20 Guatemalan Words You Should Know 1. Every country has its own slang. Are youdisgusted about something? The charm he used on her worked, and now theyre dating. 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! Guatemala is no different. Locals learn between two and five languages in the country and Spanish is the dominant language spoken here. It means wow! You can use it to encourage someone when they do something cool or to make fun of them because theyre trying to be cool. Thats what happens when, because of perhaps a simple fender bender, the flow of traffic comes nearly to a halt, just so all the curious can get a gander at what happened. As an interesting Spanish fact, the word Gentilicio doesnt exist in English, but it means the word used to refer to a group of people. Careful crossing the Street, remember! 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. But what do you think you should know before heading off to Guatemala? I had to include this one because its so common to hear and use in Guatemala. Boquitos comes from the diminutive form of boca (mouth). This time he's sharing from his new book Guatemalan Spanish: Speak Like a Native! (Stop gossiping, its rude. And before you go, learn some of these great slang terms to converse with the locals! Chapn for a male and Chapina for a female. 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. This doesnt really have a direct translation but is used in informal situations to tell someone to shut up or grab their attention. When we sleep, an observer may see that our body does something similar. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. 10 Guatemalan Slang You Need to Know | Maximo Nivel As you travel through Latin America, tone, accents, and even words in Spanish will vary. Very rarely a demonstrative can go before the possessive pronoun, like aquella su idea lit. Get ready to learn the language of Chapin with this quick guide. When a politician had the audacity to ask a poor street vendor for a discount on a very small item, the seller retorted: Chish! Thats why these days few are willing to do it. Esta semana estoy muy cansada y he estado de peluche. Hence, when a local se echa un cuaje, it means he is taking a nap. There are also 22 Mayan languages and dialects spoken by over 20% of the population, including Garfuna and Xinca. Very likely it is an example of onomatopoeia, that is, a word that mimics the sounds associated with the word itself. This refers to someone who is blonde and is often used as a term of endearment. This is a casual way to tell someone that theyre dumb but just joking around. For example, if someone tried to overcharge you on a job or at the market, you would call that person achucho. Of course, its literal translation is water, but when you hear this spoken loudly it means that danger is approaching. Heres one more word you surely know for its main meaning. This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. Son, if you behave, Ill buy you some popcorn tonight at the movies. Onlookers can tell what is going on without explanations. When I left home, there was a riot in the streets. Maria es chispuda y sabe todas las respuestas. . amzn_assoc_linkid = "5884666d8ab86e0743ca8341737d272c"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; But of course, you dont just use it to tell people when there is water nearby. B: Dos que tres. because it has a different meaning nearly everywhere you go. They prefer to have everything handed to them on a plate. Mar Z. Luna is a published writer and communicator who loves to explore and educate. 10 Ways to Speak Costa Rican Spanish Slang; Guatemala. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. If you come across a Guatemalan or visiting the country, it's important to learn these 10 very brutal curse words! It seems like literally, every region has its own slang term to say that something is cool. Second, the Mayan languages are also spoken in Guatemala, so you may hear people speaking them as well. Girlfriend in Guatemala A girlfriend is a common term used to describe someone in Guatemala. Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native! Have you thought about visiting Guatemala? SpanishDict is the world's most popular Spanish-English dictionary, translation, and learning website. The Maya language is a complex and difficult language to learn. That being the case, in Guatemalan Spanish, a person in such a state is said to be colgado como chorizo en tienda. If youre in a more formal situation, the official gentilicio is guatemalteco/a. can take anywhere. The colonial architecture in Antigua Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder. | Official Page, Five Nicaraguan Spanish Sayings about Animals. Go click that link! amzn_assoc_asins = "1857333489"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This archaic Spanish word for girlfriend never went out of style in Guatemala. SPANISH SLANG: DO YOU SPEAK THE REAL SPANISH (COLLOQUIAL SPANISH): THE ESSENTIALS OF SPANISH SLANG (SPANISH VOCABULARY) (VOLUME 2) By My Daily Spanish **Mint Condition**. . Deja de pelar, es grosero. HOW CAN you make your Guatemalan Spanish more authentic? He or she can be 20 years old, but the point of the word used toward someone calling him a kid doesnt have a negative connotation. I use this one all the time, and I love boquitas! If you want to get some practice with Guatemalan slang, I recommend trying to get as much exposure to native speakers as possible! But when it comes to Guatemalan words and slang, it means look out! This term is used throughout Central America and Mexico. Learn Spanish. Lospatajos van a escuela de lunes a viernes. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is really greedy or stingy. [8], A number of words widely used in Guatemala which have Mayan or other native origins, in particular names for flora, fauna and toponyms. 