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Cuban slang: 300 phrases to sound like a local

  • 300 phrases
  • 300 real examples
  • 66 slang
  • 4 regions
  • 27 local phrases
  • 12 marked vulgar

Cuban Spanish is fast, warm and packed with words no textbook teaches. These 300 phrases are the ones you'll hear in taxis, paladares, bars and on the Malecón.

Greetings and small talk 25

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
1 ¿Qué bolá? What's up? ¿Qué bolá, asere? ¿Cómo está la cosa?What's up, man? How are things? Casual The classic hello between friends, also spelled "qué volá".
2 ¿Cómo está la cosa? How are things? ¿Y cómo está la cosa por allá, en tu país?And how are things over there, in your country? Everyday The standard small talk opener. Expect a sigh and "mala" or "en candela" back.
3 Aquí, en la lucha Hanging in there, getting by ¿Cómo va todo? Aquí, en la lucha, como siempre.How's everything going? Getting by, as always. Everyday The most common Cuban answer to "how's it going". Say it with a shrug and a smile.
4 ¿De dónde tú eres? Where are you from? ¿De dónde tú eres? ¿Americano o canadiense?Where are you from? American or Canadian? Everyday The first question a taxi driver asks.
5 Al kilo Great, all good ¿Cómo tú estás? Al kilo, asere, todo bien.How are you? Great, man, all good. Slang A cheerful reply to "how are you".
6 En talla All good, on the same page Tranquilo, que entre nosotros todo está en talla.Relax, everything's good between us. Slang Says things fit, or that people get along and know what's up.
7 Caballero Folks, everyone (to a group) Caballero, ¿quién es el último?Folks, who's last in line? Everyday Use it for any group, men and women alike.
8 Mi hermano Buddy (to a stranger) Mi hermano, ¿tú me dices dónde queda el Capitolio?Buddy, can you tell me where the Capitol is? Everyday The polite, friendly way to stop a stranger in the street.
9 Papi Man, pal (to any guy) Dime, papi, ¿qué tú necesitas?Tell me, man, what do you need? Casual Men use it with friends and strangers. Women use it with partners, kids, and male customers too.
10 Mami Honey, dear (to a woman) Mami, ¿tú sabes dónde queda la calle Obispo?Honey, do you know where Obispo Street is? Casual Normal from vendors and older people. From a guy in the street, often after a hiss (psst), it's a come-on.
11 ¿Qué vuelta? What's up? What's going on? ¿Qué vuelta, asere? ¿Tú vienes esta noche?What's up, man? Are you coming tonight? Slang Another hello between friends, like qué bolá.
12 Ambia Pal, buddy (also a hello) ¿Qué volá, ambia? ¿Todo bien por la casa?What's up, pal? All good at home? Slang A street word for a friend, and a quick hello between friends on its own. Ambiaco is the longer form.
13 Chino Dear, pal (to anyone) Oye, chino, ven acá un momentico.Hey, pal, come here a sec. Casual Pure affection for anyone.
14 ¿Qué tú cuentas? What's new? ¿Qué tú cuentas, monina? ¿Cómo está la familia?What's new, pal? How's the family? Everyday A warm way to ask how someone's been.
15 ¡Chao, pescao! Bye now! (a rhyme) ¡Chao, pescao! Nos vemos mañana.Bye now! See you tomorrow. Casual A playful, jokey goodbye between friends. Cubans say it as a pair, and the reply is "¡y a la vuelta, picadillo!"
16 Nos pillamos See you later Bueno, me voy. Nos pillamos mañana en el Malecón.OK, I'm off. See you tomorrow on the Malecón. Slang Young people use it as a quick see you later.
17 Me piro I'm out of here Me piro, que mañana tengo pincha temprano.I'm out, I've got work early tomorrow. Slang Quick way to say you're leaving.
18 Me voy echando I'm heading off Bueno, caballero, me voy echando, que se hace tarde.OK, folks, I'm heading off, it's getting late. Casual A soft way to start your goodbyes.
19 Dale saludos a la pura Say hi to your mom Dale saludos a la pura de mi parte.Say hi to your mom for me. Casual La pura is mom and el puro is dad.
20 Mi vida / mi amor Honey, dear (from anyone) Siéntate aquí, mi vida, que ya te traigo el café.Sit here, honey, I'll bring your coffee right away. Everyday Vendors, waitresses and neighbors call everyone this, men and women. No flirting meant. Street use
21 Mala mía My bad Mala mía, asere, no te vi.My bad, man, I didn't see you. Casual Quick sorry for a small slip.
22 Hace un calor que parte las piedras It's crazy hot Hace un calor que parte las piedras hoy, ¿eh?It's crazy hot today, huh? Everyday Easy small talk for any summer day.
23 Chifla el mono It's cold Ponte un abrigo, que esta noche chifla el mono.Put on a jacket, it's cold tonight. Casual A jokey line for the few cool nights.
24 ¿Qué cosa é? What's up? What is it? ¿Qué cosa é, asere? Hace rato que no te veo.What's up, man? I haven't seen you in a while. Casual A relaxed hello, said fast. It also asks "what is it?".
25 Mima Mom, honey Mima, ya llegué, ¿qué hay de comer?Mom, I'm home, what's for dinner? Casual For your mom, your girlfriend or your wife. Not for strangers.

