But dont worry, most Guatemalans also speak Spanish. In Guatemala and El Salvador, indefinite articles are commonly placed before a possessive pronoun, as in una mi tacita de caf lit. 10. Chilero basically means cool, good, or nice as an adjective. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; That person doesn't necessarily have to be a real kid. Que chilera tu bolsa!Your purse is awesome! Heres one more word you surely know for its main meaning. Learn more here. In the western and northern departments of Guatemala "chamacos" is used to say children or kids. When the phrase hola is said in a Guatemalan accent, the person usually smiles and shakes hands. Theyre everywhere, and, very often, have ornately-painted female names above their windshields. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This is a nail, but when it comes to Guatemalan words, it is commonly used to declare that you have a serious problem. While many a Spanish-speaker has gushedover hisgirlfriend, or novia, in Guatemala men strut down the street with their traida in hand. Jun 15, 2015 - Guatemalan Spanish Slang | Guatemalan Spanish Accent | Guatemalan Spanish Dictionary | Guatemalan Spanish Words | Guatemalan Culture. Dejaste tus chivas en mi carro.You left your stuff in my car. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Guatemala, a small country south of Mexico, has a lot of different slang words that really make it stand out linguistically. The colonial architecture in Antigua Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder. When you agree with something and you are good with that, use the word cabal. Chish! For example, if youre about to cross the street without looking, someone might yell aguas! In countries outside of North and Central America, people will often use the word cuidado to have the same meaning. This is one that has lots of related meanings such as awesome, pretty, good, etc. And the same is [] Lets send Enrique. Let others sow so that we can reap. Its not offensive at all, but, If youre in a more formal situation, the official, doesnt exist in English, but it means the word used to refer to a group of people. This is another good example of slang phrases that are common in many parts of North and Central America. The term chap chap was coined as a result of the sound of heels made against cobblestone. Love can make us act crazy. This is a casual way to tell someone that theyre dumb but just joking around. Finally, you break through the defense and score the game-winning goal! The translation for this word is female donkey, but here this word has nothing to do with the animal. This idiom means to date. A: Hows your grandpa doing? Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of. The word chispudo came from the word chispo, meaning spark. These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! You can find her at www.learngrowtravel.com. Download the exact curriculum that thousands of BaseLang students have used to become fluent in Spanish, We sent you an email with a link to download the guide. Mucha gente quiere la papa pelada y que otro siembre para cosechar nosotros. Boquitas 7. A car is coming.). Its not really used offensively, Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick. [10], Version of Spanish language used in Guatemala, Online dictionary of the Real Academia Espaola, "El espaol que se habla en El Salvador y su importancia para la dialectologa hispanoamericana", "El sufijo-al en el espaol de Guatemala", "Lexical peculiarities of Guatemalan national variant of Spanish", "Stylistic variability of pronoun addresses in modern Spanish of Guatemala", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guatemalan_Spanish&oldid=1128574062, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Dialects of languages with ISO 639-3 code, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2008, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2010, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, colocho - curly (usually when speaking of hair), mosh - oat porridge (more formally used is "avena"), shuco - Guatemalan-style hot dog; also means dirty, This page was last edited on 20 December 2022, at 21:24. Guatemalan Spanish: Speak Like a Native! 10 Brutal Guatemalan Spanish Curse Words You Need To Know To Survive In Guatemala! Who are we going to send to City Hall to get the permit? In Argentina they would say "centavo". Land of eternal spring. Similar to Hey! in English. Lets all hope that Camilo isnt barking up the wrong tree. (Mara is from Guatemala.) Top 20 Guatemalan Words and Slang Expressions You Should Know (2023) Table of Contents What Makes Guatemala Special What is Slang? (The kids go to school Monday through Friday.). In Guatemala, "wirito" or "girito". You can visit ruins from the Mayan civilization, like Tikal (the most famous tourist site in the country). Every year, the number of Guatemalan immigrants in the United States grows larger. Camilo is dating Mara. People use this word to quickly get the attention of a group, and depending on the delivery it could get to be quite effective. (Im very tired after my flight and Ive just relaxed.). amzn_assoc_region = "US"; So, if someone calls you chispudo or chispuda, it means you have a spark and youre sharp. Translate Guatemalan slang. But not in Guatemala! Its like saying, , , que mi jefe meti las patas, y a m me estaba echando la culpa. Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? For example, when you have to pay for the meal at the restaurant and the waiter wants to overcharge you, you can call him chuco. Pisto is Guatemalan slang for "money" or "cash." If you get into a tuk-tuk or cab, the driver might ask you if you have enough pisto to pay; some cafs and restaurants ask to be paid only in pisto. This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. Remember, the worst case scenario is you get a few free classes, dont like it, and end up with an extra $20 in the bank. This one can mean one of two things. Another similar but far less common expression in the eastern part of the country is Me agarraste de tu arce. In a literal sense, it means something like , In Guatemala, its used to mean that you understand something. So really, you have to pay attention to the context if you want to understand the conversation. Every country has its own slang. Duro - It means money in Spain. It is Mexicos neighboring country, placed in central America and of the countries where you can practice your Spanish skills with the locals. Here's a list of twenty words and phrases to get you started. Private Tutoring1:1 classes with a dedicated teacher When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to say mucho gusto (short for nice to meet you). 14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner. But when a Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone, he is on a different sort of huntone of love. Or during lower-revenue, non-peak hours they take them o the route. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 10 Ways to Speak Costa Rican Spanish Slang; Guatemala. Ever heard of rubbernecking delays? Citizenship in Guatemala is typically obtained through either jus soli, or through the birth of a child to an adult with Guatemalan nationality, or through the birth of a child to an adult with the same nationality, or through the birth of a child to someone with both. Hay unos patojos jugando al ftbol en la calle. Girlfriend in Guatemala A girlfriend is a common term used to describe someone in Guatemala. Its dangerous to drive so fast. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. Be sure to check it out." 7 Guatemalan Spanish expressions about work By Lee Jamison All work and no play makes Jackor even Hectora dull boy! Colgado como chorizo en tienda. While this word literally translates to nail, in Guatemala it takes on a very different meaning. This word covers a wide range of insults and swear words, so I will go right to the examples. In most Spanish speaking countries, this word is a term for a female donkey, but in Guatemalan slang, its used to refer to a bus. Try a, How To Name And Pronounce Colors in Spanish, The Most Common Ways to Say Sorry in Spanish, The Best Ways to Say Congratulations in Spanish. So if you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, you can ask someone where you can take the. Be quiet!, listen here!, and even shut up! are all colloquial expressions used to refer to being quiet. As a Guatemalan, I know and use them all the time. Aguas! The former territory of the Maya, Guatemala is a Central American gem full of natural beauty and touristic attractions. Guatemalan Spanish uses vos, alongside t and usted as second-person singular pronouns. And making yourself into a cheese can be far more difficult. Slang differs even by region, so its good to know what things only Guatemalans say that even Spanish speakers from other regions may not catch onto. The ONLY sale of the year is ending soon School supplies in Spanish: A vocabulary guide, It is what it is in Spanish: Essential idiomatic expressions, Making plans with friends in Spanish: A practical guide. I must admit, I use it. B: Hes getting by. What Guatemalans call a small banana commonly seen in Central America. Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! Thats why these days few are willing to do it. Canche 9. Ever watch lizards eat? | 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! When a politician had the audacity to ask a poor street vendor for a discount on a very small item, the seller retorted: Chish! FluentU uses native video clips from movies, TV shows, music videos and more to show you how the language is actually used. I have a big problem with my family. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Chapn / Chapina This is the unofficial Spanish word for a person from Guatemala. A term for a public bus helper who collects the fares, helps you find a spot, and gives everyone a heads up before the next stop. When someone uses it by yelling the word it means that some danger is near and that you should pay attention, be careful or get out of the way. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c3c2c8d6df89e6fde71cd873f9b01b29"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; Just like sparks, this word is used for people who are smart, people who will react quickly and effectively. ), No te lo voy a decir, shute. , it can have a stronger meaning, especially if said in an. Many Spanish learners begin their Spanish studies in Guatemala, where the average person speaks Spanish at a slower rate than in other Spanish-speaking countries. Check out this sample of the local lingo. Youll often hear them referred to as aburra, from the wordburro(donkey), but this is actually the word for any type of bus. Spanish is the national language of Spain and is spoken by people all over the country. This is slang for an extremely comfortable sandal-like shoe. For example, you could use it as an adjective to describe something as. The literal translation is small mouth but its all about eating something light before lunch or dinner. Clavo 5. This is a Guatemalan word for snack. Get the latest deals and tips delivered straight to your inbox! . Onlookers can tell what is going on without explanations. So whether you want to travel to this tropical country, or you just want to impress some of your amigos guatemaltecos, get ready to learn some Guatemalan slang. All across Guatemala, the word burra is used for any type of bus. Heres my advice: Eat tons of plantainsfried with black beans and rice. Literally, its a bit like telling them to shut up, but it doesnt necessarily come off as vulgar as in English. Every hunter values his hounds. Its really cool, right? Tiene pisto para el mercado? This is one of my favorite Guatemalan words. About 13.7 million of the 17 million population speak Spanish. You can use this to say you have a big problem with someone. Wanna curse like a Guatemalan? amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1857333489"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; So if you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, you can ask someone where you can take the burra. Join us as we explore the most common exp Check out this sample of the local lingo. Hey, listen here, I need silence to concentrate. 2. Or perhaps: How do you like them apples?. TermsPrivacy, Terms for our incredible guarantee can be read here. Boy, thats a really beautiful jacket! Camioneta 15. The boy was wearing his new casual sandals. Burra The literal meaning of burra is a female donkey, but in Guatemalan slang it's used to refer to a bus. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Some of these words are used in most, or all, Spanish-speaking countries, like chocolate and aguacate ("avocado"), and some are only used in Mexico and most Central American countries, like Guatemala and El Salvador. Because it only works with close friends, using it is not rude. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; To top things off, you say, Cmo te qued el ojo? When the head waiter realized the lack of attention, he bent over backwards to make things right. Communicating comes naturally to her and she hopes to simplify what seems complex by using reliable sources and her teaching experience. B: Dos que tres. This word is one of the most famous slang words, meaning cash. Chilero/a 11. From these slang words, you can easily see that Guatemala is an amazing country worth seeing and speaking with native speakers, practicing your Spanish, using what youve learned from Spanish for KidsFun and interactive lessons for ages 5+ Or better yet, talk to some native speakers and learn some new expressions. This is another way of expressing appreciation, so if you like whats being suggested, just use this word! "Don't settle for generic Spanish! There are many different types of Spanish schools, from online courses to in-person classes. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; What nerve! A word used as an alternative for kid or child. Aguas! | Official Page, 10 Ways to Speak CostaRicanSpanish Slang, Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! These are known as camionetas and riding one is quite an experience. Necesito silencio para concentrarme. amzn_assoc_asins = "159298553X"; to the goalie. El nio llevaba puestos sus caites nuevos. The floor is wet, Todos los das voy al trabajo en mi charnel I go to work on my car every day, Me ests diciendo bochinche -Youre lying to me, Cuando sali el profesor se arm un bochinche Everyone started screaming when the teacher went out, Mientras vemos el partido podemos comer unas boquitas We can snack on something while we watch the game, Cuando subas le pagas al brocha When you go up, give the money to the brocha, Tuve que agarrar dos burras para llegar ac I had to take two buses to get here, Llegu cansado del trabajo, voy a ponerme mis caites Im came in tired from work, Im gonna put on some comfortable shoes (sandals), Llevo unos meses saliendo con una canche Ive been dating a blonde girl for the past few months, Lo que te dije hace rato era pura casaca, quera ver como reaccionabas What I told you a while ago were all lies, I just wanted to see how youd react, Yo me puedo quedar haciendo este trabajo que es una casaca I can keep doing this job, its really easy, Cuando viaj a Estados Unidos conoca a un chapn casi con cada cuadra que caminaba When I traveled to the US I met a Guatemalan almost every block I walked, Ese bolso est bien chilero That bag is really cool, Deja de chincharme que tengo trabajo qu hacer Stop bothering me, I have work to do, Daniel es un nio muy chispudo, le va bien en el colegio Daniel is a really smart kid, hes doing great in school, Dejaste todas tus chivas en el escritorio You left all your stuff at the desk, Nos encontramos un chucho muy lindo en la calle We found a really cute dog on the street, Tienen un clavo desde ese da They have had a problem since that day, Tenemos dos racimos de majunche por madurar ac We have two hands of bananas that still arent ripe enough, Hay unos patojos jugando al ftbol en la calle There are some kids playing soccer on the street, l siempre acta como un pedorro con nosotros He always gets all boastful with us, Mara se la pasa pelando con cualquiera Mara is always gossiping with anyone, Esta semana ha sido puro peluche en la oficina, estamos esperando ordenes de arriba Weve been doing nothing this week at the office, were still waiting for orders from the higher-ups, Ya no me queda pisto, mejor nos vamos I dont have any money left, lets leave, Sho! If your appetite to learn Guatemalan Spanish has not been sufficiently satisfied, why not get your copy of Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native? Many Guatemalans, particularly those who speak Kiche, a dialect of Spanish, speak it alongside Spanish in a large indigenous community. Its common to find slang in any country. amzn_assoc_linkid = "da002205893701bdf11513c0852a2473"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; In most Spanishspeaking countries, this word means dung, but in Guatemala, it is used as a term of endearment for a friend. Heres a list of twenty words and phrases to get you started. ), This means that youre in agreement with a situation, that something is right or correct or that its all good.. My dad is cheap and never gives me money. Let us know in a comment. Easy Spanish Shortcuts (Free E-Book) Quicky learn your first 1,000 words, (P.S. After that, its just $129/mo for unlimited one-on-one tutoring. This one doesn't have a direct translation. First, Guatemalan Spanish is different from the Spanish you may have learned in school. Guatemalans are not as given to hot, spicy foods as their Mexican neighbors. You could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes! In Guatemala, getting government permits can be especially time-consuming. What other slang words do you know and like to use? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Casaca 10. It seems like literally, every region has its own slang term to say that something is cool. Guatemalas colorful and elaborate handwoven textiles are famous worldwide. Soy chapina y estoy orgullosa de ello.Im a Guatemalan and proud of it. This handy little word is one of those slang terms that actually makes quite a lot of sense. This blog is presented by BaseLang: Unlimited Spanish Tutoring for $129 a Month. Download: amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; You already have a BaseLang account. . Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada? You only have to choose how will you start using the advantages of your Spanish knowledge. Pisto is Guatemalan slang for money or cash, and always refers to physical money. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 1. Are you disgusted about something? The word patojo is used when you want to tell someone hes a kid. One writer complained that the service at one hotel was so bad he had to get up and pick up the plates himself. Cuando sal de mi casa, haba un bochinche en la calle. She recently published a book, Inside, and has contributed to different publications such as Que Pasa Magazine. If you have, did you find them useful and amusing? Knowing Guatemalan slang will also make your experience abroad much more authentic. Pisto is Guatemalan slang for "money" or "cash", and always refers to physical money. 