Don't Be a Gringo: The Ultimate List of Must-Know Colombian Phrases

🌍 Want to sound like a true local when you travel to Colombia? Forget textbook Spanish! This guide dives into essential Colombian slang, ensuring you avoid sounding like a clueless tourist (or 'gringo'). Master these phrases and get ready to impress locals with your language skills!

🎯 Summary of Must-Know Phrases

• ¿Qué más?: A friendly greeting similar to "What's up?"
• Parce/Parcero/Parcerita: Friend, buddy, or mate.
• Bacano/Chévere: Cool, awesome, great.
• Rumbiar: To party or go out dancing.
• Guayabo: Hangover.

Greetings & Basic Interactions: Beyond "Hola"

While knowing basic Spanish greetings is essential, adding a touch of Colombian flair will instantly elevate your interactions. Here are a few ways to greet people and engage in casual conversations.

¿Qué Más? (What's Up?)

This is a very common greeting in Colombia, especially among younger people. It's a casual way of saying "What's up?" or "How's it going?"

Example: "¿Qué más, parce?" (What's up, friend?)

¿Bien o Qué? (Good or What?)

Another popular greeting, this phrase literally translates to "Good or what?" It's similar to asking "Are you doing well?" or "Everything okay?"

Example: "¿Bien o qué, María?" (Are you doing well, Maria?)

A la Orden (At Your Service)

You'll hear this phrase frequently in shops and restaurants. It means "At your service" or "How can I help you?"

Example: (Entering a store) Shopkeeper: "A la orden." (At your service.)

Friendship & Camaraderie: Mastering "Parce" and Its Variations

Colombians value friendship, and having the right vocabulary to express camaraderie is key. The word "parce" and its variations are crucial to understanding this aspect of Colombian culture.

Parce/Parcero/Parcerita (Friend, Buddy)

This is perhaps the most iconic Colombian slang word for "friend" or "buddy." "Parcero" is the masculine form, and "parcerita" is the feminine form. Use it freely when addressing your Colombian friends.

Example: "¡Hola, parce! ¿Cómo estás?" (Hi, friend! How are you?)

Read more about this in our article: Beyond Parce 10 Unexpected Ways Colombians Say Friend.

Mono/Mona (Blonde/Fair-Skinned Person)

While technically meaning "monkey," this word is often used affectionately to refer to someone with blonde hair or fair skin. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes be considered a teasing nickname.

Example: "¡Hola, mona! ¿Qué haces?" (Hi, blonde! What are you doing?)

Expressing Approval: "Bacano," "Chévere," and More

Knowing how to express that something is cool, awesome, or great is essential for any traveler. Colombian Spanish offers a variety of options.

Bacano/Chévere (Cool, Awesome)

These are two of the most common words for expressing approval in Colombia. Use them to describe anything you find cool, enjoyable, or impressive.

Example: "¡Qué bacano este concierto!" (This concert is so cool!)

¡Qué Nota! (How Cool!)

This phrase literally translates to "What a note!" but it's used to express excitement or approval. It's similar to saying "How cool!" or "That's awesome!"

Example: "¡Qué nota tu nuevo carro!" (How cool is your new car!)

Una Chimba (Something Awesome)

This phrase can be vulgar in some contexts, but in Colombia, it's often used to describe something amazing or fantastic. Be careful with the context and use it with people you know well.

Example: "Esta fiesta está una chimba." (This party is awesome.)

Party Time: "Rumbiar" and Other Nightlife Terms

Colombia is known for its vibrant nightlife. If you plan on hitting the clubs, here are some essential phrases to know.

Rumbiar (To Party)

This verb means "to party" or "to go out dancing." It's a fundamental word for describing your nightlife activities.

Example: "Vamos a rumbiar esta noche." (Let's go party tonight.)

Guayabo (Hangover)

Unfortunately, after a night of "rumbiar," you might experience a "guayabo." This is the Colombian word for "hangover."

Example: "Tengo un guayabo terrible." (I have a terrible hangover.)

Trago (Drink)

This is a general term for an alcoholic drink. Knowing this word will be useful when ordering at bars or clubs.

