{"id":144747,"date":"2023-09-26T23:50:57","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T03:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/latin-american-spanish-phrases\/"},"modified":"2025-01-21T23:22:52","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T04:22:52","slug":"latin-american-spanish-phrases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/latin-american-spanish-phrases\/","title":{"rendered":"Latin American Spanish Vocabulary List: Important Words and Phrases"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re going on one of those classic tours of Latin America, you need the linguistic tools to make friends fast, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/spanish\/blog\/romantic-spanish-phrases-words-dating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">flirt<\/a> and have fun.\u00a0The good news: you don&#8217;t need to be completely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/how-to-learn-spanish-fast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fluent in Spanish<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In this post, you&#8217;ll get the ultimate Latin American Spanish vocabulary list so you can chat with locals, get around the country and fit in.Plus, some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/spanish\/blog\/differences-between-castilian-and-latin-american-spanish\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grammatical differences with European Spanish<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Basic Latin American Spanish Vocabulary Words<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Hola<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Hello<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1s?<\/strong><\/em> (Informal) \/ <em><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1?<\/strong><\/em><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(Formal) \u2014 How are you?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 tal?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 What&#8217;s up?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo vas?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 How&#8217;s it going? (Informal)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Buenos d\u00edas<\/strong><\/em> \/ <em><strong>Buenas tardes<\/strong><\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em>\/ <em><strong>Buenas noches<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Good morning \/ Good afternoon \/ Good evening, goodnight<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Buenas<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 <em>Can be used as a greeting in any part of the day.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo te llamas?<\/strong><\/em> (Informal) \/ <em><strong>\u00bfC\u00f3mo se llama?<\/strong><\/em>(Formal) \u2014 What&#8217;s your name?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Me llamo&#8230;<\/strong><\/em> \/ <em><strong>Mi nombre es&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em>\u2014 My name is&#8230;<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Mucho gusto<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Nice to meet you<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Igualmente<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Likewise<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfDe d\u00f3nde eres?<\/strong><\/em> (Informal) \/ <em><strong>\u00bfDe d\u00f3nde es?<\/strong><\/em>(Formal) \u2014 Where are you from?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Soy de&#8230;<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 I&#8217;m from&#8230;<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1ntos a\u00f1os tienes?<\/strong><\/em> (Informal) \/ <em><strong>\u00bfCu\u00e1ntos a\u00f1os tiene?<\/strong><\/em>(Formal) \u2014 How old are you?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1&#8230;?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Where is&#8230;?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Disculpe, una pregunta&#8230;<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Excuse me, one question&#8230;<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Por favor<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Please<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Gracias<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Thanks<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>De nada<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 You&#8217;re welcome<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Adi\u00f3s<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Goodbye<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>S\u00ed<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Yes<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>No<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 No<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Claro<\/strong><\/em> \/ <em><strong>Claro que s\u00ed<\/strong><\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em>\u2014 Of course<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Lo siento<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 I&#8217;m sorry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Argentina<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Vos<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Replaces <em>t\u00fa<\/em> as the informal &#8220;you&#8221; in Argentina, Uruguay, parts of Bolivia and Paraguay (It&#8217;s also used in places like Chile but is considered substandard there)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Con vos<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 With you (used instead of <em>contigo<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Para vos<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 For you (used instead of <em>para ti<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pronunciation of <em>Y<\/em> and <em>LL<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Argentinians move their tongue up a bit and voice these letters so that they sound like the middle consonant in &#8220;pleasure&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Che<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Dude (it can also be used for emphasis)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Macana<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Nonsense, lies<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chango<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Young guy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that <em>vos<\/em> has its own conjugations. Here&#8217;s an in-depth guide to them:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"xbY9E7IZzE\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/voseo\/\">How to Use Voseo in Spanish (Examples Included)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;How to Use Voseo in Spanish (Examples Included)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/voseo\/embed\/#?secret=jyYcF2vGDq#?secret=xbY9E7IZzE\" data-secret=\"xbY9E7IZzE\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Check out these posts to learn more Argentinian Spanish:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"YTXYslxotO\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/learn-argentine-spanish-slang-words\/\">Unique Features of Argentinian Spanish (Pronunciation, Vocabulary and More)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Unique Features of Argentinian Spanish (Pronunciation, Vocabulary and More)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/learn-argentine-spanish-slang-words\/embed\/#?secret=86doR6DU5G#?secret=YTXYslxotO\" data-secret=\"YTXYslxotO\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"HwObyUqY3o\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/argentine-spanish-slang-phrases\/\">12 Common Argentinian Slang Expressions [With Audio and Example Sentences]<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;12 Common Argentinian Slang Expressions [With Audio and Example Sentences]&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/argentine-spanish-slang-phrases\/embed\/#?secret=W0fPlQD5Gm#?secret=HwObyUqY3o\" data-secret=\"HwObyUqY3o\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"2dPdVoh6g5\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/boludo-argentina\/\">Meanings of &#8220;Boludo&#8221; in Argentina (With Examples)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Meanings of &#8220;Boludo&#8221; in Argentina (With Examples)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/boludo-argentina\/embed\/#?secret=RErzC4dBC1#?secret=2dPdVoh6g5\" data-secret=\"2dPdVoh6g5\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Bolivia<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Cuate<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chupar<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To drink (alcohol)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chaqui<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Hangover<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Tombo<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Police<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Opa<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Idiot<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Imilla<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Girl, young woman (may come off as rude, use with caution)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Llocalla<\/strong><\/em> \/ <strong><em>Y<\/em><em>ocalla<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 Boy, young man (may come off as rude, use with caution)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more Bolivian Spanish here:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"UDGa0GYvew\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/bolivian-spanish\/\">Bolivian Spanish (Plus Phrases and Slang)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Bolivian Spanish (Plus Phrases and Slang)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/bolivian-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=9yvH8IMCbQ#?secret=UDGa0GYvew\" data-secret=\"UDGa0GYvew\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from the Caribbean<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mixing of R and L<\/strong> \u2014 Feel free to invert these consonants, as many Caribbeans do. Some say, for example, <em>puelta<\/em> instead of <em>puerta<\/em> (door).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disappearing S&#8217;s <\/strong>\u2014 As in many other parts (particularly coastal parts) of Latin America, the S&#8217;s for most speakers are replaced by aspirated H&#8217;s.<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Una fr\u00eda<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Beer (informal) (literally it means &#8220;a cold one&#8221;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Tumba eso<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Forget about it \/ Let the subject drop<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Te pasaste de maquillaje<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 You&#8217;ve gone too far (literally, &#8220;you&#8217;ve overused your makeup&#8221;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 bol\u00e1?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 What&#8217;s up?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Acere<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friendly<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Jamar<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To eat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn some more Caribbean Spanish vocabulary with these guides:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"d9zSZ9AbRR\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/dominican-spanish\/\">What Sets Dominican Spanish Apart<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;What Sets Dominican Spanish Apart&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/dominican-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=GGoi1mYljL#?secret=d9zSZ9AbRR\" data-secret=\"d9zSZ9AbRR\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"TXABqKsDwQ\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/cuban-spanish\/\">Cuban Spanish: All About Cuba&#8217;s Unique Language Variety<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Cuban Spanish: All About Cuba&#8217;s Unique Language Variety&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/cuban-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=mQw9zrcmt0#?secret=TXABqKsDwQ\" data-secret=\"TXABqKsDwQ\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"aM3eMmH6Gh\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/puerto-rican-spanish\/\">What Makes Puerto Rican Spanish Unique<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;What Makes Puerto Rican Spanish Unique&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/puerto-rican-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=IGWrUAtuKd#?secret=aM3eMmH6Gh\" data-secret=\"aM3eMmH6Gh\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"vV40SaIgPW\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/dominican-slang\/\">31 Unique Dominican Slang Terms<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;31 Unique Dominican Slang Terms&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/dominican-slang\/embed\/#?secret=0EVVFAk92B#?secret=vV40SaIgPW\" data-secret=\"vV40SaIgPW\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Central America<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Drop your S&#8217;s, and sometimes D&#8217;s<\/strong> \u2014 At the end of words, these consonants usually disappear in Central American pronunciation. The S&#8217;s can become just a puff of air, pronounced like H&#8217;s.