Getting around 25

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
26 ¿Cuánto tú me cobras? How much will you charge me? ¿Cuánto tú me cobras hasta el Vedado?How much to take me to Vedado? Everyday Ask before you get in any taxi.
27 La máquina A car, a shared taxi Cogimos una máquina en el Parque Central hasta Playa.We got a shared taxi at Parque Central to Playa. Everyday Any car, and also the shared taxis on fixed routes.
28 El almendrón An old 1950s American car Montamos en un almendrón rojo del 57 hasta el Vedado.We rode a red '57 classic car to Vedado. Everyday Most of them work as shared taxis. Cubans named it for the almond shape.
29 El botero Shared taxi driver El botero cobra 200 pesos hasta el Vedado.The shared taxi driver charges 200 pesos to Vedado. Everyday Drivers who run a fixed route and pick people up along it. The fare is el pasaje.
30 La guagua The bus ¿Esta guagua va pa' Centro Habana?Does this bus go to Centro Habana? Everyday The everyday word for bus. Intercity buses are ómnibus.
31 ¿Me tiras hasta el hotel? Can you take me to the hotel? Asere, ¿me tiras hasta el hotel? Te doy algo.Man, can you drop me at the hotel? I'll give you something. Casual Tirar is to give a lift or carry something.
32 El bicitaxi Bike taxi Cogimos un bicitaxi hasta el Capitolio por 300 pesos.We took a bike taxi to the Capitol for 300 pesos. Everyday Pedal rickshaws. Agree on the price before you sit.
33 Al doblar Just around the corner La casa particular queda ahí al doblar.The guesthouse is just around the corner. Everyday Handy, but it can mean a few blocks.
34 La piquera Taxi stand La piquera de los taxis está frente al hotel.The taxi stand is in front of the hotel. Everyday Where taxis wait for fares.
35 El cocotaxi Round yellow moto taxi Montar en cocotaxi es lo más turístico que hay.Riding a cocotaxi is as touristy as it gets. Everyday A 3 wheel scooter in a coconut shell. Fun for short hops.
36 La casa particular Private guesthouse Nos quedamos en una casa particular en el Vedado, con desayuno incluido.We stayed at a guesthouse in Vedado, breakfast included. Everyday A licensed room in a family home, like a B&B. Most visitors sleep in one.
37 Tener datos To have mobile data ¿Tú tienes datos? Mándame la dirección por WhatsApp.Do you have data? Send me the address on WhatsApp. Everyday Data comes in prepaid packages on a Cubacel SIM. Top up with una recarga and check your saldo, your balance.
38 La zona wifi Public wifi spot Por la noche la zona wifi del parque se llena de gente hablando con la familia.At night the park wifi spot fills up with people talking to family. Everyday Most are in parks and plazas. Look for the crowd staring at phones.
39 Coger botella To hitch a ride Nos quedamos sin guagua y tuvimos que coger botella.We missed the bus and had to hitch a ride. Everyday Hitching is normal in Cuba. Dar botella is to give someone a free ride.
40 Al cantío de un gallo Very close by La playa está al cantío de un gallo, vamos a pie.The beach is really close, let's walk. Casual Literally "a rooster's crow away".
41 En casa del carajo Really far away Ese reparto queda en casa del carajo.That neighborhood is miles away. Vulgar Mildly rude, and very common.
42 El reparto Neighborhood Vivo en un reparto cerca del aeropuerto.I live in a neighborhood near the airport. Everyday You'll hear reparto for any part of town.
43 La motorina Electric scooter Ahora todo el mundo anda en motorina porque no hay gasolina.Now everyone rides an e-scooter because there's no gas. Everyday E-scooters are all over Cuban streets now.
44 El motor Motorbike Mi primo me llevó en el motor hasta la playa.My cousin took me to the beach on his motorbike. Everyday In Cuba a motorbike is a motor.
45 El chivo Bicycle Voy en el chivo, que la guagua no pasa.I'm going by bike, the bus isn't coming. Slang The Cuban word for a bike.
46 Echar un patín To run, to hurry Echa un patín, que se va la guagua.Run, the bus is leaving. Slang Means to hurry on foot.
47 Donde el diablo dio las tres voces Out in the middle of nowhere La finca queda donde el diablo dio las tres voces y nadie lo oyó.The farm is out in the middle of nowhere. Casual Literally "where the devil shouted 3 times and nobody heard him". Use it for a place that's really far.
48 El amarillo Official who flags rides at stops El amarillo paró un camión y nos montó a todos.The traffic official stopped a truck and got us all on. Everyday The name comes from the yellow uniform. They fill state cars at hitching points.
49 El caballito Traffic cop on a motorbike Baja la velocidad, que ahí viene un caballito.Slow down, a motorbike cop is coming. Slang They ride the bike like a little horse.
50 La fiana The police Cuidado, que en esa esquina siempre hay fiana.Careful, there are always cops on that corner. Slang A bit rude. Don't say it to an officer.

