So, you’ve booked your flight to Colombia—qué chimba! But before you pack your bags and dream about arepas and bandeja paisa, let’s talk about something crucial: speaking like a local. If you really want to blend in and make the most of your trip, learning some Colombian slang (or jerga as we say) will take you a long way. Plus, my Colombian Spanish classes with a flexible schedule will help you get there faster and with confidence!
Colombian Spanish: Different in Every Corner
First things first—Spanish in Colombia is as diverse as its landscapes. The way people speak in Bogotá is totally different from Medellín, Cali, or the Caribbean coast. For example:
- In Bogotá, people use “usted” even with friends—it’s a sign of respect.
- In Medellín, you’ll hear “parce” (buddy) in almost every conversation.
- On the coast, people drop the ‘s’ at the end of words—so “estás” becomes “etá.”
Wherever you go, knowing a bit of local slang will help you connect, make friends, and avoid looking like a total gringo despistado (clueless foreigner).
Essential Colombian Slang for Travelers
Here are some words and phrases you need to survive in Colombia:
Guayabo – Hangover (Because after rumbear, guayabo hits hard!)
¡Qué chimba! – How cool! (Used a lot in Medellín)
Parche – A chill hangout with friends
Rumbear – To party (If you want to dance all night, just say “¡Vamos a rumbear!”)
Luca – A thousand pesos (e.g., “Eso cuesta cinco lucas” – That costs 5,000 pesos)
Paila – Too bad / You’re out of luck (e.g., “No hay Uber, ¡paila!”)
Tinto – A small cup of black coffee (Colombia runs on tinto!)
If you want to sound like a true parcero, I’ve got you covered! My online Spanish classes with a flexible schedule will help you practice real conversations so you don’t just speak Spanish—you speak Colombian Spanish!
Why Take Online Spanish Classes Before Your Trip?
Sure, you can try learning Spanish with an app, but let’s be real—it won’t teach you how to respond when someone says “Quiubo, parcero, ¿qué más?”. That’s where my online Spanish classes with a flexible schedule come in! Here’s what you’ll get:
- Customized lessons focused on travel Spanish and real-life conversations.
- Flexible schedule—learn when it works best for you.
- Native Colombian teacher (that’s me!) who knows exactly how to get you speaking with confidence.
Delicious Colombian Food and Useful Vocabulary
Colombia is a food lover’s paradise! If you’re planning to explore the country, make sure you know these food-related words and dishes:
- Arepa – A staple corn cake eaten with almost everything.
- Bandeja Paisa – A massive plate with beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
- Sancocho – A hearty soup with meat, plantain, yuca, and corn.
- Ají – A spicy sauce that Colombians love to add to their food.
- Cholado – A refreshing icy treat with fruit, syrup, and condensed milk.
- Buñuelo – A deep-fried cheese ball, popular during Christmas but eaten year-round.
When ordering food, try using these phrases:
- “Quisiera probar algo típico, ¿qué me recomienda?” – I’d like to try something typical, what do you recommend?
- “¿Cuánto cuesta este plato?” – How much does this dish cost?
- “Sin picante, por favor.” – No spice, please.
- “Me gustaría un jugo natural.” – I’d like a natural juice.
Book Your First Class and Speak Like a Local!
Don’t wait until you’re in Colombia to realize you should have learned some Spanish! Whether you want to negotiate prices at a market, order your favorite Colombian dish like a pro, or just make new friends, my online Spanish classes with a flexible schedule will get you ready.
Click here to sign up for your first class and start speaking Spanish with that Colombian touch—¡nos parchamos pronto!
