Here are the phrases being repeated by a native from Guatemala. Understanding how natives refer to words like taxi and city bus will come in handy, especially when traveling around the country. 1. With a few lessons under your belt, you will be all set to impress your Spanish-speaking friends. Negatively, along with the proper intonation, it can mean f*ck yourself, and you use it when you dont care anymore about something or you give up. button.plyr__control:hover{ }); Listen carefully for this in everyday conversation, and repeat it again and again until it rolls off your tongue. color: #00896e; Rather, here it takes on the meaning of nice, good, or beautiful, depending on the context. A word here, a phrase there: Youll know youre listening to Central American Spanish when you hear some of the following: Chapin/Chapina: This is what Guatemalans call themselves. A Huevos If you are already learning Spanish, you would say that this word means to the eggs but in our case, it doesn't. A huevos in Guatemalan slang can be used as you would use the English for sure. .plyr__control{ } If you are unfamiliar with certain Spanish colloquialisms, you may not understand the context of your conversations. Understanding how natives refer to words like taxi and city bus will come in handy, especially when traveling around the country. In the meaning of fool, the word corno can be used in different situations. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; A quin vamos a mandar a la Alcalda para sacar el permiso? words you already know in Spanish to add even more to your vocabulary)! It can be used in many different situations, describing a persons appearance, bad habits, but as slang, it refers to a persons intimate body parts. Except for in El Salvador where theyll throw in the extra syllable for stylish effect. } Shouting the word caralho, you release that negative energy. Vaca is mainly used to offend women, something like using the word b*tch., The phrase is one of the most common ones among Brazilians. The fact that they exist in almost every language shows that this way, people are trying to get rid of the negative energy, frustration, or anger. Also, like Catracho in Honduras, Nicas use it to describe anything Nicaraguan. Including the six Spanish-speaking countries in Central America. Since chile means hot pepper in English, you might imagine this a fiery word. Aguas would be the plural of Agua. When a politician had the audacity to ask a poor street vendor for a discount on a very small item, the seller retorted: Chish! Tuanis means cool, good, nice, all that positive stuff. Or perhaps: How do you like them apples?. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Youll hear his voice in many of the stories in Gritty Spanish! amzn_assoc_linkid = "e0f86fcc677c07d4808a9f4e09877eda"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; With only a fewwords or phrases youll be able to take yourSpanish speaking skillsto a level thatll make locals wonder if you were born in the next town. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. View. B: Dos que tres. Pisto: A unique Honduran term for money (also used in El Salvador and Guatemala). I remember only using cerote once and that was when chanting Otto cerote, te vas a it al bote! as a kid at a protest HAHAHA. the cerote word is BAAAAAD. In El Salvador, though, this is a slang term meaning drink. Required fields are marked *. Lets dive in. Wanna curse like a Guatemalan? Ay, t sabes. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Its what Nicaraguans call themselves and each other as a matter of pride. Those of us whove learned a second language understand the difficulty of trying to translate a word or phrase literally and all the problems (and embarrassing stories) that come with it. ya me agarraste de tu puerquito?, When I asked Antonio to do me one more favor, he responded angrily: What! You already have a BaseLang account. Compared to other swear words, this one is pretty strong and not often used as the other ones. But when a Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone, he is on a different sort of huntone of love. At least thats what I read into the fact that he shows his face to communicate a salary increase at a moment more awkward than having a nosy mother-in-law along for the honeymoon. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Costa Rican Spanish | Speak like a Native! Love can make us act crazy. Hence, when a local se echa un cuaje, it means he is taking a nap. Have you ever watched TED talks? Voice acted by Latino actors and actresses to help improve your Spanish comprehension in a way that engages and amuses. Just like you learned your native tongue, native Spanish speakers learned formal Spanish in school and the more conversational aspects of the language outside of the classroom. They call themselves Ticos/Ticas in honour of the national habit of adding a diminutive suffix to words to denote affection and cuteness. Synonyms of this phrase are vai se foder, vai tomar por cu, and vai pro caralho., Usually, when youre angry, you use the word s*it. The same is in Portuguese, only the word they are using is merda., You can use the word by itself or as a part of a phrase. As you may see, there are many reasons why you should know }); Porque es una mujer garca.