studied a lot for the exam.
Se supone que…
seh soo-POH-neh
Phrase
It's supposed to be… / supposedly it's…
“Se supone que la reunión empieza a las diez.”The meeting is supposed to start at ten.
Ser conocido por…
sehr koh-noh-SEE-do
Phrase
To be (well) known for…
“Colombia es conocida por su café.”Colombia is known for its coffee.
Ser esposos –
sehr ehs-POH-sos
Relationships
To be husband and wife.
“Llevan diez años de ser esposos.”They've been husband and wife for ten years.
Ser novios
sehr NOH-byos
Relationships
To be boyfriend and girlfriend.
“Llevamos dos años de ser novios.”We've been boyfriend and girlfriend for two years.
Sobrio/a
SOH-bryoh
Food & Drink
Sober (international Spanish).
“Prefiero manejar sobrio siempre.”I always prefer to drive sober.
Suben la chica al cielo
SOO-behn la CHEE-ka
Relationships
They make the girl feel like she's in heaven.
“Con esas palabras suben la chica al cielo.”With words like that, they make the girl feel like she's in heaven.
Suegros
SWEH-gros
Relationships
The parents of your boyfriend/girlfriend, partner or spouse.
“Este fin de semana voy a almorzar con mis suegros.”This weekend I'm having lunch with my in-laws.
Suena feo
SWEH-na FEH-oh
Phrase
It sounds bad (lit. "it sounds ugly").
“Lo que dijiste suena feo, deberías disculparte.”What you said sounds bad, you should apologize.
T
¿Todo bien?
TOH-do byen
Greeting
All good? (greeting)
“¡Hola! ¿Todo bien?”Hey! All good?
Te aviso
teh ah-VEE-so
Phrase
I'll let you know.
“Todavía no sé si puedo ir, te aviso.”I don't know yet if I can go, I'll let you know.
Te lo tengo que decir
teh loh TEHN-go keh
Phrase
I gotta tell ya / I have to say (used figuratively).
“Te lo tengo que decir, ese carro te queda buenísimo.”I gotta tell you, that car looks great on you.
(No) Tener (nada) que ver con…
teh-NEHR keh vehr
Phrase
To have (nothing) to do with…
“Eso no tiene nada que ver con lo que te pregunté.”That has nothing to do with what I asked you.
Tener ganas de
teh-NEHR GA-nas
Phrase
To fancy / to feel like / to want to.
“Tengo ganas de una cerveza.”I feel like having a beer.
Tener labia, tener (buen) verbo
teh-NEHR LA-byah
Phrase
To be a smooth talker; to have the 'gift of the gab'.
“Ese vendedor tiene mucha labia.”That salesman is a real smooth talker.
Tener más sencillo
teh-NEHR mahs sen-SEE-yo
Everyday
To have smaller bills / change.
“¿No tienes más sencillo?”Haven't you got anything smaller?
Teso, tesa
TEH-so, TEH-sah
Slang
Someone exceptionally capable (mainly heard in Antioquia).
“Ese man es tan teso jugando fútbol.”That guy is so good at playing soccer.
Tierra caliente
TYEH-rrah kah-LYEN-teh
Everyday
Warmer parts of the country.
“Nos vamos de vacaciones a tierra caliente.”We're going on vacation to the warmer lowlands.
Tierra fría
TYEH-rrah FREE-ah
Everyday
Cooler parts of the country.
“Bogotá está en tierra fría.”Bogotá is in the cooler highlands.
Tinto / tintico
TEEN-to
Food & Drink
Black, filter coffee.
“¿Me regalas un tintico?”Could I get a black coffee, please?
Todo bajo control
TOH-do BAH-ho
Phrase
Everything's under control.
“No te preocupes, todo bajo control.”Don't worry, everything's under control.
Todo el proceso
TOH-do el proh-SEH-so
Phrase
Literally "the whole process"; often used more like how we'd say "that whole thing".
“Tengo que explicar todo el proceso.”I've got to explain how that whole thing works.
Todo sobre ruedas
TOH-do SOH-breh
Phrase
Everything's running smoothly.
“El proyecto va todo sobre ruedas.”The project is running smoothly.
Tomar unos tragos
toh-MAR OO-nos
Food & Drink
To have some (strong) drinks.
“Vamos a tomar unos tragos después del trabajo.”Let's go have some drinks after work.
Tratar de..
trah-TAR deh
Phrase
To try to…
“Voy a tratar de llegar temprano.”I'm going to try to arrive early.
Tu pareja
too pah-REH-hah
Relationships
Your partner / other half.
“¿Cómo se llama tu pareja?”What's your partner's name?
Tú y yo….¿Qué somos?
too ee yoh
Relationships
Question to define the status of a relationship (like "what's going on between us?", "where are we headed?").
“Tú y yo… ¿qué somos?”You and me... what are we?
U
¿Una niña tan linda como tú y sin novio? Increíble
OO-na NEE-nyah
Relationships
A girl as pretty as you without a boyfriend? That's incredible.
“¿Una niña tan linda como tú y sin novio? Increíble.”A girl as pretty as you without a boyfriend? That's incredible.
Un antioqueño nunca se vara
ahn-tyoh-KEH-nyo
Phrase
"People from Antioquia never give up".
“Un antioqueño nunca se vara.”People from Antioquia never give up.