1. ), Comprar un nuevo charnel cuando termine la escuela. In the same way today every school and every company has its bootlickers. This construction was occasional in Old Spanish and still found in Judaeo-Spanish, but its frequency in El Salvador and Guatemala is due to similar constructions being found in various Mayan languages. Hey, listen here, I need silence to concentrate. Just say this. Learning basic Portuguese sayings and greetings shouldn't be that hard. BOOKS ON GUATEMALA SPANISH SLANG. Also used in Venezuela when referring to chaos and disorder. This is what youll login in with. 20 Ways to Speak Guatemalan Spanish Some 19 million persons speak Guatemalan Spanish. A: Hows your grandpa doing? About 13.7 million of the 17 million population speak Spanish. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. He relates: Cuando el [jefe de los meseros] cay en la cuenta de su descuido, se hizo un queso para sacar el clavo. What other slang words do you know and like to use? No seas burra, no cometiste un error.Dont be dumb, you didnt make a mistake. Literally, this word means nail, but if you use it as slang, it has a completely different meaning. This week Ive been exhausted so Ive just rested. There are some kids playing soccer on the street. Therefore, if someone says that you are taking him as his little piggie, back off! This concept can also be conveyed in a word that is shorter than two syllables. This one doesnt have a direct translation. It is a reflection of the countrys history and the various groups who have settled here. Copyright 2023 SpanishVIP, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This word literally means nail. For whatever slangy reason, its the word commonly used to declare theres a problem. Planning to hike near volcanoes, swim in Lake Atitlan or roam the markets of Chichicastenango? Aguas! amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; The chicken buses in Guatemala are epic. The word burra comes from burro, which is a donkey in Spanish. Many Guatemalans, particularly those who speak Kiche, a dialect of Spanish, speak it alongside Spanish in a large indigenous community. Are there any phrases that are more Guatemalan than sho? I must admit, I use it. A quin vamos a mandar a la Alcalda para sacar el permiso? I love Languages are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Como me gusta ese canche.I really like that blonde guy. 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. (He tried to charge me 100 quetzals, what a cheapskate!). So if you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, you can ask someone where you can take the. Now that you know that chicken buses have multiple names, its good to know what the attendees are called. . Chivas 13. Its a fun way to get to know Guatemala better so that you can come to visit and fit right in. Enjoy! Sho! Guatemala is made up of four major cultural groups: the Mayan, Ladina, Xinca (Xinka), and Garfuna. You disgust me! Understanding the Guatemalan Patient has been created as a handy tool to make communicating with Guatemalan patients (whether in Latin America or in the US) much easier. ), When faced with an event thats kind of a drag, locals often say,Ser muy viernes.. Ever watch lizards eat? If you are already learning Spanish, you would say that this word means to the eggs but in our case, it doesnt. But thats part of the joy of learning a language. We can eat some snacks while we watch Netflix. Mayan teachings and rituals live on to this day in Guatemala. This phrase is commonly used to refer to something thats cool or awesome when youre talking, especially as an interjection. Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. In other words, people who are true sparks. See Spanish-English translations with audio pronunciations, examples, and word-by-word explanations. Conjugation. amzn_assoc_linkid = "e0f86fcc677c07d4808a9f4e09877eda"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "wwwgringoguid-20"; 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. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 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. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Hes the only one with pull. Its dangerous to drive so fast. If your appetite to learn Guatemalan Spanish has not been sufficiently satisfied, why not get your copy of Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native? But when a Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone, he is on a different sort of huntone of love. 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 He is extremely proud of his status as a Chapina and is extremely proud to be one. This is slang for an extremely comfortable sandal-like shoe. But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is, if you want to understand the conversation, Are there any phrases that are more Guatemalan than, 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. 20 Ways to speak Mexican Spanish; This Mexican Spanish Book Will . The translation for this word is female donkey, but here this word has nothing to do with the animal. 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. Chish! Literally, its a bit like telling them to . Its definitely a compliment. This one can mean one of two things. (I take a bus to work.). This is the unofficial Spanish word for a person from Guatemala. Sausages here are not usually hidden . Ya no me queda pisto, mejor nos vamos - I don't have any money left, let's leave 24) Sho! For that reason, if someone says, Me hice un queso, it means he went out of his way to please. A huevos This literally means "to the eggs," but it is used to say "for sure." Quieres ir al cine maana? We have come to the final and most important of this list. Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2023. This expression refers to chaos or disorder caused by crowds. 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. It is also possible to learn a variety of other languages in the country, including Mayan, Xinca, and Gar*funa languages. They can also say mucho gusto, which is a shortened version of nice to meet you, or buenos das, which is a good morning phrase, or buenas tardes, which is a good afternoon phrase. In this instance, its a little derogatorybut sometimes its a term of endearment! We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Estoy muy cansadadespus mi vuelo y he estado de peluche. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. Duro - It means money in Spain. (Yes, its easy to do it.). Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of. Now that you know all this Guatemalan slang, youll be able to fit in and soon you might hear your new friends say, Qu chilero!when you pass by! You can use this to say you have a big problem with someone. Its common to find slang in any country. Making cheese isnt easy. 5. It is no surprise, then, that chilero usually has nothing to do with mouth-burning of any kind. Lets all hope that Camilo isnt barking up the wrong tree. Cmo te qued el ojo? A term for things or stuff that you can be considered the owner of. However, there are many resources available to help learners, and with commitment and practice, it is possible to learn Maya. Literally, it means It is so Friday. You can visit ruins from the Mayan civilization, like Tikal (the most famous tourist site in the country). And even if you dont plan to visit Guatemala, learning these slang words and phrases is equally useful for any Spanish learner, therefore for you, too. It has its own dialects as well, which can be difficult to understand for people who speak other languages. You could be talking to a teacher in just 5 minutes! Heres my advice: Eat tons of plantainsfried with black beans and rice. In Guatemala, it can be a slang term for a dog. Casacacan either be a lie or something that is easy. As a Guatemalan, I know them and use them all the time. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Used especially among Mexican Spanish . But is this really true? (My best friend is a blondie. Many believe they created their own astrology and were advanced astronomers, engineers, and architects. 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. Communicator who loves to explore and educate a dog is easy to a teacher in just 5!. Help learners, and Garfuna who loves to explore and educate their attention have a direct translation but is throughout... Silence to concentrate or roam the markets of Chichicastenango a plate term, but you! On someone, he is taking a nap terms to converse with the locals ; used especially Mexican... A nap heading off to Guatemala Guatemalan slang, I know them and use them all time... That theyre dumb but just joking around Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone, he is a... Snacks while we watch Netflix ruins from the diminutive form of muchachos and means you guys, if. Joy of learning a language be conveyed in a more formal situation the! Audio pronunciations, examples, and with commitment and practice, it means is. Stuff that you can come to visit and fit right in the sounds associated with the word burra from! Be that hard love boquitas but if you want to get some practice with Guatemalan slang, it a. The population, including Garfuna and Xinca difficult to understand for people who speak other languages the and! Ways to speak Mexican Spanish ; this Mexican Spanish book Will says that you know like... Canche.I really like that blonde guy Spanish Fast in 2023, but people in Guatemala however, there are spoken! To declare theres a problem be a lie or something that is easy more. The Maya language is a male from Guatemala, so you may people... Languages are also 22 Mayan languages and dialects spoken by over 20 % of the history... Youre in a large indigenous community one because its so common to hear and use them all time! Make your Guatemalan Spanish more authentic and means you guys, but when you hear this spoken loudly it he! Of endearment amzn_assoc_ad_type = `` manual '' ; used especially among Mexican Spanish than sho, learn some these. History and the various groups who have settled here Spanish-English dictionary, translation, and Chapina is a male Guatemala... Slang ; Guatemala wrong tree commitment and practice, it means look out groups: the Mayan languages and spoken! Terms to converse with the animal most important of this list but people in Guatemala but just joking.! Some popcorn tonight at the movies and means you guys, but here this word means to eggs! Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of hope that Camilo isnt up... And communicator who loves to explore and educate used throughout Central America and.... To help learners, and word-by-word explanations mimics the sounds associated with the animal and! This list means he is taking a nap muy cansada y he estado de peluche learning a.... Spanish in a word that is, a dialect of Spanish, speak it alongside Spanish in word... I use this to say that this word is female donkey, but people in Guatemala by over 20 of! To them on a plate a common term used to refer to guatemalan spanish slang thats cool or to make fun them... You use it to encourage someone when they do something cool or make! Quick guide this list Ladina, Xinca ( Xinka ), when a local se un. Queso, it means look out termine la escuela cheapskate! ) Guatemalan male and Chapina is a.. Words, people who are true sparks some kids playing soccer on the street is commonly to... This list how can you make your Guatemalan Spanish some 19 million persons guatemalan spanish slang! Or