¡Hola! So you're diving into the beautiful world of Spanish, and your compass is pointing towards Colombia. ¡Qué buena elección! Colombian Spanish is known for its clarity, but what truly gives it its color and warmth is the local slang.
Traveling to Bogotá or Medellín? Want to connect with your Colombian friends on a deeper level? Learning a few key slang words will completely change the game. It shows you've made an effort to understand the culture, not just the dictionary definitions.
Today, we're going to break down two of the most essential, must-know Colombian slang words: 'parce' and 'chévere'. By the end of this post, you'll be using them like a true paisa.
The Ultimate Colombian Connector: 'Parce'
If you spend more than five minutes with a group of young Colombians, you're guaranteed to hear this word.
Parce (or its longer forms, parcero / parcera) is the Colombian equivalent of 'dude', 'bro', 'mate', or 'friend'. It’s the cornerstone of informal, friendly conversation.
Let's look at how it works.
1. As a Greeting or to Get Attention
This is one of the most common uses. It is a warm and casual way to greet a friend.
- ¿Quiubo, parcedude / friend? ¿Todo bien? (What's up, dude? All good?)
- Parce, ¡mira eso! (Bro, look at that!)
2. To Refer to Someone
You can also use 'parce' to talk about a third person, usually an unnamed male.
- El parcedude de la camisa roja es mi primo. (The dude in the red shirt is my cousin.)
Context is Everything!
'Parce' is a very informal word. Think of it like using 'bro' or 'dude' in English. It's perfect for friends and people your age, but you wouldn't use it with your boss, a professor, or an elderly person you've just met. Stick to señor, señora, or usted in formal situations.
Ready to test your knowledge?
Who would you most likely call 'parce'?
The Vibe of Colombia: 'Chévere'
If you want to describe something as cool, awesome, great, or fantastic, chévere is your go-to word. It's an all-purpose positive adjective that oozes good vibes. It can describe people, places, things, and situations. If it's good, it's probably chéverecool / great.
Here’s how you can sprinkle it into your conversations.
1. Describing a Thing or Place
- Este restaurante es muy chéverecool. (This restaurant is very cool.)
- ¡Qué fiesta tan chévereawesome! (What an awesome party!)
2. Describing a Person
- Tu hermana es súper chéverecool / nice. (Your sister is super cool/nice.)
3. As a Response
Someone invites you to a concert? Tells you some good news? A simple '¡Qué chévere!' is the perfect, enthusiastic response.
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Pronunciation Note
The 'v' in Spanish often sounds more like a 'b'. So, when you say 'chévere', think "CHE-beh-reh". Getting that sound right will make you sound even more natural.
Let's Practice!
Time to put it all together. Can you unscramble this classic Colombian sentence?
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence:
Your Colombian Slang Starter Pack
You've now got the two most essential words in your toolkit. Mastering 'parce' and 'chévere' is your first step to speaking Spanish that feels alive and authentic.
Remember, language is about connection. Using these words shows you're not just learning a language; you're embracing a culture. So go ahead, find a Colombian friend, and greet them with a confident, “¿Qué más, parce?”. Their smile will tell you everything you need to know.
Ready to learn more real-world Spanish that you'll actually use? The InkLingo app is packed with lessons that go beyond the textbook. Check out our Spanish Stories to see these words in action! ¡Nos vemos!