(Because shes a dishonest woman.) The movie was pretty cool!, Tus zapatos estn chileros! Fantastic! | Official Page, 10 Ways to Speak CostaRicanSpanish Slang, Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! Chero/Chera: No real meaning to this, but that doesnt matter. #c5dd0d; } Get used to hearing it because it ends many conversations and means, quite simply, for sure., This is a biggie that means whats going on is spot onand that youre in agreement with a situation, that something is right or correct or that its all good.. Well take a closer look at more, Just like you learned your native tongue, native Spanish speakers learned formal Spanish in school and the more, outside of the classroom. Fuck off - Advertisement - This is used as a way to say someone to stay away. Didnt you bring her? They have their own slang for words like "cool" and "dumb." Check out some of the words and phrases that Guatemalans use in everyday conversation. Cabal: Used at the end of a sentence exactly like a huevos is. background: #c5dd0d;} In Gritty Spanish Part I, a Guatemalan voice actor used Ceroteto describe a police officer, he doesnt like, basically called him a Pig. Please log in again. amzn_assoc_asins = "B096SV8SJG"; This more or less translates to 'you're useless' (or more literally, 'you're worth dick'). Pedro! Implicit is a sense of camaraderie and of belonging. Dont talk close to Marta because she is very nosey, Deja de entrometerte, no seas shute Mariano! controls:[ You may make some new friends along the way. Guatemalan Spanish uses vos, alongside t and usted as second-person singular pronouns. background: #c5dd0d;} vocabulary is regional, and other times its generational. You might say,Ese restaurante es calid. That is,Yeah, that restaurant is cool!, This is a very versatile word. background: #c5dd0d; } By Perfect Sunset SchoolCosta Rica language School. Here is a sample conversation using, Want to see how to use some of these words and phrases in conversation? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Central America has its fair share of slang, too. Aguas! .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { | Official Page, Fall in Love with These Five Guatemalan Spanish Phrases, This Mexican Spanish Book Will Make Your Mouth Sizzle, Nicaraguan Spanish | Speak like a Native! Swear words arent so bad. Below is a list of 37 user submitted swear words. Join the course now, before we come to our senses and charge for it! 'play', 'progress', 'mute', 'volume', ], Tapis: Tapis is about booze. Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada? background: #c5dd0d; } The meaning remains the same, and you have the option to choose which one you want to use. Mara es chapina. No real translation to it, but it means thing or whadjamacallit or thingamajig or whatever word you use for something you dont know the name of. English equivalent would be son of a b*tch. Literally, this phrase means son of a mother. Even though no words in this phrase is offensive, looking at the expression on the whole, the meaning is the same as in English. No, dont go to the eggs (which is the literal definition of this phrase). Learn these and youll be well on your way to talking like a native! But in Guatemala, this is also a term of affection, meaning buddy, pal, or mate. If you want to practice before using curse words and make sure youre not going to offend anyone, maybe you should first consult with It is often used to humiliate men when they cheat on their girlfriends or wives. Hijo, si te ports bien, te compro unos poporopos esta noche en el cine. } Marco is a snake and I dont trust him. There are also many words unique to Central America, for example, chunche or chochadas or babosadas means "thing" or stuff in some places. .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Me asustaste saliendo de ah Jess! Sometimes it means youre so chilled out you dont care. Luego de salir de ac podemos ir a bajonear algo After were done here we can go to eat something, Ese bicho es mi vecino, siempre est jugando ah That kid there is my neighbor, hes always there playing, Psame dos de esos bolados, por favor Pass me two of those things, please, Qu cacaso esa pelcula, ni valio la entrada Man! Pedros son is a good boy!, Realmente me gusta este patojo ruso. It doesnt end here, you can use it as an adjective when you are talking about something that is difficult to do or if its looking bad. In other words, this is one more option of saying holy sh*t.. You could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes! Dnde est tu prima? (Wheres your cousin?) This type of people, Guatemalans call brincones. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We match you with expert teachers in over 300 subjects so that you can learn something new through 100% Its sure to get you a smile from anyone who hears you say it! button.plyr__control:hover{ A poco. Local words include, There are also many words unique to Central America, for example, chunche or chochadas or babosadas means "thing" or stuff in some places. 1 : swear word. Note: Chuleta can also mean the exact opposite like when youre excited about something. We want you to spend the best time of your life with us, if you have any questions contact us, we are here to help you. Instead of merda, you can use busta as monte de busta. The meaning remains the same. .plyr--audio .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { Look at English. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; In Mexican slang, this word is another term for a gangster. Ricardo, desde que conoci a Ruth, est colgado como chorizo en tienda. Cmo te qued el ojo? Another example conversation using Colombian Spanish slang: Qu hubo?(Whats up?) In English, the phrase can be translated as no f*cking way., Therefore, it can be used in the same situation as you would use the English version. Eat tons of plantainsfried with black beans and rice. That literally means he is hanging like a sausage in the store. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. Well take a closer look at more informal Spanish vocabulary in this article. If youre tired of sticking to your textbook, it might be time to branch out and learn some new phrases. Even so, they want their complete subsidy! Just say this. If youre going to say, for example, What the fuck is that? you use the phrase only, Que porra essa?, However, if you want to say What the f*ck man!, then use only the porra word from the phrase and make a sentence with the words you want. Watermelon. These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! Es el nico que tiene cuello. Slang is often used in Mexico when speaking with friends in informal settings. .plyr--full-ui input[type=range] { amzn_assoc_asins = "0615897509"; background: #c5dd0d; } Imagine the scene: You are in a tight soccer game. Mopri: Mopri (mo-pri) is primo backwards (pri-mo). .plyr__control{ Like in Episode # 7, Night of the Knicks Game from Gritty Spanish: Parte II, where the Guatemalan voice actor refers to one of young Knicks players as a Patojo. They're Guatemalan slang, cerote! amzn_assoc_asins = "1857333489"; .plyr--video .plyr__control[aria-expanded=true] { The same idea can be shortenedto est colgado. In the same way today every school and every company has its bootlickers. These are 10 slang words from the streets of Guatemala you should know if wanna sound like a native around Guatemalan people! Guatemala is an enchanting country, filled with incredible people who have a very definite method of expressing themselves. Like on the end of every sentence if youre talking to anyone over the age of 40 and between every other word if youre talking to someone under the age of 40. background: #c5dd0d;} Who are we going to send to City Hall to get the permit? For more information read our privacy policy. And your girlfriend? They perch themselves motionless in a spot where they know creatures lower on the food chain will be passing by. Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. Ive heard it on the brightly-coloredchicken busesthat you see all over Guatemala. If youre tired of sticking to your textbook, it might be time to branch out and learn some new phrases. When a person is upset, he may throw his hat down in disgust. Before you use some of these words and phrases, be careful that youve memorized their meaning and occasions when it is acceptable to use them. Deveras? (Really?) Heading to Colombia? .plyr__control[data-plyr="play"]{ const players199645 = Plyr.setup('.player199645', { Thats why these days few are willing to do it. Want to add some Spanish slang to your vocabulary? Cipotes is also used in Guatemala in the eastern departments. Very useful! Usted gana ms que yo! } background: #00896e; La pelcula estuvo bienchilera! Every country has its own unique usage of slang, and each generation invents new slang words. Well, see you tomorrow, bye man! Qu chilera tu chumpa! amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; background: #c5dd0d; } Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Nice! What colour is milk? Because of the success in such conquest, the language became a native language to almost every country in the American continent. Then you better duck or move or at least turn around because he/she is warning you about a danger coming close to you. 19 Funny, Sarcastic, and No-Nonsense Trini Sayings You'll Want To Start Using Every Day. amzn_assoc_linkid = "edac110a24e959f54c6d2f1d0287ff45"; The standard word for pig in Spanish is puerco. .plyr__control{ 11+ of the Best Places To Visit if You Are Traveling Solo, 7+ Under the Radar Destinations forCruises, Learning Spanish in an Ex-Guerilla Community, The 20 Cheapest Countries To Visit in2017, How Corn Shapes Every Aspect of Qeqchi Life in Guatemala, How To Travel To Guatemala in the Wake of the Fuego Volcano Eruption, El Paredon, Guatemala, Will Be Central Americas Next Coveted Surf Destination, This Is What Happens When You Set Up a Remote Control Camera onSafari, This Florida Everglades Snorkeler Uncovered the Wonders of This Slow Moving River's Floor, Download the For that reason, if a Guatemalan calls someone a culebra, he is probably just buttering someone up to get his way. It can also be used as an adjective to describe places or situations. Birria: All over Central America people use the term birra (from the English) as a replacement for cerveza, meaning beer. Tuanis: Many think tuaniscomes from the English phrase too nice. Become an expert in more than 200 of the local words and phrases. It is not an insult or in a bad manner, there are just some people that are easy to antagonize and end up in fights every time they go out or very often. One of the sadder sightsRead More Highlighting SOS Animales and Animal Rescue in Nicaragua. } Is Guatemalan black? Complimenting an event or meal is a sure way to make new friends, so use this word often. In the western and northern departments of Guatemala "chamacos" is used to say children or kids. used in the states among native speakers. background: #c5dd0d;} So the only time chucho doesnt mean dog, is when you are talking about changing a tire or mechanics. Some say its from the William Walker wars of the 19th century when Salvadoran troops used to meet under guanacaste trees. amzn_assoc_linkid = "fcd7d61eae69fd11be85b996d0f89659"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; color: #ffffff; Guatemalan Spanish (Spanish: Espaol guatemalteco) is the national variant of Spanish spoken in the Central American country of Guatemala. When someones says tuanis to you theyre not unhappy, put it that way.