Food and drink 27

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
51 El paladar Private restaurant Comimos en un paladar en La Habana Vieja y estaba buenísimo.We ate at a private restaurant in Old Havana and it was great. Everyday Family run places. Usually better than state restaurants. Nobody brings the bill until you ask, so ask for la cuenta and check which money it's in.
52 No hay There isn't any, it's out ¿Qué tienen hoy? Pollo no hay, mi vida, solo cerdo.What do you have today? There's no chicken, honey, only pork. Everyday The answer you'll hear most in shops and cafés. Ask ¿qué hay? or ¿qué tienen? first to hear what's left. Street use
53 ¿Tengo la boca cuadrada? Hey, aren't you sharing? ¿Y tú vas a comer solo? ¿Yo tengo la boca cuadrada o qué?You're eating alone? What, I can't eat too? Casual Literally "is my mouth square?". A joke when someone eats in front of you and doesn't offer.
54 La cajita Boxed takeaway meal Dame una cajita de pollo con congrí pa' llevar.Give me a boxed chicken meal with rice and beans to go. Everyday Rice, beans, meat and salad in a cardboard box from a street café. The cheapest lunch you'll find. The server will ask "¿pa' llevar?", to go? Street use
55 Un buchito de café A small shot of coffee Siéntate y tómate un buchito de café.Sit down and have a little coffee. Everyday Strong, sweet and tiny. Hosts will offer one.
56 Colar el café To make coffee Espérate, que voy a colar café.Hang on, I'm going to make coffee. Everyday You'll hear colar, to strain, for making coffee.
57 Un cortadito A small coffee with a splash of milk Un cortadito y un café con leche, por favor.A small coffee with milk and a café con leche, please. Everyday Espresso topped with steamed milk, already sweet. Café con leche is a bigger cup with more milk, the usual breakfast.
58 El bocadito A small sandwich Me da un bocadito de jamón y queso, por favor.Can I have a ham and cheese sandwich, please? Everyday The small sandwich sold at every street cafetería.
59 La jama Food ¿Dónde hay jama buena y barata por aquí?Where's good, cheap food around here? Slang The everyday Cuban word for food. Jamar is to eat: vamos a jamar.
60 Tengo un hambre que no veo I'm starving Asere, tengo un hambre que no veo, vamos a jamar algo.Man, I'm so hungry I can't see straight, let's go eat something. Casual Literally "I'm so hungry I can't see". Tener iria means the same.
61 La completa Full plate, a set meal La completa trae arroz, frijoles, carne y ensalada.The set meal comes with rice, beans, meat and salad. Everyday The cheap plate of the day at street stalls.
62 El congrí Rice cooked with red or black beans Me pone una completa con congrí y masa de puerco, por favor.I'll have a set meal with rice and beans and fried pork, please. Everyday On almost every Cuban plate.
63 Moros y cristianos Black beans cooked with white rice De acompañante, ¿quiere moros y cristianos o arroz blanco?For your side, do you want black beans and rice or white rice? Everyday Literally "Moors and Christians". Congrí is the red bean version, though many use the 2 names for the same dish.
64 Los tostones Twice-fried green plantain slices Tráiganos una ración de tostones pa' picar.Bring us a plate of fried plantains to snack on. Everyday Flattened, fried twice and salted. They come with almost every meal.
65 El lechón asado Roast pork El plato fuerte de la casa es el lechón asado con yuca.The house special is roast pork with cassava. Everyday Slow roasted, often a whole pig for a party. Puerco asado means the same on most menus.
66 La fruta bomba Papaya ¿Me da un jugo de fruta bomba?Can I have a papaya juice? Everyday Use this word for papaya. In Havana and the west, papaya means a woman's private parts.
67 Un batido A fruit milkshake Me da un batido de mamey, por favor.Can I have a mamey shake, please? Everyday Fruit, milk, sugar and ice. Try guanábana, mamey or trigo, a wheat shake.
68 La vianda Starchy roots and plantains Hoy de vianda hay yuca con mojo.Today's side is cassava with garlic sauce. Everyday Yuca, malanga, plantain and sweet potato, boiled or fried.
69 El mojo Garlic and sour orange sauce Échale bastante mojo a la yuca.Put lots of garlic sauce on the cassava. Everyday Goes on yuca and roast pork.
70 Las mariquitas Thin fried plantain chips De picar trajeron mariquitas y croquetas.For snacks they brought plantain chips and croquettes. Everyday Thin fried green plantain chips. Some people call them chicharritas.
71 El picadillo Spiced ground beef Hoy hay picadillo con arroz blanco.Today there's ground beef with white rice. Everyday Cheap and on most home menus.
72 La ropa vieja Shredded beef stew Pide la ropa vieja, que aquí la hacen muy buena.Order the shredded beef, they make it really well here. Everyday Literally "old clothes". A famous Cuban dish.
73 Pan con timba Bread with guava paste Desayuné un pan con timba y un café.I had bread with guava paste and a coffee for breakfast. Casual Timba is guava paste here. La timba is also the name of Cuban salsa music.
74 El guarapo Fresh sugarcane juice Vamos a tomarnos un guarapo bien frío.Let's have a really cold sugarcane juice. Everyday Pressed in front of you at street stands.
75 El durofrío Homemade frozen juice pop Hace tremendo calor, cómprame un durofrío de mango en la casa de la esquina.It's so hot, buy me a mango ice pop at the house on the corner. Everyday Fruit juice frozen in a little cup or bag and sold from people's homes. Cheap relief on a hot day.
76 El ranchón A rustic open-air restaurant Paramos en un ranchón de la carretera a comer cerdo asado.We stopped at a roadside open-air restaurant for roast pork. Everyday Open sides and a roof, often in the country or by a beach. Good for a long lunch.
77 La cuenta, por favor The check, please Disculpe, ¿me trae la cuenta, por favor?Excuse me, can you bring me the check, please? Everyday Nobody brings the bill unprompted, so ask for it.

