Today, we are teaching you 10 words that you must know before coming to Colombia! They will allow you to express yourself like a local Colombian and to easily blend yourself in… Next thing you’ll need, the accent 😉
So, for all of those who are interested in human contact, here is the article that will help you throughout your trip.
Me regalas…
Phrase used to ask for something in a restaurant, coffee shop or bar. It litteraly means : “can you offer me…”, but in Colombia it is used to place an order.
A la orden !
Waiters or sales assistant use A la orden to ask : “How can I help you?” or after your purchase as “at your service”.
Parcero
“Parcero” or the diminutive “parce” is how Colombian call their friends, “buddy”.
Polas
The “pola” is a beer, it is a word much used among friends.
¡De Una!
Usually used to approve an idea, a project or a request, it is the equivalent of “Sí !”, “Por supuesto !”, “¡Definitivamente !”
Rumbear
Rumbear is a verb derived from the word “rumba” which is used to express the action of going out to party and dance.
Que más pues ?
An expression widely used in Medellin to say “What’s up?”
Dar papaya
Expression that could be translated as “give a stick to be beaten with” or as “courting disaster”.
Tinto
In Colombia, when someone asks for a “tinto” they expect to receive a cup of coffee.
Que Chevere ! / Bacano
It is often used to show your enthusiasm : “Great!”
As a bonus, here are some of the best Colombian expressions:
“Duerme más que un gato con anemia”
Translation : “You sleep more than an anaemic cat”
This is when you say with amusement to someone that they sleep a lot.
“A mal tiempo, buena cara”
Translation : “In bad weather, a good face”
A way to cheer up someone who is facing some kind of problems.
“Grano a grano la gallina llena el buche”
Translation : “Seed by seed, the hen fills the harvest”.
This expression means that daily work bears fruits. It is very characteristic of Colombians, who are known to be very hardworking and dedicated in their field of activity despite the difficulties.
“Son como uña y mugre”
Translation : “They are like nails and dirt”
A saying about friendship: “they are thick as thieves”.
“Ser más paisa que una arepa”
Translation : “to be more from Medellin than an arepa”
Before explaining this expression, it is important to know that “paisa” refers to an inhabitant of Medellin. As the arepa is typical from of the Antioquia region and therefore of Medellin, this expression is meant to say that someone is really Medellinense.
As for the latter expression, we can now say that all Terra Colombia team has become “more pasia than an arepa” by living in Medellin.
If you want to go further, here is a video about some of the Colombian slang explained by Karol G.
If you want to put your new Colombian Spanish skills into practice, find some travel inspiration right here
