Slang & idioms › Spain slang
Spain slang: 22 words
Everyday words from Spain that textbooks skip. Many of them would sound strange in Mexico, so the page also tells you what Latin Americans say instead.
cool
La fiesta de ayer fue muy guay.
Yesterday's party was really cool.
guy, girl; mate. Also uncle and aunt
Tía, no te lo vas a creer.
Girl, you're not going to believe this.
it's cool; I like it (from «molar»)
Me mola mucho esta canción.
I really like this song.
to be amazed; to freak out
Flipé con el final de la serie.
I was blown away by the end of the series.
to work / job
Mañana curro hasta las ocho.
Tomorrow I'm working until eight.
OK, all right
—¿Quedamos a las siete? —Vale.
“Shall we meet at seven?” “OK.”
to meet up, to arrange to meet
He quedado con Marta para tomar algo.
I've arranged to meet Marta for a drink.
money (it's also the ordinary word for pasta)
Ese coche cuesta una pasta.
That car costs a fortune.
a lot, loads
Había mogollón de gente en el concierto.
There were loads of people at the concert.
No way! That's crazy!
¿Se han separado? ¡Qué fuerte!
They've split up? That's crazy!
nice, friendly (a person)
Tu novio es muy majo.
Your boyfriend is really nice.
kid, young person
Ese chaval juega al fútbol genial.
That kid plays soccer brilliantly.
shabby, cheap-looking
El hotel era un poco cutre, pero estaba limpio.
The hotel was a bit shabby, but it was clean.
posh, preppy
Ese barrio es muy pijo.
That neighborhood is really posh.
a small draught beer
¿Nos tomamos una caña?
Shall we have a beer?
foreign tourist, usually from northern Europe or the US; teasing, not always kind
En agosto la playa está llena de guiris.
In August the beach is full of tourists.
like, sort of (a filler used by young people)
Estaba en plan, ¿qué hago ahora?
I was like, what do I do now?
to be amazing (or unbelievable, depending on tone)
Este pueblo es la leche.
This town is amazing.
to mess things up, cause trouble
La he liado: he borrado el archivo.
I've messed up: I've deleted the file.
to be broke
No puedo salir, estoy sin blanca hasta el viernes.
I can't go out, I'm broke until Friday.
damn, f***; very common in Spain, still rude
¡Joder, qué frío hace!
Damn, it's cold!
Wow! / Damn! Strong in some families, everyday for others
¡Hostia, se me ha olvidado la cartera!
Damn, I've forgotten my wallet!
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