There is more to speaking a language than what comes in the typical textbook. 10) Boquitas. This idiom means to date. Listening Spanish for KidsFun and interactive lessons for ages 5+ Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. Guatemala City that will make your trips experience circled. Los chapines son muy gentiles. 21 SWEET TREATS TO DISCOVER: Peru Fruit. Its not offensive at all, but definitely not formal, either. For example: Why asparagus? Chucho is also the Guatemalan slang for a dog, but dont get distracted, because chucho could also mean a car tire in this country, so just to be safe always assume it means a dog, unless youre talking about cars. Click here to get a copy. We will also break down some of the most popular slang per country so that you know what to say next time . (That chicken bus is really cute.). And not just communicate: when they see your knowledge and willingness to learn some of their colloquialisms, it is very likely that they will tell you some secrets about delicious food to eat, non-common places to visit to avoid typical tourist attractions and meet the real Guatemala. Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2023. But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is really greedy or stingy. However, it can have a stronger meaning, especially if said in an offensive tone. This expression refers to chaos or disorder caused by crowds. So that means that this is actually Guatemalan slang for bite-sized food. Mayan culture, lakes, rainforests to amazing modern places in It can mean that there is some problem that happened, or possibly misunderstanding. A word or phrase used to describe someone in a negative way or to talk to someone abusively. Gey. For example, when youre with a group of close friends, you might want to get their attention, so you, so they listen to you. Peluche is a polite way to say that youve been completely unproductive. I am sorry to say that if you are in Colombia, Ecuador, or Venezuela it means the person is cheating on you. Estuvo buena la fiesta? It shows that that person doesnt have any idea how to do anything well. Aguas! English Links - Study Abroad - Learning English Video Project 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. Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a . Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you 9) Burra. Mayan teachings and rituals live on to this day in Guatemala. But is this really true? Ese restaurante es calid. Guatemalans are expressive, and they love to give people nicknames. All rights reserved. This is another way of expressing appreciation, so if you like whats being suggested, just use this word! But what do you think you should know before heading off to Guatemala? Dance to music played by street musicians near the fountain in Antigua. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. The goal is to learn and have fun. If youre thinking that agua is water, youre right. If you are planning to visit some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, we have a proposal for you. JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post This one doesnt have a direct translation. Dos que tres! Are there any phrases that are more Guatemalan than sho? Do you have cash for the taxi? However, Chapines use clavo when someone has a problem or a difficult situation. Deja de pelar, es grosero. According to dictionary.com, slang is a very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language.. Bus, a common form of transport here and a term that many locals will use with a sarcastic dose of disdain. (That restaurant is cool. In fact, this term is pretty common in all of Central America, especially in Mexico Aguas cruzando la calle, recuerda! 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. For more information read our privacy policy. My dad is cheap and never gives me money. While this word literally translates to nail, in Guatemala it takes on a very different meaning. Is Guatemalan black? Your email address will not be published. These are known as camionetas and riding one is quite an experience. Your new friend might be insulting you. Yes, of course, speaking Spanish is one of the main things you should have in mind. (I need to go to the store to buy snacks.). No matter the context, youll hear this word in almost every sentence in Colombia and Venezuela. In Guatemala, pisto is a slang term used for the word money. She recently published a book, Inside, and has contributed to different publications such as Que Pasa Magazine. Clavo literally means nail, but in Guatemalan slang, it could mean something close to having a problem, with something or someone. Goodbye, used casually in conversation with someone you know or work with. So, do light bulbs have hair? Wanna curse like a Guatemalan? This is Guatemalan slang term for anyone with blonde or light colored hair. So if you go visit, make sure you show off your knowledge. Its meaning is 'you're hot' but it is also one way people use it in informal speeches. Saying te voy a dar una galleta as an insult means that you are going to hit someone. This phrase is among quite weird insults. Its common to find slang in any country. Que chilera tu bolsa!Your purse is awesome! It is similar to do you get it?. (Were going to Panajachel on Monday.). Interestingly, this word is so common among the locals that you can hear it all over the country. (English translation: I shit on your mother). Imagine the situation: you are at the part, having a great time, dancing, the music is great. It is derived from chile which is a hot pepper in Guatemala and you use it to mean awesome!. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Learn more here. Learning basic Portuguese sayings and greetings shouldn't be that hard. A post shared by Maximo Nivel (@maximoabroad) on May 4, 2019 at 5:32pm PDT. However, Spaniards wouldnt be Spaniards if they considered this very rude. You have to know before you go that the chicken buses in Guatemala are the workhorses of the transportation system. This word refers to a stray dog. . In Guatemala, it is still commonly used this way. Please go to web.baselang.com to log back in and re-subscribe. Its like saying, , , que mi jefe meti las patas, y a m me estaba echando la culpa. We had problems creating your account. Que Huevon. 1. When you agree with something and you are good with that, use the word cabal. Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada? If you want to insult someone by comparing them to food, you can do it. Its easy to fly to from the U.S. or Canada. This phrase is commonly used to refer to something thats cool or awesome when youre talking, especially as an interjection. 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. Expand your Spanish vocabulary beyond slang terms before your trip to Guatemala, and have a better trip for the effort. Youll also hear it in Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela, and Bolivia. This doesnt really have a direct translation but is used in informal situations to tell someone to shut up or grab their attention. 1. asparagus doesnt seem so rude. AccreditedEarn US high school Spanish credits, SpanishVIP BlogLearn Spanish on the go This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You can use this to say you have a big problem with someone. Boquitos comes from the diminutive form of boca (mouth). Theyre everywhere, and, very often, have ornately-painted female names above their windshields. Chilero is used to express appreciation for something. ). ), When faced with an event thats kind of a drag, locals often say,Ser muy viernes.. When you want to say that something is cool and great, something that is beyond your expectations in a positive way, use this slang word. 2. El nio llevaba puestos sus caites nuevos. You only have to choose how will you start using the advantages of your Spanish knowledge. Copyright 2023 SpanishVIP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Adding Guatemalan words to your vocabulary will make your Spanish richer. . (Im very tired after my flight and Ive just relaxed.). Sho! (Shut up! If someone is horny in Colombia, Venezuela or Chile youll hear vas a tirar. Youll hear this in Colombia. If you have, did you find them useful and amusing? 12 Common Hand Gestures in the US That Will Insult People in Other Countries, 29 Phrases To Get You Started Learning Pidgin English, Does Duolingo Actually Work? I use this one all the time, and I love boquitas! You could very well be a fluent Spanish speaker, but one visit to a new country in the region can leave you confused and questioning your own ability. We learned that as you travel through Latin America, tone, accents, and even words in Spanish will vary. But is this really true? Are you okay? This guide to Guatemalan slang is for English speakers visiting Guatemala for the first time. Its said in a loving and fun way. This is an interjection that is used to tell someone to be careful. In English, the ideal equivalent is awesome or pretty. (I will buy a new car when I finish school. Its a synonym for chvere. Dont think youll get a cookie when you hear this phrase. Now, get ready to learn the language of Chapin. (Download). Here is a guide to the essential slang words you need to know when traveling in Latin America. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. If you are planning to visit some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, we have a proposal for you. (I take a bus to work.). Parts of Speech Quiz, Search - Home - AboutPrivacy - Terms - Contact - Permissions All rights reserved. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Learning basic Portuguese sayings and greetings shouldn't be that hard. - Guatemala)s on the ProZ.com KudoZ translation network. I Went To Belgium To Find Out After a 90-Day Lesson Streak, 19 Funny, Sarcastic, and No-Nonsense Trini Sayings Youll Want To Start Using Every Day, This Guide To British Sayings and Slang Will Have You Chitchatting With the Queen in a Snap, 12 Spanish Words With No Exact Equivalent, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, Download the Online vs. Onsite TEFL: Whats Right for You? Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? Every country has its own slang. But apart from that, you should consider learning some Guatemalan slang words and phrases so that you can easily communicate with the locals. Each often shows unique linguistic phenomena that vary in form and content. 