This is Guatemalan slang term for anyone with blonde or light colored hair. It involves charming someone you like, even if you have to lie a little. . Literally, its a bit like telling them to shut up, but it doesnt necessarily come off as vulgar as in English. "Don't settle for generic Spanish! The word burra comes from burro, which is a donkey in Spanish. Hence, when a local se echa un cuaje, it means he is taking a nap. They perch themselves motionless in a spot where they know creatures lower on the food chain will be passing by. What does Pisada mean in Guatemala? At least thats what I read into the fact that he shows his face to communicate a salary increase at a moment more awkward than having a nosy mother-in-law along for the honeymoon. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The local people of Guatemala are sweet and welcoming. Chilero/a 11. Due to how common it is in Guatemala, I chose this one as a replacement. Slang term used by Guatemalans, to talk about other Guatemalans, in a non-offensive way. 20 Guatemalan Words You Should Know 1. While this word literally translates to nail, in Guatemala it takes on a very different meaning. (Stop gossiping, its rude. The masculine version is traido for boyfriend. After that, its just $129/mo for unlimited one-on-one tutoring. 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! 'a my cup of coffee'. 14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner. All Rights Reserved. You could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes! You have to know before you go that the chicken buses in Guatemala are the workhorses of the transportation system. So naturally, this is one of the Spanish-speaking countries that have a lot of interesting Spanish slang words. When some public bus drivers suggested that government subsidies be eliminated and passengers use prepaid cards instead of cash, one reader responded: Me he dado cuenta que hay una buena cantidad de los buses parados, ya sea que estn tirados en talleres o simplemente, como no son horas pico de pasaje, los sacan de su ruta y as quieren el subsidio cabalito, qu de a sombrero! aguas) means careful! or look out!. Aguas! Its a fun way to get to know Guatemala better so that you can come to visit and fit right in. A car is coming.). Mayan teachings and rituals live on to this day in Guatemala. Fiaca - This is the word Argentinians use to say that they feel lazy or they don't really wan't to do something. Some people believe that Spanish schools are the best way to learn the language, while others find them to be too expensive. This is what youll login in with. Pisto is Guatemalan slang for "money" or "cash", and always refers to physical money. Guatemala, a small country south of Mexico, has a lot of different slang words that really make it stand out linguistically. [citation needed] It includes the use of the second-person singular personal pronoun vos alongside the standard Spanish second-person singular pronouns t and usted to form a three-level system of second-person singular address.[3]. Second, the Mayan languages are also spoken in Guatemala, so you may hear people speaking them as well. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; (The kids go to school Monday through Friday.). So, if someone calls you chispudo or chispuda, it means you have a spark and youre sharp. Easy Spanish Shortcuts (Free E-Book) Quicky learn your first 1,000 words, (P.S. What other slang words do you know and like to use? Finally, you break through the defense and score the game-winning goal! Guatemalan Spanish uses vos, alongside t and usted as second-person singular pronouns. It comes from the native Nahuatl word Quauhtlemallan, meaning the place of many trees. So, literally, the word means dog, but its used to refer to a greedy person. According to the UNWTO, (the United Nations world tourism organization), the country received 2.56 million international tourists in 2019. TermsPrivacy, Terms for our incredible guarantee can be read here. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Enjoy! Communicating comes naturally to her and she hopes to simplify what seems complex by using reliable sources and her teaching experience. Guatemalan Spanish | Speak like a Native! This archaic Spanish word for girlfriend never went out of style in Guatemala. The former territory of the Maya, Guatemala is a Central American gem full of natural beauty and touristic attractions. 