<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chero<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chepe<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Nickname for the city of San Jos\u00e9<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00a1Pura vida!<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Cheers!, Hello!, Doing great! (Costa Rican)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Mae<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Dude, Man (it&#8217;s now sometimes used for women too)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Jalar<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To go (informal)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Ir jalando<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To get going<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00a1Upe!<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 What you shout outside someone&#8217;s gate to get their attention if they don&#8217;t have a doorbell<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here are more guides to Central American Spanish:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"L4I60EfNYA\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/costa-rican-slang\/\">37 Costa Rican Slang Terms Locals Love<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;37 Costa Rican Slang Terms Locals Love&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/costa-rican-slang\/embed\/#?secret=v0raWQlt9h#?secret=L4I60EfNYA\" data-secret=\"L4I60EfNYA\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"6RgYacqdza\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/nicaraguan-spanish\/\">21 Common Nicaraguan Slang Words and Phrases<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;21 Common Nicaraguan Slang Words and Phrases&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/nicaraguan-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=Py8C5LqScO#?secret=6RgYacqdza\" data-secret=\"6RgYacqdza\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"6libyXaUmh\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/honduran-spanish\/\">The Complete Guide to Honduran Spanish (+ 11 Slang Terms)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;The Complete Guide to Honduran Spanish (+ 11 Slang Terms)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/honduran-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=udaHtOUwfT#?secret=6libyXaUmh\" data-secret=\"6libyXaUmh\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9woxVEF2Kr\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/panamanian-spanish\/\">Panamanian Spanish: Accent, Grammar, Vocabulary and More<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Panamanian Spanish: Accent, Grammar, Vocabulary and More&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/panamanian-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=AHTpzyJ8jw#?secret=9woxVEF2Kr\" data-secret=\"9woxVEF2Kr\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9EZVM96V4b\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/panamanian-slang\/\">Key Panamanian Slang Words<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Key Panamanian Slang Words&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/panamanian-slang\/embed\/#?secret=Je4vG0Htmk#?secret=9EZVM96V4b\" data-secret=\"9EZVM96V4b\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Chile<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 onda?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 How are you?<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 onda, microonda?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 A very cheesy and childish version that literally means: &#8220;What wave, microwave?&#8221;<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Huev\u00f3n<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Guy \/ Dude (some Chileans insert it into most of their sentences as a meaningless interjection)<\/li>\n<li><strong>The &#8211;<em>\u00e1i<\/em> and &#8211;<em>\u00ed<\/em> endings<\/strong> \u2014 In the informal second-person forms of the verbs you&#8217;ll often hear (but not see written, except possibly in text messages and the like) different endings than what you were taught in school<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Verbs ending in &#8211;<em>ar<\/em> will often get &#8211;<em>\u00e1i<\/em> endings, as in <em>bailar<\/em> (to dance) \u2192 <em><strong>Bail\u00e1i<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(you dance).<\/p>\n<p>Verbs ending in <em>-er<\/em> and<em> -ir<\/em> will get an &#8211;<em>\u00ed<\/em>\u00a0ending, as with <em>poder<\/em> (to be able to) \u2192 <em><strong>Pod\u00ed<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(you can).<\/p>\n<p>Notice how, even though it&#8217;s informal speech, it follows a standard rule of Spanish. Since these endings take the stress on the last syllable, the spelling changes that normally &#8220;corrupt&#8221; certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/spanish-vowels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stressed vowels<\/a> don&#8217;t happen here (it&#8217;s not <em>pued\u00ed<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>Check out this guide to learn more Chilean Spanish:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"dQ4KU7ZdQb\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/chilean-spanish-slang-words-phrases\/\">29 Chilean Slang Words You&#8217;ll Hear in Chile<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;29 Chilean Slang Words You&#8217;ll Hear in Chile&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/chilean-spanish-slang-words-phrases\/embed\/#?secret=QB8oIjQUDG#?secret=dQ4KU7ZdQb\" data-secret=\"dQ4KU7ZdQb\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Colombia<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Sardina<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 A very young woman (specific to