11) Going further than Guatemalan slang. vocabulary, make their way into modern-day Guatemalan Spanish (the only official language). Spanish learning travelers should pick it up pretty quickly, while those without experience with the language may struggle with pronunciation and use. Continue reading because, in the following lines, you will find ten Spanish insults, which are surprisingly very funny, too. Como me gusta ese canche.I really like that blonde guy. Guatemalas colorful and elaborate handwoven textiles are famous worldwide. Learn more about how to talk like a true local by starting with our Spanish Survival Crash Course. Pick some of your favorite slang terms and practice them. If you are in a lasting relationship with someone, you are pololeando., Another popular word in Chilean that is peppered into most sentences. These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! No matter Spanish is the official language of Guatemala and youll. If you make a deposit, installment payment(s), or pay your program fees in full, but then you cannot travel on the planned dates, Maximo Nivels 10-Year Payment Guarantee means you can apply your payment to future programs for 10 years! Esta musica es cabal. The colonial architecture in Antigua Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder. Afro-Guatemalans are Guatemalans of African descent. This is the shortened variant of the word calidad, which means "quality," but Guatemalans use it to say something is cool, or that it exceeds their expectations. Esa camioneta es muy bonita. Get the hell out of my way, b! Your payment is also fully transferrable, so a family member or friend can apply the value of your payment to their own program instead. When it comes to learning a foreign language, many people think that kids are better at language learning than adults. To rest or relax, or be relaxed, or to not do much (we can relate to this one). Of course not. Youre in this for life, my friend). A post shared by Maximo Nivel (@maximoabroad) on Jan 21, 2016 at 12:19am PST. Knowing Guatemalan slang will also make your experience abroad much more authentic. Ok, lets go!. Ya estas Viernes. (English translation: Go fry asparagus) Here is one more insult that concerns food. Also used in Venezuela when referring to chaos and disorder. Guatemalan are gentle people. And if youre looking to further your Spanish speaking skills, sign up for a free class to talk with one of our native-speaking teachers from Guatemala today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Spanish. 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. - Careful crossing the Street, remember! Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of gentilicios. Slang term used by Guatemalans, to talk about other Guatemalans, in a non-offensive way. Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us 2022 HSA. This word literally doesnt have a particular meaning but it is used in situations when you want to tell someone that you liked what he said or expressed if you want to show your appreciation, you can use chilero. This term is used when someone is talking about another person, but only in a bad way, describing defects or bad taste. If youre looking for the support of an incredible teacher, we can help. Youll often hear them referred to as aburra, from the wordburro(donkey), but this is actually the word for any type of bus. Vamos a Panajachel el lunes. Check out this list of some of the most common Californian phrases you might need to translate. Even though cookies are delicious, and no one would think that they can be insulting, they can be. Vete a frer esprragos. (My best friend is a blondie. Its also utilized in countries like Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Honduras. Youll be able to communicate as the natives will, strengthening those relationships. Camilo le est echando los perros a Mara. 10 Insults in Spanish That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud. a selfish, unpleasant, obnoxious person ass-kisser someone who says nice things to someone in order to get something from them bastard an unpleasant, despicable person bimbo a pretty, but empty-headed, young lady bugger (1) a disliked or pitiful person, usually a man chicken a coward (n.) | cowardly (adj.) She majored in Communications and strives to help others improve their lives. Esta noche vamos a rumbear/tonear/carretear/parrandear/arrancar/farrear! 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If you head to the Guatemalan coast, youll probably do a lot ofpeluche. But, hueviar means stole. Guati. This is a nail, but when it comes to Guatemalan words, it is commonly used to declare that you have a serious problem. Popular @ EnglishClub: Let us know in a comment. ), Tengo que recoger mis chivas. Like, the many ways of preparing eggs, huevos is the most versatile slang word for Guatemalans. First of all, Spanish is spoken by over 572 million people, and its the official language of more than 20 countries. 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. 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. Though nail probably makes more sense if youre talking about something painful connecting two people. Sho! This is the shortened variant of the word calidad, which means quality, but Guatemalans use it to say something is cool, or that it exceeds their expectations. Literally, its a bit like telling them to . However, some of the native Mayan languages are still present in the region, so these languages, along with some Nahuatl vocabulary, make their way into modern-day Guatemalan Spanish (the only official language). Yes (s). So here is a list of the top 10 most commonly used Guatemalan slang words: This is a common expression that Guatemalans share with their northern neighbors. Voy al tiro. Youll hear this chanted at parties in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. 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Bolas and pelotas translates to balls. Its used to verify that another person understands what you are saying. Agarra la burra para llegar a casa de tu to. Cerote. Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick.