Colombian Spanish
Learn Colombian Spanish
Clear pronunciation, warm people and some of the most fun expressions in the Spanish-speaking world. Here are the sayings, slang and greetings you’ll hear in Colombia.
When people think of Spanish, Spain and Mexico usually come to mind first. But Colombian Spanish is known for its clear, precise pronunciation, and its expressions will have you talking in no time.
Colombia is colorful, open-minded and welcoming, with delicious food, music and dancing everywhere, and people who greet you with open arms. Ask anyone about the paisa accent from Medellín, and they’ll tell you how good Spanish can sound.
So let’s get to know how people talk in the country where they sing “Colombia tierra querida” and dance to the rhythm of almost anything.
Colombian sayings
Everyday expressions you’ll hear all over Colombia.
¡Esto es Colombia, papá!
Here “papá” has nothing to do with your father. It shows pride in Colombia and its people, especially when they win in sports, music or the arts. Example: ¡Gooool de Colombia! ¡Esto es Colombia, papá!
Dar papaya
Not about the fruit: it means leaving yourself open to trouble, like showing off your phone where it could be stolen. Example: Cuidado con el teléfono en el centro, no vaya a dar papaya. (Careful with your phone downtown, don’t make yourself a target.)
Calle esos ojos
A favorite of moms and grandmas, used to tell someone to be careful with what they say. Example: ¿Emborracharse hasta morir? Ay no, ¡calle esos ojos! (Get wasted? Stop that nonsense!)
¡Qué hubo, parce!
Probably the most common and friendliest of all: “qué hubo” means hi, and “parce” or “parcero” means friend. Example: ¡Qué hubo, parce! ¿Cómo va todo? (What’s up, dude! How’s it going?)
Barriga llena, corazón contento
“Full belly, happy heart.” Life feels better when your basic needs, like food and a roof, are covered.
Colombian slang words
The most common Colombian slang and what it means.
| Slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bacano | Fantastic or excellent |
| Berraco | Tough, brave or skilled |
| Berraquera | Guts, determination or bravery |
| Cachaco | Someone from Bogotá, the capital |
| Chancletas | Flip-flops or sandals |
| Chévere | Cool |
| Chiviado | Fake or knock-off |
| Costeño | Someone from the coast |
| Cucho | A friendly way to call an older person |
| Gomelo | Someone posh or preppy |
| Guaro | Aguardiente, a popular Colombian liquor |
| Guayabo | Hangover |
| Jarto | Fed up or tired |
| Maluco | Bad |
| Paisa | Someone from Medellín and the Antioquia region |
| Parce, parcero | Dude, bro |
| Parche | A group of friends or a hangout |
| Plata | Money |
| Quiubo | What’s up |
| Rumba | A party |
| Sobremesa | Time spent chatting after a meal |
| Vaina | Thing, situation or even a problem |
| Vergüenza ajena | Feeling embarrassed for someone else |
Colombian greetings
How to say hello like a local.
| Greeting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué más? | What’s going on? |
| ¿Qué hay de nuevo? | What’s new? |
| ¿Qué cuentas? | What’s new? |
| ¿Qué pasó, parce? | What’s up, friend? |
| ¿Cómo va la vaina? | How’s it going? |
| ¿Qué tal la vida? | How’s life? |
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? |
| ¿Todo bien? | All good? |
| ¡Epa, parce! | Hey, bro! |
| ¡Buenas, veci! | Hey, neighbor! (typical in Bogotá) |
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