Traveling is only as memorable as the people you connect with.
And if you want to build a deeper connection with anyone, you're going to need to learn how to communicate with them in their language. If you're traveling to South America, the best way to communicate is through using common Spanish phrases that the everyday person uses.
Spanish expressions are no different than the ones in English. They're humorous, often have double meanings, and they vary across different countries (i.e. hey mate! versus hey man!).
Before you head off to your travels, here are 10 common Spanish phrases you must learn:
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1. Que pedo?
Literal translation: What fart?
âTranslation: Whatâs up?
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Pedo means âfart,â but people in South America translate this to âwhatâs up?â or âwhatâs going on?â
This is also one of the most common Spanish phrases you will hear.
We recommend using this expression around close friends you can joke around with, not a formal setting!
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2. Ponte las pilas
Translation: Look alive!
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If youâre an extravert, this will be a common expression youâll be using throughout your travels to wake up your tired friends at 3AM.
Ponte las pilas can also mean âWake up!â and is most commonly in Argentina, but can be found all around South America and even Spain.
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3. Me pica el bagre
Literal Translation: The catfish is biting me.
âTranslation: Iâm starving! or Iâm very hungry!
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Calling all foodies! If youâve ever been so hungry that you could âeat a horse,â then âme pica el bagreâ is the closest phrase of that expression.
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4. MĂĄs se perdiĂł en Cuba
Translation: More was lost in Cuba
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This is not a stab at Cuba, but if something awful has happened to a close friend, you can comfort them by saying âmĂĄs se perdiĂł en Cuba,â which means âmore was lost in Cuba.â
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5. Tomar el pelo
Translation: To take hold of the hair
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In English translation, thi means to âpull oneâs leg,â as in âmake fun of.âWhen youâre joking around with your friends, this is a common phrase that will come up â especially if you donât understand the joke itself!
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6. Feliz como una lombriz
Translation: As happy as a clam
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Traveling will be one of the best experiences youâll have, and no doubt about it that you will be âfeliz como una lombriz.â
Instead of the old-fashioned âestoy bienâ (Iâm good), you can take it up a notch and share how you truly feel!
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7. ¿Qué es la cosa mås loca que hace la gente de aqu�
Translation: Whatâs the craziest thing people do here?
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You rebel, youâŠ
If youâre feeling wild, and looking for an unforgettable night, this is the question you want to be asking the locals.
Be careful what you ask for!
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8. Cuénteme mås!
Translation: Tell me more!
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If youâre not exactly sure how to respond to a story or interesting fact someone is sharing with you, â cuĂ©nteme mĂĄs!â is a common Spanish phrase you can use.
It will have the other person talking and feeling more connected with you, as you express your excitement.
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9. ¥Qué copado!
Translation: How cool!
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Many beginner Spanish speakers want to know how to say the words âcoolâ or âawesomeâ or âradâ in Spanish. Well, perhaps not âradâ in this decade...
In Argentina, your best option to exclaim your appreciation of something âawesomeâ is the term copado.
Say it with me: ¥Qué copado!
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10. Che
Translation: Man
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This common word is mostly used in Argentina. In case you havenât noticed, Argentina has a ton of slang words and expressions.
Che is a word you use with close friends, similar to the way you would say âDo you know what I mean man?â
It can also be used to call someone you know, such as âhey man!â
If you want to learn more common Spanish phrases, and become a fluent speaker for your travels , let us know in the comments below and we'll be sure to do a Round 2 soon!
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Over to you
Which of these common Spanish phrases were your favorite?
Where will you be traveling to?