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. A word used as an alternative for kid or child. Required fields are marked *, With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Much, cundo creen que terminaremos este proyecto? There is more to speaking a language than what comes in the typical textbook. For that reason, if a Guatemalan calls someone a culebra, he is probably just buttering someone up to get his way. Here are a few tips to help you learn the Guatemalan language. because it has a different meaning nearly everywhere you go. Chispa means spark. In most cases, the Guatemalans speak two to five different languages in addition to Spanish. This idiom means to date. Careful crossing the Street, remember! HOW CANyou make yourGuatemalanSpanish moreauthentic? Boquitos comes from the diminutive form of boca (mouth). This term is used when someone is talking about another person, but only in a bad way, describing defects or bad taste. . There are two Latin American countries with Spanish in the region: Mexico and Guatemala. Theyre just like tapas in Spain; small portions but delicious. To rest or relax, or be relaxed, or to not do much (we can relate to this one). Group ClassesTrue immersion in a peer-led environment Therefore, if someone says that you are taking him as his little piggie, back off! Mucha gente quiere la papa pelada y que otro siembre para cosechar nosotros. It is the official language of Spain and the most widely spoken language in the country. This doesnt really have a direct translation but is used in informal situations to tell someone to shut up or grab their attention. Today, well learn 20 Guatemalan words to expand your Spanish slang vocabulary. I left my 'comfortable' job on Facebook to fulfill my dream - educating people worldwide. (Do you have cash for the market? Cuando le ped a Antonio que me hiciera un favor ms, enojado me dijo: Qu! Download: 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. This construction also came from Mayan languages such as Cachiquel, Kekchi, and Quiche. Listen carefully for this in everyday conversation, and repeat it again and again until it rolls off your tongue. Every year, the number of Guatemalan immigrants in the United States grows larger. Mara es chapina. Pinterest. Ever peel a stack of potatoes? This is another good example of slang phrases that are common in many parts of North and Central America. This one doesn't have a direct translation. She majored in Communications and strives to help others improve their lives. B: Dos que tres. 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. Because it is the official language, it is spoken by the majority of Guatemalans. You can find her at www.learngrowtravel.com. As an example, a person in his twenties may also be considered a patojo if they are over the age of 70. But dont worry, most Guatemalans also speak Spanish. In the rest of the. Boquitas 7. It has its own slang and expressions that can be confusing for Spanish speakers from other countries. Used asslang for snack food, or more commonly for appetizers before lunch or dinner. Tengo un clavo con mi coche. Learning Spanish slang words, Guatemalan in our particular case, is always good for many reasons. People from Guatemala talk a lot and speak a variety of languages. About 13.7 million of the 17 million population speak Spanish. But there is no math involved in this one. Though nail probably makes more sense if youre talking about something painful connecting two people. Spanish is spoken by over 572 million people, 9 Free Homeschool Curriculum Options with Daily Lesson Plans, 25 Famous People Who Speak Spanish as a Second Language, Top 10 Inspiring Art Books for Kids Who Homeschool, 10 Traditional Latin American Christmas Foods, 8 Sad Spanish Songs for When Your Heart Is Broken, 10 Female Hispanic Singers Who Conquered the World, 10 Festive Ways to Spend Christmas in Argentina, 38 Regular -IR and -ER Verbs in Spanish You Can Master Today, 45+ Mission Trip Spanish Phrases You Need To Know, 44 Essential Spanish Quotes and Proverbs to Fuel Your Motivation, Spanish Body Parts: Vocabulary, Idioms, and Culture, Spanish Preterite vs Imperfect: 25 Online Exercises to Practice Your Skills, 10 Original and Lovely Mexican Terms of Endearment. This is another way of expressing appreciation, so if you like whats being suggested, just use this word! We all know that agua means water, but in Guatemalan slang, adding an s (i.e. (Tell the bus assistant that you need to go to Santander Road.). That literally means he is hanging like a sausage in the store. . Chish! Have conversations faster, understand people when they speak fast, and other tested tips to learn faster. Sho! A Huevos If you are already learning Spanish, you would say that this word means to the eggs but in our case, it doesn't. A huevos in Guatemalan slang can be used as you would use the English for sure. The verb cuajar means to coagulate, or to solidify. Zero to advanced. A huevos This literally means "to the eggs," but it is used to say "for sure." Quieres ir al cine maana? You can use this in different contexts, but most frequently it is used with friends when you want to tell them to stop talking and listen to you. Usually, youll use the phrase right before you continue to explain the situation. Also used in Venezuela when referring to chaos and disorder. This word means kid or child. . vocabulary, make their way into modern-day Guatemalan Spanish (the only official language). Chucho/a 14. I dont have any cash until I get paid. It merely means so, so. Implicit is a sense of camaraderie and of belonging. | 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! Your hands and back will be aching. 