What are some of the most popular Cuban phrases?
1. ¿Que bola? This is by far one of the most popular Cuban phrases. Its most literal translation is "What's up?" It's very informal and typically used among friends. Ex. "¿Oye que bola?" = "Hey, what's up?" 2. Acere. If you look up acere in the Spanish dictionary, you'd be surprised to find that it means an assortment of smelly monkeys.
How do you address a friend in Cuba?
You’ll hear this one all the time in Cuba and it’s not used in any other Spanish-speaking country. It’s the most popular way to address a friend, and you wouldn’t use it in with someone you’ve just met or in a professional situation. Think “mate” or “buddy”. Often heard in the phrase: “¿Asere qué bola?”
How do you Say Hey Buddy in Cuban?
Bueno acere, vámonos – Hey buddy, let´s go! 2. Que bolá If you want to know, what’s going on with your friend, just ask “¿qué bolá?” Acere, ¿que bolá? – What´s up, buddy? 3. Guagua Cuban slang (but also found in other Latin American countries) as a name for “bus”. Vamos a agarrar la guagua para ir a la playa – Let’s take the bus to go to the beach
Can Google Translate help you understand Cuban slang?
Or maybe you want to understand the slang used by your Cuban friends when you hear things like Asere or Yuma (no, Google translate won't help you.) Well you've come to the right place.
What does "yuma" mean in Cuba?
Where are the jineteros in Cuba?
What is a maquina in Cuba?
About this website
What do Cubans call friends?
Acere. If you look up acere in the Spanish dictionary, you'd be surprised to find that it means an assortment of smelly monkeys. However, Cubans employ it to say "friend."
Do Cubans say Amigos?
Asere is a Cuban way of saying amigo – or friend. It can be spelled both with s or with c.
What is a slang word for friend?
Buddy. This one is definitely more common in the US and Canada. In a way, it's almost the North American equivalent to the term "mate." In some instances, this word might be shortened to "bud," which essentially means the same thing.
What is Spanish slang for friend?
Cuate, Compa, Cabrón & Carnal Cuate is slang for 'friend', as is compa, carnal and cabrón. They tend to be used to varying degrees depending which part of Mexico you're in, and cabrón can also be used as an insult at times. Context is everything! Ex.: 'Es mi compa, mi carnal – ¡lo quiero!
What does De Pinga mean in Cuba?
De pinga. This Cuban curse word has a pretty NSFW translation (which refers to a certain part of the male anatomy) but all you need to know is that it is used to convey frustration, anger or dissatisfaction.
What does Chucho mean in Cuba?
to tease someoneChucho: to tease someone or to mess with someone in a friendly way by joking around. Cojones: it literally means balls, but more often refers to strength or bravery. Coño: (cone-yo) means, wow or damn.
What do you call a female friend?
A girlfriend is a female friend, acquaintance or partner, usually a female companion with whom one is platonically, romantically, or sexually involved.
How do you call a good friend?
synonyms for good friendbest friend.constant friend.devoted friend.fidus Achates.great friend.staunch friend.trusted friend.trusty friend.
What's a bestie slang?
What does bestie mean? It's not complicated, thankfully. Bestie is just a nickname for your best friend, but you can call anyone your bestie if you legitimately care about them.
How do you say friend in Nicaragua?
6. buey: This is the Spanish for “ox,” but also means friend in Mexico and Nicaragua. 8. cabrón: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
How do Puerto Ricans say friend?
The word “corillo” is the Puerto Rican slang for friends or a group of friends.
What do Mexican men call their friends?
güey – Mexican staple word for “friend,” but also a popular interjection. cuate – apart from Mexico, it is also used in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
What are some Cuban slang words?
20 Cuban Slang WordsPinchar. This verb literally means “to poke” or “to stab,” however in Cuban slang it actually means “to work.” It makes sense then when you hear that they call the job la pincha. ... Jamar. Another verb, this one simply means “to eat.” ... Camello. ... Acere or Asere. ... Botella. ... Yuma. ... Paladar. ... Arrancado / Arrancada.More items...•
What do Cuban men call their girlfriends?
Jeva/Jevo. A Cuban talking about his girlfriend will probably refer to her as Mi jeva. Some people even use this word to refer to women in general, but others find it vulgar, so it is not advisable to use it in that sense. Girls may as well call their boyfriends Jevo, but it is not often seen.
What do you call someone from Cuba?
Cubans (Spanish: Cubanos) are people born in Cuba and people with Cuban citizenship.
Why do Cubans say Acere?
