Colombia has very interesting areas to visit and pay homage to, not only because of its aesthetic but also its story. You can find very delicious food, some enthusiastic dancers and musicians and some of the warmest people that’ll welcome you with their open arms and beautiful accent. And if you don’t trust us you can ask anyone about how dreamy a paisa’s accent can be (not only them but it’s the most popular also) and how enticing words can sound not only in Spanish but more specific in Colombian.
So, with that being said, let us take you to get to know a little bit more about how people talk in the country where they sing “Colombia tierra querida” and dance vividly to the rhythm of almost anything. They do really enjoy having a lot of fun!
Colombian Sayings
First, you’ll find a quick glossary on day to day very common, very Colombian sayings:
¡Esto es Colombia, papá!: In this sentence “papá” has nothing to do with the word “father” but it’s used to assert the willingness to win/earn something and how proud we feel of our country and the people that represent it overseas (in the sport/music/arts field, etc).
For example: ¡Gooooooooool de Colombia! ¡Esto es Colombia, papá!
Dar papaya: Even though papaya is very sweet and delicious in this case we’re not mentioning any fruit but rather letting you know that it’d be a little dangerous if someone else sees your stuff because you could lose it (wink wink get robbed)
For example: Cuidado con el teléfono ahora que vaya al centro se lo roban, no vaya a dar papaya. (Be careful with your phone when you’re downtown because you could get robbed, don’t expose yourself).
Calle esos ojos: This is more of a common phrase between mothers/grandparents and it’s used to indicate the need to be prudent in relation to a certain situation or fact.
For example: ¿Emborracharse hasta morir? Ay no, ¡calle esos ojos! (Getting drunk and wasted? Stop your nonsense, be careful with your words!)
¡Qué hubo parce!: Probably the most common one and the friendliest too, we use it a lot to say “hi” (Qué hubo) to our friends (parce/parceros)
For example: ¡Qué hubo parce! ¿Cómo va todo? (What’s up dude! How is it going?)
Barriga llena, corazón contento: Even though “barriga” means stomach in a very colloquial way, with “Barriga llena, Corazón contento” we’re not directed towards our belly only. It means everything feels different when you have fulfilled all of your basic needs, like food, shelter or health etc. So, by doing it so, you feel great about everything, even your problems.
For example: Bueno, barriga llena, corazón contento. (Full stomach, content heart)
Colombian Slang Words
The following chart shows some of the top and most common Colombian slang words:
| SLANG | MEANING |
|---|---|
| Berraco | Tough, Brave, or Skilled |
| Cachaco | Someone old, from the capital city |
| Chévere | Cool |
| Costeño | Someone from the coast |
| Cucho | A friendly way to address an older person |
| Guayabo | Hangover |
| Maluco | Bad |
| Paisa | Someone from Medellin city |
| Parce/Parcero | Dude/Bro |
| Pirobo | Depending on the context, can be friend or man, but can be offensive |
| Plata | Money |
| Quiubo | What's up |
| Vaina | Thing, Situation, or even a Problem |
| Rumba | A party or celebration. |
| Bacano | Fantastic or excellent. |
| Muleco/a | A term for a friend or buddy. |
| Parche | A group of friends or a hangout. |
| Chirriar | To squeak or make a high-pitched noise. |
| Chiviado/a | Drunk or intoxicated. |
| Guachafita | A fun or enjoyable activity. |
| Sobremesa | The time spent chatting after a meal. |
| Guaro | Aguardiente, a popular Colombian liquor. |
| Vergüenza ajena | Feeling embarrassed for someone else. |
| Berraquera | Guts, determination, or bravery. |
| Gomelo/a | A slang term for someone who is posh or preppy. |
| Chancletas | Flip-flops or sandals. |
| Mondá | A silly or absurd thing. |
| Jarto/a | Fed up or tired. |
Colombian Greetings
Now we present you how to properly greet someone in Colombian Spanish: As you embark on your journey to explore Colombia, embracing these sayings, slang words, and greetings will not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your connection with the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people of this remarkable country. So, don’t be shy—immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of Colombia’s language and culture!
| ¿Qué hay de nuevo? | What's new? |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué cuentas? | What's new? |
| ¿Qué paso parce? | What's up friend/dude? |
| ¿Cómo va la vaina? | How's it going? |
| ¿Qué tal la vida? | How's life? |
| ¿Qué onda? | What's going on? |
| ¿Como estas? | How are you? |
| ¿Todo bien? | All good? |
| ¿Que más? | What's goin on? |
| ¡Epa parce! | Hey bro! |
| ¡Buenas Veci! | Hey Neighbor! (Typical from Bogotá) |
As you embark on your journey to explore Colombia, embracing these sayings, slang words, and greetings will not only enhance your language skills but also deepen your connection with the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people of this remarkable country. So, don’t be shy—immerse yourself in the colorful tapestry of Colombia’s language and culture.
About the Author:
Specializations: Spanish Tutors on Zoom
Bio: Hello! My name is Daniela Cardona from Bogotá, Colombia. I've been having fun for more than 8 years, teaching students from ages 2 to 80. I have a certification in TESOL, and I've traveled around the world finding different ways to approach languages from its roots. All my classes are focused on my students' needs and that's how I developed, over the years, my approach to methodology. First, you're going to acquire excellent conversational skills. Second, we will establish precise grammar rules through clear and real examples during our sessions, and third, but not least, we're going to have a lot of fun while nourishing your vocabulary, everyday expressions, and approaching real-life situations to strengthen your communication. I hope we can be in touch soon!
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