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. Estuve aguja todo el semestre y pude sacar buenas notas - I had to focus and get prepared the entire semester and I could get good grades 2) Arrecho A chapina is a female from the Republic of Guatemala, whereas a chap*n is a male. Casacacan either be a lie or something that is easy. Chilero basically means cool, good, or nice as an adjective. So that means that this is actually Guatemalan slang for bite-sized food. An expression commonly used in Central America to refer to a chaos or disorder caused by several people, or, as an alternate meaning, a lie. Canche means blonde and its a common nickname and term of endearment used in Guatemala. For example, if someone tried to overcharge you on a job or at the market, you would call that person achucho. Where did you buy that leather jacket? amzn_assoc_asins = "0615897509"; Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? People use this word to quickly get the attention of a group, and depending on the delivery it could get to be quite effective. Ancient Mayan civilization is at Guatemalas core. Every hunter values his hounds. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; . Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? Its a pretty good slang term that is similar to how in English, people used to say they had beef with someone. (Were going to Panajachel on Monday.). No spam! This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Chispa mean spark, and so chispudois something along the lines of sparky and used to refer to someone who responds to requests quickly, or that will grasp complicated concepts faster than the average. Hey guys, when do you think we will finish this project? People use this wordto quickly get the attention of a group, and depending on the delivery it could get to be quite effective. Or perhaps: How do you like them apples?. Tomo una burra para ir al trabajo. Its dangerous to drive so fast. Love can make us act crazy. ). In case you missed it, here is a quick round-up of the countries we covered thus far in our Spanish slang series. In some regions, it also has the additional meaning of understanding something, but then also adapting to the changes. Lets all hope that Camilo isnt barking up the wrong tree. Literally, the word can be translated as a dog but in slang, this word describes a nasty and greedy person. Download our e-book, Easy Spanish Shortcuts, and learn your first 1,000 Spanish words in under a day! Of all the Guatemalan words that weve learned, this is the spiciest. Youll be well on your way to speaking bona fide Guatemalan Spanish! Duro - It means money in Spain. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Its not really an insult but more a term of endearment. if youre interested in their unique transportation system. In the United States, a variety of ethnicities are represented, and the Guatemalan community is steadily expanding. You makemore money than I do! amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; 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. Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick. FluentU brings Spanish to life with real-world videos. The literal translation is small mouth but its all about eating something light before lunch or dinner. 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. This week Ive been exhausted so Ive just rested. Guatemalan Spanish: Slang And Expressions, Why R Is The Best Programming Language For Data Analysis, How To Teach Newly Coined Words To Foreign Language Learners, The Different Stages Of Language Learning, Everything You Need To Know About Learning Turkish, Language Learning: Different From Other Types Of Learning. Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native! The exact strategies you need to become conversational in Spanish this year. While many a Spanish-speaker has gushedover hisgirlfriend, or novia, in Guatemala men strut down the street with their traida in hand. This is the most typical Guatemalan slang used to refer to another person from Guatemala. And here you can say La musica es cabal! ), This means that youre in agreement with a situation, that something is right or correct or that its all good.. Even so, they want their complete subsidy! Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of. Central American Spanish (Spanish: espaol centroamericano or castellano centroamericano) is the general name of the Spanish language dialects spoken in Central America.More precisely, the term refers to the Spanish language as spoken in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. We can eat some snacks while we watch Netflix. That person doesn't necessarily have to be a real kid. Bochinche 8. When Chapn and G*isa are together, they like to spend time talking and laughing. All Rights Reserved. Land of eternal spring. In this case, not only is the finald lopped off, the intermediate erd morphs into an a. As a side note, check out the Guatemalan chicken buses if youre interested in their unique transportation system. So, burra could be literally translated as a female donkey. The word cerote has an ideal English equivalent named dude. Este es el plan Hey, listen here, this is the plan, Vete de aqu, shute, esto no te incumbe Get out of here man, this does not concern you. In these languages dos que tres means some. , it can have a stronger meaning, especially if said in an. The word chispudo came from the word chispo, meaning spark. Ricardo, ever since he met Ruth, has been head over heels in love. Dont be nosy, my private life is private. Este desfile es muy viernes. Or better yet, talk to some native speakers and learn some new expressions. In most of the world, this word means animal feces. Guatemalan Spanish: Speak Like a Native! If someone is bothering you, then this is one of the slang terms you can use to tell them to be quiet and go away. Metro buses, chicken buses, minibusses, everything is burra. (Im very tired after my flight and Ive just relaxed.). If you have the opportunity to work with a group of Guatemalans, just get their attention with much, and then voice your request. This expression refers to chaos or disorder caused by crowds. Aguas con el trfico! Its like boasting in English: Look whos laughing now! Top 20 Guatemalan Words and Slang Expressions You Should Know (2023) Table of Contents What Makes Guatemala Special What is Slang? Sho! When someone says theyre broke, they usually refer to it as pisto. Its like saying, Ah, of course, I get it. Because lets face it: sometimes you just need to be the loudest of your friends when speaking Spanish if you want to get everyones attention. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; But don't worry, most Guatemalans also speak Spanish. There are just two basic meaning you should know. You can visit ruins from the Mayan civilization, like Tikal (the most famous tourist site in the country). Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here? If youre in a more formal situation, the official gentilicio is guatemalteco/a. (I need to clear up my stuff.). amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This is slang for an extremely comfortable sandal-like shoe. Thisis the perfect thing to say to a child who is about to stick something filthy in his mouth. Guatemala City that will make your trips experience circled. Adding Guatemalan words to your vocabulary will make your Spanish richer. For a more complete list see List of Spanish words of Nahuatl origin. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "e0f86fcc677c07d4808a9f4e09877eda"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; Peluche is a polite way to say that youve been completely unproductive. 1. Spanish in Guatemala is a native language of the country. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c3c2c8d6df89e6fde71cd873f9b01b29"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is really greedy or stingy. El piso est mojado Careful! Your email address will not be published. For example, you could use it as an adjective to describe something as. This is a casual way to tell someone that theyre dumb but just joking around. Hay unos patojos jugando al ftbol en la calle. This word covers a wide range of insults and swear words, so I will go right to the examples. When you agree with something and you are good with that, use the word cabal. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. Literally, its a bit like telling them to . The word patojo is used when you want to tell someone hes a kid. Tengo un gran clavo con mi familia. 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. Cmo te qued el ojo? If you have a birthday coming up, or your best friend just got a promotion has a lot of different slang words that really make it stand out linguistically. Cuando sal de mi casa, haba un bochinche en la calle. Heres a list of twenty words and phrases to get you started. Although it is not a comprehensive guide, the 650+ definitions of unique and slang terms found in the Spanish-English section, together with terms in the English-Spanish . Its usually noisy and can even be a strike or a riot. It is a reflection of the countrys history and the various groups who have settled here. Maria is sharp and knows all the answers. 