amzn_assoc_region = "US"; This one doesn't have a direct translation. Its really cool, right? Even if you cant converse with a Guatemalan, you can use a program like FluentU to immerse yourself from home. Mayan teachings and rituals live on to this day in Guatemala. 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! Es peligroso manejar tan rpido.Careful with traffic! This construction also came from Mayan languages such as Cachiquel, Kekchi, and Quiche. Boquitos comes from the diminutive form of boca (mouth). Cuando sal de mi casa, haba un bochinche en la calle. Translation. If you head to the Guatemalan coast, youll probably do a lot ofpeluche. 10. Zero to advanced. 14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner. Its informal and used in a colloquial way. Lets send Enrique. There is no age limit for obtaining a drivers license. Didnt you bring her? If you are planning to visit some of the 20 Ways to speak Mexican Spanish; This Mexican Spanish Book Will . Peluche is a polite way to say that youve been completely unproductive. This is an interjection that is used to, For example, if youre about to cross the street without looking, someone might yell, In countries outside of North and Central America, people will often use the word. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; In Guatemala and El Salvador, indefinite articles are commonly placed before a possessive pronoun, as in una mi tacita de caf lit. But don't worry, most Guatemalans also speak Spanish. That person doesn't necessarily have to be a real kid. These Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool but also help you get around! Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native! Guatemalans are expressive, and they love to give people nicknames. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; BOOKS ON GUATEMALA SPANISH SLANG. If your appetite to learn Guatemalan Spanish has not been sufficiently satisfied, why not get your copy of Guatemalan Spanish: Speak like a Native? So naturally, this is one of the Spanish-speaking countries that have a lot of interesting Spanish slang words. When the head waiter realized the lack of attention, he bent over backwards to make things right. vocabulary, make their way into modern-day Guatemalan Spanish (the only official language). Others have become doctors, lawyers, and other professionals while others have made a successful career in business. A word used as an alternative for kid or child. They love tourists and enjoy sharing what they know with those who are curious. While you are going mad, learn these Guatemalan Spanish phrases. Or perhaps: How do you like them apples?. Here are a few tips to help you learn the Guatemalan language. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Top 20 Guatemalan Words and Slang Expressions You Should Know (2023) Table of Contents What Makes Guatemala Special What is Slang? Falling in love can have a powerful effect on a person, almost like a drug. In Guatemala and Honduras the word giros is also used. This is what youll login in with. Camioneta 15. Canche means blonde and its a common nickname and term of endearment used in Guatemala. Similar to Hey! in English. It means to relax and do absolutely nothing. A nuestro vicepresidente le encanta recibir palo. The different villages have unique patterns and colors, and they all catch your eye. El nio llevaba puestos sus caites nuevos. Its common for a nickname to be based on your appearance. Maria is sharp and knows all the answers. Have you ever watched TED talks? Or during lower-revenue, non-peak hours they take them o the route. (Tell the bus assistant that you need to go to Santander Road.). A: Cmo est tu abuelito? | Official Page; 20 Ways to Speak Guatemalan Spanish; Chivearse; Five Guatemalan Sayings About Animals; Fall in Love with These Five Guatemalan Spanish Phrases Qu chilero! Download our e-book, Easy Spanish Shortcuts, and learn your first 1,000 Spanish words in under a day! (Mara is from Guatemala. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Chapn/Chapina The "official" Spanish word for a person from Guatemala is Guatemalteco but the term is rarely used outside of textbooks. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; We can eat some snacks while we watch Netflix. Check out this sample of the local lingo. Imagine the situation: you are at the part, having a great time, dancing, the music is great. Spanish is the countrys second most commonly spoken language, followed by English. 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. Aug 1, 2013 - Resources you can use as reference to learn Guatemala Spanish slang. Good morning, Good afternoon, and Good evening are all examples of greetings. Chish! Esta musica es cabal. 'that his/her/their idea'. Burro / burra 6. Its not really an insult but more a term of endearment. And your girlfriend? In Guatemala, it can be a slang term for a dog. | Official Page; 20 Ways to Speak Guatemalan Spanish; Chivearse; Five Guatemalan Sayings About Animals; Fall in . Whether you are a futurebackpacker, or a future expat, we encourage you to embrace the local slang terms in any country you visit, and in this post, we will give you a list of the very bestGuatemalan slang. 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. my boss messed up and hes blaming me for it. As a side note, check out the Guatemalan chicken buses if youre interested in their unique transportation system. So, if someone calls you chispudo or chispuda, it means you have a spark and youre sharp. 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. This is slang for money. Spanish is typically the first language of the locals, followed by English. This is one that has lots of related meanings such as awesome, pretty, good, etc. Thisis the perfect thing to say to a child who is about to stick something filthy in his mouth. However, in Guatemala, it is a term of endearment for a friend. (That restaurant is cool. Dance to music played by street musicians near the fountain in Antigua. This expression refers to chaos or disorder caused by crowds. . Enjoy! Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick. Just say this. Become an expert in more than 200 of the local words and phrases. So really, you have to pay attention to the context if you want to understand the conversation. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Spanish is the national language of Spain and is spoken by people all over the country. This is especially true with the word for true, verdad. ). TermsPrivacy, Terms for our incredible guarantee can be read here. This is the unofficial Spanish word for a person from Guatemala. In addition to the Mayan, Ladina, Xinka (Xinka) and Gar*funa culture groups, there are four other groups. 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 bochinche is a group of people making noise for a reason or cause. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; When you agree with something and you are good with that, use the word cabal. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; No spam! The vast majority of the countrys residents speak at least two and five different languages. For example, when youre with a group of close friends, you might want to get their attention, so you tell them to be quiet so they listen to you. Mucha gente quiere la papa pelada y que otro siembre para cosechar nosotros. What Guatemalans call a small banana commonly seen in Central America. Onlookers can tell what is going on without explanations. 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. If you have, did you find them useful and amusing? Besides practicing and learning Spanish, the language spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide on every continent, it is great to boost your vocabulary, improve speaking skills both with Guatemalan accent and common words EXPLAINED - SPANISH SLANG Learn Spanish Zen With Alvaro 809 subscribers Subscribe 277 Dislike Share Save 9,230 views Premiered Mar 30, 2021 Guatemala. Chapn is a male from Guatemala, and chapina is a female. Guatemalan Slang: 22 Most Used Terms You Will Hear From A Local This is an interjection that is used to tell someone to be careful. (Do you want to go to the movies tomorrow? So that means that this is actually Guatemalan slang for bite-sized food. And here you can say La musica es cabal! 2. She majored in Communications and strives to help others improve their lives. Not only in Guatemala, but in the whole of Latin America, pisto is often used for cash, so wherever you go, dont forget the pisto. Mar Z. Luna is a published writer and communicator who loves to explore and educate. For example, when you speak with the locals and when you discuss something that is logical, your speaker would say a huevos after you finish your discussion. The same idea can be shortenedto est colgado. "Don't settle for generic Spanish! Even so, they want their complete subsidy! So if you go visit, make sure you show off your knowledge. Chapn / Chapina 2. It is a common term used in Guatemala to agree with something or to say yes. I must admit, I use it. Many people want everything handed to them on a plate. Cipotes is also used in Guatemala in the eastern departments. This is the most typical Guatemalan slang used to refer to another person from Guatemala. 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! amzn_assoc_asins = "178657490X"; We have come to the final and most important of this list. This one doesnt have a direct translation. Es el nico que tiene cuello. The term chap chap was coined as a result of the sound of heels made against cobblestone. Heres one more word you surely know for its main meaning. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; (The kids go to school Monday through Friday.). And at the same time, it can also be referring to a car tire. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; To gossip, criticize or talk behind someones back. 20 Ways to Speak Guatemalan Spanish Some 19 million persons speak Guatemalan Spanish. It has its own dialects as well, which can be difficult to understand for people who speak other languages. Hoping to be inspired by gorgeous hand-woven textiles, ancient architecture or the enduring mystery of Tikal? Its not really used offensively, Kind of like how you might hear your friend talk about some American dude or some Canadian chick. The two as are only separated by a micropause, represented by an apostrophe. So if you need to catch a bus in Guatemala, you can ask someone where you can take the burra. Unlimited one-on-one classes for a flat rate. FluentU brings Spanish to life with real-world videos. Used especially among Mexican Spanish . After that, its just $129/mo for unlimited one-on-one tutoring. for a female. Its but a metaphor for a life of ease. Pisto 4. It merely means so, so. The former territory of the Maya, Guatemala is a Central American gem full of natural beauty and touristic attractions. . 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. Conjugation. (That chicken bus is really cute.). Youll likely see appetizer-likeboquitasadvertised at restaurants or things like chips and nuts for sale at the small convenience stores. Another similar but far less common expression in the eastern part of the country is Me agarraste de tu arce. Things like Englishmen or Spaniards would be examples of gentilicios. Recommended: How to Learn Spanish Fast in 2023. Learning basic Portuguese sayings and greetings shouldn't be that hard. 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. Much, cundo creen que terminaremos este proyecto? Guatemalan Spanish: Speak Like a Native! Dnde compraste esa chumpa de cuero vos? Its not offensive at all, but definitely not formal, either. But, for example, it can also be used to describe a person who is really greedy or stingy. 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. Guatemalteco is the official term, but people in Guatemala consider themselves chapines. We had problems creating your account. Guatemalan Spanish uses vos, alongside t and usted as second-person singular pronouns. The generic term for this in Latin America is palomitas de maz. Its like saying, Ah, of course, I get it. Learn Spanish. So, literally, the word means dog, but its used to refer to a greedy person. This is another good example of slang phrases that are common in many parts of North and Central America. Guatemalan Spanish: tuteo and voseo Guatemalan Spanish Slang This country has its own slang: hundreds of words that are used daily among Guatemalan people. The colonial architecture in Antigua Guatemala makes it a picturesque town full of wonder. If youre looking for the support of an incredible teacher, we can help. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Guatemalan Spanish uses vos, alongside t and usted as second-person singular pronouns. In this instance, its a little derogatorybut sometimes its a term of endearment! While we know that chicken buses are all over Guatemala and theyre often referred to as burras, you may also hear them be calledcamionetas. Many believe they created their own astrology and were advanced astronomers, engineers, and architects. 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. Panamanian Spanish | Speak like a Native! 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. Chispa means spark. No matter what your learning style is, there is a Spanish school that can fit your needs. (I will buy a new car when I finish school. If youre in a more formal situation, the official gentilicio is guatemalteco/a. These are 10 slang words from the streets of Guatemala you should know if wanna sound like a native around Guatemalan people! (This parade is a drag.). It is the official language of Spain and the most widely spoken language in the country. Implicit is a sense of camaraderie and of belonging. This type of person always gets in some kind of fight verbally and also physically. This week Ive been exhausted so Ive just rested. This form of address is likely a shortened form of muchachos and means you guys, but it encompasses much more than that. 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. Tomo una burra para ir al trabajo. Est bien chilero, vaa? If you are planning to visit some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, we have a proposal for you. 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 Try a free private class or a 7-day free trial of our group classes so you can practice what you learned. The official Spanish word for a person from Guatemala is Guatemalteco but the term is rarely used outside of textbooks. 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. Pisado is a Guatemalan slang curse word that is similar to cerote, but a little less used and sometimes a little more offensive. ), No te lo voy a decir, shute. 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. 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! Since chile means hot pepper in English, you might imagine this a fiery word. Instead, Chapn refers to a Guatemalan male and Chapina to a female. The Spanish vocabulary is incredibly rich and each country has its own ways of bringing out the best in the language. A chapin is a person from Mexico who has a Spanish accent. The word burra comes from burro, which is a donkey in Spanish. Please contact support. Guatemalans, just likethe majority of their Central American neighbors, tend to cut off the final consonants in informal speech. Duro - It means money in Spain. Aguas cruzando la calle, recuerda! The translation for this word is female donkey, but here this word has nothing to do with the animal. to the goalie. Podemos comer unas boquitas mientras vemos Netflix. You have to know before you go that the chicken buses in Guatemala are the workhorses of the transportation system. This one can mean one of two things. A huevos This literally means "to the eggs," but it is used to say "for sure." Quieres ir al cine maana? He relates: Cuando el [jefe de los meseros] cay en la cuenta de su descuido, se hizo un queso para sacar el clavo. Guaranteed. In most of the world, this word means animal feces. But there is no math involved in this one. Sho! Aug 1, 2013 - Resources you can use as reference to learn Guatemala Spanish slang. Ver en espaol en ingls.com. Chapn and Gisa are content with their relationship and looking forward to many more happy years together. Amzn_Assoc_Ad_Mode = `` amazon '' ; we can help much more than 200 the! Term used in Guatemala and Honduras the word cabal years together good evening are all examples of gentilicios, Guatemalans. 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Term of endearment for a nickname to be based on your appearance used as an alternative kid! Your needs 178657490X '' ; to gossip, criticize or talk behind someones back of an incredible teacher, have! Usted as second-person singular pronouns chapina to a Guatemalan, you have a powerful effect a... Against cobblestone incredible teacher, we can help Guatemalan words and slang will not only make you sound cool also. Dialects as well, which can be read here Spaniards would be examples of gentilicios Z. Luna is a in! Language, followed by English de tu arce local words and phrases less common expression in the eastern.... Examples of gentilicios those who are curious tend to cut off the final and most important of this list,! Into modern-day Guatemalan Spanish ( the only official language ) Friday. ) speak at two! Former territory of the transportation system also used in Guatemala to agree with something to... Thisis the perfect thing to say that youve been completely unproductive cute. ): to!