Bogot\u00e1)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Estar enguayabado<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To have a hangover<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Parce<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend (informal)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Berraquera<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Energy, enthusiasm (can also mean &#8220;a good thing&#8221;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Hacer algo con berraquera<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 To do something with spunk or pizzazz<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn more Colombian Spanish here:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"aB5l9tBSic\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/colombian-spanish\/\">Colombian Spanish (Plus Common Phrases)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Colombian Spanish (Plus Common Phrases)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/colombian-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=XxFgySGGWe#?secret=aB5l9tBSic\" data-secret=\"aB5l9tBSic\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Ecuador<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Pluto<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Drunk<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Pana<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Caleta<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 House \/ Home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Explore more words and phrases from Ecuador with these posts:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"rrtCzRunWj\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/ecuadorian-spanish\/\">Ecuadorian Spanish in the Amazon, Galapagos Islands and Other Areas<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Ecuadorian Spanish in the Amazon, Galapagos Islands and Other Areas&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/ecuadorian-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=S3CgmWGNeS#?secret=rrtCzRunWj\" data-secret=\"rrtCzRunWj\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"SHuUHQ0cbi\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/ecuadorian-slang\/\">103 Ecuadorian Slang Words to Communicate with Locals<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;103 Ecuadorian Slang Words to Communicate with Locals&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/ecuadorian-slang\/embed\/#?secret=rWRonu0XNH#?secret=SHuUHQ0cbi\" data-secret=\"SHuUHQ0cbi\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Mexico<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Chido<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Cool<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Lana<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Money<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Wey<\/strong><\/em> <em><strong>\/ <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>G\u00fcey<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Dude \/ Guy (used in greetings and as a meaningless interjection)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chela<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Beer<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chones<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Underwear<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Fuchi<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Yuck<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Carnal<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend, brother<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Compa<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Pedo<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Problem, thing (as an adjective, it means &#8220;drunk&#8221;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00bfQu\u00e9 pedo?<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 What&#8217;s up?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can find tons more Mexican Spanish vocabulary in this guide:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"X5o1xnqBAT\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/mexican-slang\/\">90+ Mexican Slang Words and Expressions (with Audio and Examples)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;90+ Mexican Slang Words and Expressions (with Audio and Examples)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/mexican-slang\/embed\/#?secret=NkpgKY1mdy#?secret=X5o1xnqBAT\" data-secret=\"X5o1xnqBAT\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Peru<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Pe<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Well, then (shortened version of &#8220;<em>pues<\/em>&#8220;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Pitrimitri<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Awesome<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Pata<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Friend, guy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Master more Peruvian slang words here:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"krrBgjtOsA\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/peruvian-slang\/\">46 Peruvian Slang Words Used by Locals<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;46 Peruvian Slang Words Used by Locals&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/peruvian-slang\/embed\/#?secret=ezCSBnUo2u#?secret=krrBgjtOsA\" data-secret=\"krrBgjtOsA\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Uruguay<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Ta<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Yes, OK (shortened version of &#8220;<em>est\u00e1<\/em>&#8220;)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Adobado<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Drunk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Check out this post for more Uruguayan phrases:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"jIuX5AVaT1\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/uruguayan-spanish\/\">25 Uruguayan Slang Words and Expressions (With Audio)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;25 Uruguayan Slang Words and Expressions (With Audio)&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/uruguayan-spanish\/embed\/#?secret=5x9pIFMYdV#?secret=jIuX5AVaT1\" data-secret=\"jIuX5AVaT1\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Spanish Words from Venezuela<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>\u00a1De pinga!