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. This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. In Guatemalan, Honduras, and El Salvador, the Spanish word for eaves is equivalent to friend.. If someone is bothering you, then this is one of the slang terms you can use to tell them to be quiet and go away. Your email address will not be published. Camilo le est echando los perros a Mara. This term is used to refer to all your things. Interested in learning more terms of endearment in Spanish? Second, the Mayan languages are also spoken in Guatemala, so you may hear people speaking them as well. It can mean that there is some problem that happened, or possibly misunderstanding. Spanish tutors. Guatemalans are not as given to hot, spicy foods as their Mexican neighbors. They love tourists and enjoy sharing what they know with those who are curious. Its used as stuff.. But not in Guatemala! : sometimes you just need to be the loudest of your friends when speaking Spanish if you want to get everyones attention. Guatemalas colorful and elaborate handwoven textiles are famous worldwide. So that means that this is actually Guatemalan slang for bite-sized food. (That chicken bus is really cute.). A verb used which means to annoy, and is normally used in a vulgar way. Casaca is a slang term, with two very concrete meanings the first one being a lie, and the second, as an expression used when something is really easy to do. No matter what your learning style is, there is a Spanish school that can fit your needs. Making cheese isnt easy. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; In Guatemala, the word for yes is s. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; l trat decobrarme 100 quetzales; qu chucho! amzn_assoc_linkid = "31d8c121dc4de097ecca467ae5200b31"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; ), It can mean a big piece of excrement, but its often used between very close friends as a stand-in for the word dude.. Guatemala is full of wonder and magic, and its language is alive in its people and traditions. In general, chucho is a very difficult word to translate because it has a different meaning nearly everywhere you go. Are there any phrases that are more Guatemalan than sho? 12 Guatemalan Slang Words and Phrases to Help You Speak Like a Local In this post, we're presenting some of the most common words and phrases you'll hear on the streets (and in the bars) of Guatemala. Because it only works with close friends, using it is not rude. Dance to music played by street musicians near the fountain in Antigua. [citation needed] The words used to describe children (or kids) vary among the countries in Central America; in Guatemala they are often called patojos. You disgust me! Guatemalans are expressive, and they love to give people nicknames. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. This refers to someone who is blonde and is often used as a term of endearment. There are many different dialects, and the grammar is very different from English. If you are a rubbernecker or a buttinsky, dont be surprised if in Guatemala you are described as shute, which essentially means nosy, prying or snoopy, and not of the Charlie Brown variety! You can use this to say you have a big problem with someone. Pick some of your favorite slang terms and practice them. In Guatemala, it can be a slang term for a dog. Lets send Enrique. The colonial architecture in Antigua Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder. This phrase is commonly used to refer to something thats cool or awesome when youre talking, especially as an interjection. For example, "No tengo un duro" is "I don't have money". Aguas! 10 Guatemalan Slang You Need to Know | Maximo Nivel As you travel through Latin America, tone, accents, and even words in Spanish will vary. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. Similar to describing someone as on the ball in English. Usted gana ms que yo! The vast majority of the countrys residents speak at least two and five different languages. Get the latest deals and tips delivered straight to your inbox! (This music is good.). So if you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, you can ask someone where you can take the. Click here to get a copy. 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. Come along with us and explore this delightful selection of Guatemalan Spanish terms, also known as guatemaltequismos or chapinismos. Jun 15, 2015 - Guatemalan Spanish Slang | Guatemalan Spanish Accent | Guatemalan Spanish Dictionary | Guatemalan Spanish Words | Guatemalan Culture. for a female. These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! Como me gusta ese canche.I really like that blonde guy. Sausages here are not usually hidden . 7 Guatemala Spanish Expressions About Work Lee is back for his second article with Speaking Latino. Heres my advice: Eat tons of plantainsfried with black beans and rice. 2015-2023 BaseLang, LLC. Here are 14 commonly used Guatemalan slang words and phrases you don't want to miss out. When the phrase hola is said in a Guatemalan accent, the person usually smiles and shakes hands. 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!