Colombian Spanish is famous for being clear, warm and easy to understand. But when you arrive in Medellín, you will hear a few expressions that are not in your textbook. I was born and raised here, so let me share the ones you will hear every single day, and how to use them.
Greetings
1. ¿Qué más?
Literally “what else?”, but it means “how are you?” or “what’s up?”. You can answer “Bien, ¿y tú?”. It’s probably the most Colombian greeting there is.
2. ¿Quiubo? / ¿Qué hubo?
A short, friendly “hi, what’s up?”. Very common among friends. In Medellín you will also hear “¿Bien o qué?”, which means the same thing.
3. Parce / parcero
“Buddy” or “mate”. It comes from parcero, a close friend. “¿Qué más, parce?” is the most Medellín sentence you can say.
At the café or the store
4. Un tinto
In Colombia, un tinto is a small black coffee, not red wine. If you want coffee with milk, ask for un café con leche or un perico.
5. ¿Me regala…?
Literally “will you gift me…?”, but don’t worry, you still pay. It’s the polite way to order: “¿Me regala un tinto, por favor?”.
6. A la orden
“At your service”. You will hear it from sellers calling customers, and as a kind reply to “gracias”, like “you’re welcome”.
7. Una luca
One thousand Colombian pesos. “Son cinco lucas” means “it’s five thousand pesos”.
Saying yes, sorry and great
8. ¡De una!
“Sure, let’s do it!” or “right away”. “¿Vamos por un tinto?” “¡De una!”
9. Listo
“OK”, “done”, “deal”. Colombians use it all the time to confirm plans: “Nos vemos a las 3.” “Listo.”
10. ¡Qué pena!
In other countries it means “what a shame”, but in Colombia it is a polite “sorry” or “excuse me”: “Qué pena, ¿me regala la hora?” (Excuse me, do you have the time?).
11. Bacano / chévere
Both mean “cool” or “great”. “La clase estuvo muy bacana” means the class was really cool.
12. Pues
The signature word of Medellín. It doesn’t really translate: we add it to sentences to give them rhythm and warmth. “Sí, pues”, “Bueno, pues”, “¡Hágale, pues!” (Go for it!). Once you start using it, people will smile.
Use them with confidence
These expressions are friendly and informal, so they are perfect with friends, at the café or with your host family. In formal situations, standard Spanish is always a safe choice.
In my classes, we learn Spanish that you can really use: grammar, of course, but also the culture and the expressions that make conversations feel natural. Want to practice them with me? Have a look at the courses and prices or send me a message.