<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Awesome! (informal)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Vaina<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Thing (very informal)<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u00a1Qu\u00e9 vaina!<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 What a drag!<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Guayoyo<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Large, weak <a href=\"http:\/\/venezuelanfoodanddrinks.blogspot.ru\/2009\/05\/guayoyo-o-tetero-flaco-venezuelan.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">black coffee<\/a><\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Chivo<\/strong><\/em> \u2014 Boss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Learn how to sound even more Venezuelan when speaking Spanish with this guide:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"D1Vygkq1A9\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/venezuelan-slang\/\">Most Common Venezuelan Slang Terms<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Most Common Venezuelan Slang Terms&#8221; &#8212; FluentU\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/venezuelan-slang\/embed\/#?secret=9x6rA5S4ZB#?secret=D1Vygkq1A9\" data-secret=\"D1Vygkq1A9\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Of course, there are so many more fun and ultra-local words and phrases (not to mention languages!) to discover in Latin America. Use an immersive program like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/spanish\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FluentU<\/a> to help you find even more in context through Spanish videos. <p><strong>FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/fluentu-learn-language-videos\/id917892175\">the iOS app<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.fluentflix.fluentu&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US\">Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><i><a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\r\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/NativeAd-Spanish.jpg\" alt=\"FluentU Ad\" \/>\r\n  <p style=\"text-align: center\">\r\n    <button class=\"btn-blue\" style=\"border: none;font-size: 18px;text-align: center;padding: 0.75rem 1.5rem;cursor: pointer\">\r\n      Try FluentU for FREE!\r\n    <\/button>\r\n  <\/p>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n<p>This post is meant to get your foot in the door and spark some interesting conversations with your new <em>panas\/compas\/parces\/cheros\/aceres<\/em>&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Go meet them!<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>And One More Thing\u2026<\/h2>\r\n<p>\r\nIf you've made it this far that means you probably enjoy learning Spanish with engaging material and <strong><a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> will then love FluentU<\/a>.<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\nOther sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the Spanish language and culture over time. You\u2019ll learn Spanish as it\u2019s actually spoken by real people.\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>\r\nFluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:\r\n<\/p>\r\n<a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1234 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/Spanish-1.jpg\" alt=\"learn-spanish-with-videos\" width=\"320\" height=\"568\" \/><\/a>\r\n<p>\r\n<strong>FluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive transcripts.<\/strong> You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used. If you see an interesting word you don\u2019t know, you can add it to a vocab list.\r\n<\/p>\r\n<a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/Spanish-2.png\" alt=\"learn-spanish-with-interactive-subtitled-videos\" width=\"320\" height=\"569\" \/><\/a>\r\n<p>\r\nReview a complete interactive transcript under the <strong>Dialogue<\/strong> tab, and find words and phrases listed under <strong>Vocab<\/strong>.\r\n<\/p>\r\n<a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1235 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/Spanish-3.jpg\" alt=\"learn-spanish-with-songs\" width=\"320\" height=\"568\" \/><\/a>\r\n<p>\r\nLearn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU\u2019s robust learning engine. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you\u2019re on.\r\n<\/p>\r\n<a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1236 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/Spanish-4.jpg\" alt=\"learn-spanish-with-music-videos\" width=\"320\" height=\"568\" \/><\/a>\r\n<p>\r\nThe best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you\u2019re learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it\u2019s time to review what you\u2019ve learned.<strong> Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they\u2019re learning with the same video.<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<p>\r\nStart using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. <a data-bid=\"1\" data-no-instant=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/try\/april-sale-3331\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re going on one of those classic tours of Latin America, you need the linguistic tools to make friends fast, flirt and have fun.\u00a0The good news: you don&#8217;t need&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":708,"featured_media":246211,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"Latin American Spanish Vocabulary List: Important Words and Phrases | FluentU Spanish Blog","description":"Click here for the ultimate Latin American Spanish vocabulary list. Explore the dialects, slang and regional variations of South American countries like Peru and Venezuela, the Caribbean, Central American countries like Costa Rica, Mexico and more. Practice with audio and uncover grammatical differences between each country."},"footnotes":""},"categories":[590,593],"tags":[],"coauthors":[186],"class_list":["post-144747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spanish","category-spanish-vocabulary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/708"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144747"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247841,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144747\/revisions\/247841"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/246211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144747"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=144747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}