Example: "Quiero un trago, por favor." (I want a drink, please.)

Money Matters: Talking About Pesos, Lucas, and Plata

Understanding the local slang for money is crucial for navigating transactions and avoiding misunderstandings. Colombians have several informal ways of referring to currency.

Read more about this in our article: Pesos, Lucas, or Plata All the Colombian Slang for Money You Need to Know.

Plata (Money)

This is a general term for "money" and is widely used throughout Latin America, including Colombia.

Example: "No tengo plata." (I don't have money.)

Lucas (Thousand Pesos)

"Lucas" is a slang term for one thousand Colombian pesos. It's often used when discussing prices or amounts of money.

Example: "Cuesta diez lucas." (It costs ten thousand pesos.)

Quindios (Fifty Thousand Pesos)

This is a slang term for fifty thousand Colombian pesos.

Example: "Me costo dos quindios." (It cost me one hundred thousand pesos.)

Navigating Tricky Situations: "Berraco" and Other Words to Use with Caution

Some Colombian slang words can have multiple meanings or be considered offensive in certain contexts. It's important to be aware of these nuances to avoid misunderstandings.

Berraco/Berraca (Badass, Skilled, or… Something Else)

This word can mean "badass" or "skilled" in some contexts, but it can also have a vulgar meaning related to sexual prowess. Be very careful when using this word and consider your audience.

Read more about this in our article: Is 'Berraco' an Insult or a Compliment Navigating Tricky Colombian Slang

Pendejo/Pendeja (Idiot, Jerk)

This word is a general insult meaning "idiot" or "jerk." Avoid using it unless you want to offend someone.

Example: "No seas pendejo." (Don't be an idiot.)

Bobo/Boba (Foolish, Silly)

Similar to “pendejo” but slightly less offensive, this word means “foolish” or “silly.”

Example: "Eres muy bobo." (You are very foolish.)

Colombian Travel Checklist: Key Phrases for Your Trip

Make sure you're prepared for your trip to Colombia! Here's a handy checklist of essential phrases:

1. ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
2. ¿Dónde está…? (Where is…?)
3. Por favor (Please)
4. Gracias (Thank you)
5. Con permiso (Excuse me)
6. No entiendo (I don't understand)
7. ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?)

Budget Breakdown for a Week in Medellín

Here's an example of a budget for a week-long trip to Medellín, Colombia, to help you plan your expenses. Note that prices are approximate and can vary based on your travel style.

This budget allows for a comfortable stay without excessive spending. Adjust it based on your personal preferences and financial situation.

Keywords

• Colombian slang
• Spanish phrases
• Travel to Colombia
• Medellin slang
• Bogota slang
• Parce
• Bacano
• Chevere
• Rumbiar
• Guayabo
• Plata
• Lucas
• Gringo
• Local language
• Colombian culture
• Travel tips Colombia
• Must-know phrases
• Spanish for travelers
• Berraco
• Que mas

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "parce" mean?

"Parce" is a common Colombian slang word for "friend," "buddy," or "mate." It's widely used, especially among younger people.

Is it safe to use slang in Colombia?

In general, yes, it's safe to use slang in Colombia, but be mindful of the context and your audience. Some words can be offensive or have multiple meanings. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

How can I learn more Colombian slang?

The best way to learn Colombian slang is to immerse yourself in the culture, listen to locals, and ask questions. You can also find online resources and language exchange partners to help you expand your vocabulary.

What's the difference between "bacano" and "chévere"?

Both "bacano" and "chévere" mean "cool" or "awesome." They are often used interchangeably, but "bacano" is more common in certain regions of Colombia.

How do I avoid sounding like a "gringo"?

Learning and using local slang is a great way to avoid sounding like a "gringo" (a foreigner who is clueless about the local culture). Make an effort to learn about Colombian customs and etiquette, and be respectful of the local culture.

The Takeaway

By mastering these essential Colombian phrases, you'll be well on your way to sounding like a true local and having a more authentic travel experience. Don't be afraid to practice and make mistakes – Colombians are generally very welcoming and appreciate the effort you make to speak their language. ¡Qué chimba!