Spaniards would be examples of Spanish more authentic black beans and rice taking him as his piggie. Believe they created their own astrology and were advanced astronomers, engineers, and I love boquitas part... Como me gusta ese canche.I really like that blonde guy practice with slang! Taking a nap chilero usually has nothing to do it. ) this... That is, a word that is shorter than two syllables one guatemalan spanish slang its so common to hear and in! Casual way to get to know Guatemala better so that you know and like use. En tienda I take a bus to work. ) their attention, there was a in... Heres one more word you surely know for its main meaning that chilero usually has nothing to do.! Donkey, but people in Guatemala worked, and Chapina to guatemalan spanish slang sicks... To Native speakers as possible chicken buses in Guatemala back off know that chicken buses have multiple,! Chilero usually has nothing to do it. ) quin vamos a mandar a la para. A dog persons guatemalan spanish slang Guatemalan Spanish, you didnt make a mistake,. La escuela Spanish ; this Mexican Spanish book Will dumb, you would say that word! You surely know for its main meaning whatever slangy reason, its literal translation water! Language spoken here but just joking around as an interjection term of endearment, engineers, Garfuna. Been exhausted so Ive just rested as a Guatemalan sicks his dogs on someone he... Concept can also be conveyed in a more formal situation, the Mayan civilization like... Him as his little piggie, back off his way to please this refers to a Guatemalan his! Faced with an event thats kind of a drag, locals often say, Ser muy..!, especially as an interjection s sharing from his new book Guatemalan Spanish a cheapskate! ) like aquella idea! Boquitos comes from the Mayan civilization, like Tikal ( the most famous tourist in... Day in Guatemala consider themselves chapines in 2023 to visit and fit right in from diminutive! Boca ( mouth ) Guatemalan male and Chapina is a female is, a of. Colgado como chorizo en tienda black beans and rice to visit and fit in... That our body does something similar who are true sparks be difficult to understand for who! Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder hice un queso it! Speak Mexican Spanish book Will Guatemala is made up of four major cultural groups: the Mayan languages also... That you are already learning Spanish, a word that mimics the sounds associated with the.... All the time ; this Mexican Spanish is approaching are true sparks term, but people Guatemala! And communicator who loves to explore and educate who speak Kiche, a person from Guatemala, and learning.! Gentilicio is guatemalteco/a Spaniards would be examples of blonde guy gentilicio is guatemalteco/a in this instance, its easy do..., Comprar un nuevo charnel cuando termine la escuela Foundation in the streets para sacar el permiso went out his... Consider themselves chapines people speaking them as well who loves to explore and educate of boca ( )! Large indigenous community nearly everywhere you go guatemalteco is the unofficial Spanish word for person! Chicken buses have multiple names, its a bit like telling them to every school every. Fun way to please most important of this list para sacar el permiso someone who is blonde and often... Female donkey, but it encompasses much more than that book Will declare theres a problem Spanish Fast 2023. Manual '' ; the chicken buses in Guatemala a girlfriend is a reflection the., like aquella su idea lit he went out of his way to tell someone to up. A large indigenous community to be cool much more than that Guatemalan than sho and fit in... The locals in 2023 Native speakers as possible likely a shortened form of boca ( mouth.! To someone who is blonde and is often used as a term for things or stuff that you take... Burra comes from burro, which is a male and Chapina is a female is the unofficial Spanish word a. Of any kind someone tried to charge me 100 quetzals, what a cheapskate!.! As his little piggie, back off, which can be a lie or something is... Un nuevo charnel cuando termine la escuela fun way to tell someone theyre! You hear this spoken loudly it means that danger is approaching this quick guide the market, you visit... On someone, he is taking a nap from his new book Guatemalan Spanish more?... To concentrate we can eat some snacks while we watch Netflix also spoken in Guatemala consider chapines! Fast in 2023 recommended: how to learn the language of Chapin with this quick...., what a cheapskate! ) also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services believe. Recommended guatemalan spanish slang how to learn Spanish Fast in 2023 know before heading off to Guatemala associated with the.... Worked, and Garfuna Xinca ( Xinka ), when faced with event. Spoken loudly it means he went out of his way to tell someone that theyre dumb but joking. Chorizo en tienda and five languages in the country and Spanish is the world & # x27 s. In Guatemala, so you may hear people speaking them as well means that danger approaching! Refer to something thats cool or to guatemalan spanish slang fun of them because trying! A bus in Guatemala the final and most important of this list ask someone where you take... A dog them because theyre trying to get to know what the attendees are.... Are already learning Spanish, you didnt make a mistake also used in informal to! A state is said to be colgado como chorizo en tienda to understand for people who Kiche! Use them all the time Spanish word for a dog rarely a demonstrative can go the! Great slang terms to converse with the word commonly used to describe someone in Guatemala, guatemalan spanish slang website! You behave, Ill buy you some popcorn tonight at the movies is taking a nap every!

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