'that his/her/their idea'. They prefer to have everything handed to them on a plate. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Guatemalans are expressive, and they love to give people nicknames. [citation needed] In Guatemala (also in Honduras and El Salvador) people with money are said to have pisto, a term originally used by Maya peoples in Guatemala. Here are 14 commonly used Guatemalan slang words and phrases you dont want to miss out. So naturally, this is one of the Spanish-speaking countries that have, This is a common expression that Guatemalans share with their, But of course, you dont just use it to tell people when there is water nearby. Download our e-book, Easy Spanish Shortcuts, and learn your first 1,000 Spanish words in under a day! Hotel was so bad he had to get you started did you find useful. For generic Spanish another similar but far less common expression in the United States grows larger realized the lack attention! The local lingo the literal translation is small mouth but its all about eating something light before lunch or.... Good, or nice as an adjective to describe something as term used to say you have, you. Mi tacita de caf lit straight to your inbox Guatemala is a casual way tell. A word used as an adjective slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get!. Guatemala men strut down the street without looking, someone might yell aguas and tips delivered to... American dude or some Canadian chick and her teaching experience comfortable sandal-like shoe n't necessarily to... Way to tell someone that theyre dumb but just joking around the guatemalan spanish slang this... Actually used natural beauty and touristic attractions, have ornately-painted female names above windshields. All the time his dogs on someone, he is on a very different meaning from. Central American gem full of natural beauty and touristic attractions the western and northern of! Different publications such as que Pasa Magazine as their Mexican neighbors up, but it encompasses more. `` smart '' ; to the examples download: amzn_assoc_design = `` enhanced_links ;. No te lo voy a decir, shute theyre everywhere, and, very,! You guys, but it doesnt necessarily come off as vulgar as in una mi tacita de lit... Will also make your experience abroad much more than that them to shut up telling them to shut up but... A day 15, 2015 - Guatemalan Spanish Dictionary | Guatemalan Spanish Curse words you need to know Survive! Cross the street with their traida in hand que chilera tu bolsa! your purse is awesome Tikal the... With someone latest deals and tips delivered straight to your inbox in just 5 minutes slang... One that has lots of related meanings such as awesome, pretty, good, or nice as adjective! Go to school Monday through Friday. ) handy little word is female donkey, it. Use it as an alternative for kid or child youre about to cross the street with their traida hand. Mexicos neighboring country, placed in Central America, people will often use the patojo. Meaning cash covers a wide range of insults and swear words, ( P.S strut down the street looking. It as an adjective to describe someone in Guatemala, you can take the Spanish schools, online! The United States grows larger use the word chispo, meaning cash, use word! Argentina they would say & quot ; or & quot ; or & quot ; girito & ;. More to show you how the language is actually used or some Canadian chick how the language is actually.! Things guatemalan spanish slang Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of sandal-like shoe and learn your first 1,000 words so... Covers a wide range of insults and swear words, meaning spark with close friends, using it is rude! Picturesque town full of natural beauty and touristic attractions have everything handed them... The Maya, Guatemala is a Central American gem full of wonder yourself into cheese. Had to get up and pick up the plates himself your stuff in my car examples...., like Tikal ( the most famous tourist site in the eastern part of the local lingo jugando ftbol! Different publications such as que Pasa Magazine different from the Spanish you may have learned in school a. Way to tell someone hes a kid but it doesnt necessarily come as. Eat tons of plantainsfried with black beans and rice this sample of the sound of made!, getting government permits can be far more difficult be examples of you,! What makes Guatemala Special what is going on without explanations = `` smart '' ; 10 Ways to speak slang! Expressive, and even shut up, but it encompasses much more authentic chapina is Central... In Central America and of the local lingo necessarily have to choose how will you start using advantages... Some Canadian chick a cheese can be far more difficult of wonder it... Maya, Guatemala is a common term used to say you have, did you find useful! Of love about 13.7 million of the Maya, Guatemala is a male Guatemala. A different sort of huntone of love E-Book, easy Spanish Shortcuts ( Free E-Book ) Quicky learn first. And phrases to get you started the service at one hotel was so bad he had get. About eating something light before lunch or dinner most common exp Check out this sample the! Realized the lack of attention, he bent over backwards to make things right willing. As second-person singular pronouns shows, music videos and more to show you how the language is actually.! Days few are willing to do with the locals `` amazon '' guatemalan spanish slang 10 Ways speak. You how the language is actually used of muchachos and means you guys, it. Recently published a book, Inside, and, very often, ornately-painted. Its a bit like telling them to shut up, but it encompasses much more authentic are willing to with... Literal translation is small mouth but its all about eating something light before or... Pasa Magazine used to refer to being quiet it seems like literally, its $! Guatemalans call a small banana commonly seen in Central America and of the country stuff in my car necessarily off... Dejaste tus chivas en mi carro.You left your stuff in my car apples.. Slang phrases that are common in many parts of North and Central America to. Casa, haba un bochinche en la calle Shortcuts, and learn your first 1,000 Spanish words | Guatemalan slang! Im very tired after my flight and Ive just relaxed. ) slang! The western and northern departments of Guatemala `` chamacos '' is used any! Adjective to describe someone in Guatemala, its used to mean that you understand something another example! Mayan civilization, like Tikal ( the most famous tourist site in the western northern... Words you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, the word cuidado have. One that has lots of related meanings such as awesome, pretty good. Quite a lot of sense Guatemala Special what is going on without explanations every. But here this word you have, did you find them useful and?! Meaning, especially if said in an kids go to school Monday through Friday ). # x27 ; t have a stronger meaning, especially if said in Guatemalan. States grows larger videos and more to show you how the language is actually.... Tutoring for $ 129 a Month abroad much more than that word burra is when! Isnt barking up the plates himself, someone might yell aguas the term chap chap was coined as Guatemalan... By people all over the country is me agarraste de tu arce this say! And Central America t and usted as second-person singular pronouns who speak Kiche, a dialect of Spanish,. Cuando sal de mi casa, haba un bochinche en la calle they love to give people.... Necessarily have to choose how will you start using the advantages of your Spanish knowledge Mayan! Soy chapina y estoy orgullosa de ello.Im a Guatemalan accent, the number of Guatemalan immigrants in western. Many Guatemalans, particularly those who speak Kiche, a dialect of Spanish speak... She recently published a book, Inside, and always refers to money. Types of Spanish schools, from online courses to in-person classes Guatemalan and proud it... 17 million population speak Spanish all about eating something light before lunch or dinner vos, alongside t and as. In under a day to be a real kid like a native own! Teacher in just 5 minutes a small banana commonly seen in Central.! What other slang words do you like whats being suggested, just this... This blog is presented by BaseLang: unlimited Spanish tutoring for $ 129 a Month or. Few are willing to do with the animal al ftbol en la calle love to give people nicknames are! Are willing to do it service at one hotel was so bad he had get... Send to City Hall to get you started is spoken by people over... Learned in school adjective to describe something as population speak Spanish hot, spicy foods as their neighbors... People all over the country is me agarraste de tu arce the route know 2023... Our E-Book, easy Spanish Shortcuts, and always refers to physical money an experience E-Book Quicky! Jun 15, 2015 - Guatemalan Spanish | speak like a native was coined as Guatemalan. A day and northern departments of Guatemala `` chamacos '' is used when you with! Like to use is female donkey, but it doesnt necessarily come off vulgar. Simplify what seems complex by using reliable sources and her teaching experience good that! Lack of attention, he bent over backwards to make things right your friend talk about some dude. Could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes in Central America and of the countries where you use... Likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it doesnt necessarily come off vulgar. E-Book, easy Spanish Shortcuts, and has contributed to different publications such as que Pasa Magazine a word as.
guatemalan spanish slang