Referring to someone as “Acere” is endearing—it's a term for “buddy” or “friend.” As for the “qué bola” bit, it' is a pleasantry to ask someone how things are. All together, “Acere, qué bolá!” translates to “What's up with you?” or “How's it going?”
What is the slang for police in Cuba?
As with most Latin American countries, most locals prefer to use slang to describe the police. In Cuba, they use caballito as a word for a policeman on a motorcycle.
What is Cuba known for?
Cuba may be known for rum, salsa dancing, cigars and much more, but in the post, we want to explore our favourite Cuban slang that you’ll likely to hear if you ever visit this unique Caribbean island.
What does "tirar un cabo" mean?
13. Tirar un cabo. A “cabo” can be many things, but is also a long object, like a rope. And in this case, tirar un cabo is like throwing a rope, or giving a hand . And this word it’s used to say that you are helping someone. Voy a casa de mi amigo a tirarle un cabo – I’m going to my friends house to give him a hand.
What does "qué fula" mean?
When something is ugly, disgusting or not nice… you just say qué fula!
What does "papaya" mean in Cuba?
Because “papaya” in Cuba means lady parts. Be careful, Spanish students.
What does "monstruo" mean in Spanish?
This translates as “monster”, but in Cuba, and some other Spanish speaking countries, you can use the word monster to describe someone is really good at what they do. Esa mujer es un monstruo bailando. – That woman is a dancing monster.
What is a yuma in Cuban?
If you are not from Cuba, you are just a yuma. Don’t take any offense to this, but this is Cuban slang for all foreigners.
How many words are in Cuban Spanish 101?
Note: The following words are an excerpt from the book Cuban Spanish 101 —a bilingual guide to Cuban Spanish with over 120 words and phrases.
What is the language spoken in Cuba?
The Spanish spoken in Cuba is unique in the way people speak, the vocabulary, and colloquial expressions that are used.
Why is Cuban Spanish different from other languages?
Why is Cuban Spanish Different? There are a few reasons for the unique language spoken on the island. Cuban Spanish has been influenced largely by west-African languages of the enslaved people the Spaniards brought when they colonized the island.
What does the Cuban accent sound like?
The Cuban accent is quite heavy—it is spoken with a lot of bass in the voice and has been said to sound like one is speaking with a mouth full of marbles.
Do foreigners bring money?
Foreigners always bring a lot of money.
Is Cuban Spanish intelligible to Spanish speakers?
It also contains elements of the indigenous languages of the island’s original inhabitants. Cuban Spanish is intelligible to other Spanish speakers, but at times with difficulty due to the aforementioned influences.
How to enjoy Cuban culture?
Part of enjoying the Cuban culture is incorporating it into your experience. The easiest way to do that? Through communicating. As with most Spanish-speaking countries, Cuba has their own nuances with the language, complete with colloquialisms and slang that inform as much as they entertain. So study up and get ready to speak up during your next trip. Here are the seven phrases Spanish class didn’t teach you.
What does "chevere" mean in Cuba?
Chévere is the universal Cuban term for “cool.” It can be used to describe almost anyone or anything, whether you’re paying someone a compliment about their outfit or talking about a new band that you like.
When it's time to leave, just say "Me Piro"?
When it’s time to leave, just say “Me piro.” It’s a casual way of saying “I’m going to get going.” Because sadly, all fun has to come to an end, right?
Is Cuba a flirting country?
Cuba is a country full of well-intentioned flirting. And when it comes to cultural banter, why not join in on the fun? The origins of “tremendo mangon” (masculine) and “tremenda manguita” (feminine) dates back to when mangoes were a scarce treat in Cuba—so it became a good fit for describing a desirable person. If you’re feeling bold and want to use the phrase to someone’s face, just say: “Estas hecho un mangon”—which translates to “You are looking really good.”
What does "yuma" mean in Cuba?
Yuma. You’ll likely hear this word hundreds of times on your trip to Cuba, whether you’re walking down the street or ordering in a restaurant. It means “foreigner” and Cubans aren’t shy about addressing visitors as such. Used in much the same way as “gringo” in a lot of other Latin American countries. Not usually offensive, but can be depending on ...
Where are the jineteros in Cuba?
These hustlers can be found offering cheap cigars, rum, or tours to local sights. You’ll have to deal with lots of them in Old Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and other areas where tourists congregate. They aren’t generally dangerous, but they can be insistent.
What is a maquina in Cuba?
Maquina. In other Spanish-speaking countries, “ maquina ” means “machine”. In Cuba, however, it is used to refer to a car. There are “ maquinas ” in Havana that operate as shared taxis running on fixed routes, and they’re a cheap way to get around if you can find out where they are going.