Money and shopping 31

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
78 ¿A cómo está? How much is it? ¿A cómo está la libra de mango?How much is a pound of mangoes? Everyday The Cuban way to ask a price. ¿Cuánto es? works too, and ¿me lo rebajas? asks for a lower one.
79 Por la libre Sold freely, off the ration book El arroz de la libreta se acabó, ahora hay que comprarlo por la libre.The ration rice ran out, now you have to buy it at the open price. Everyday Anything not rationed, sold at the full price. Por la libre also means doing things your own way.
80 La moneda nacional Cuban pesos (CUP) ¿Eso es en moneda nacional o en dólares?Is that in Cuban pesos or in dollars? Everyday Always ask which money a price is in.
81 La fula The US dollar El dueño quiere que le pagues en fula.The owner wants you to pay in dollars. Slang The street word for dollars, and many private prices are in fula now. Careful: ¡qué fula! means how awful.
82 ¿Me lo rebajas? Can you lower the price? Está muy caro, ¿me lo rebajas un poco?It's very expensive, can you lower it a bit? Everyday Use it at markets and with taxi drivers and street sellers. Smile when you ask.
83 ¿A cómo está el dólar? What's the dollar rate? ¿A cómo está el dólar hoy en la calle?What's the street rate for the dollar today? Everyday The street rate moves every day, so ask before you change money.
84 Tumbar To rip off, to scam Cuidado con el cambio en la calle, que te tumban.Careful changing money on the street, they'll rip you off. Slang Me tumbaron means I got scammed. The warning you need most.
85 ¿Tienes menudo? Do you have change? ¿Tienes menudo pa'l bicitaxi?Do you have change for the bike taxi? Everyday ¿Tienes cambio? works too. Carry small bills, since drivers rarely have change.
86 Un palo 100 pesos La entrada son dos palos por persona.Entry is 200 pesos per person. Slang You'll hear big prices counted in palos.
87 Una raya 1,000 pesos El arreglo te sale en una raya.The repair will cost you 1,000 pesos. Slang Handy now that prices run high.
88 ¿Quién es el último? Who's last in line? Buenas, ¿quién es el último pa' la guagua?Hi, who's last in line for the bus? Everyday Ask it when you join any line in Cuba. Then you go after that person.
89 La cola The line La cola del banco le daba la vuelta a la cuadra.The line at the bank went around the block. Everyday Lines are part of daily life here. Hacer la cola is to wait in line.
90 Marcar To save your place in line Yo marco aquí y tú vas a buscar el pan.I'll hold our place here and you go get the bread. Everyday You mark your turn, leave, and come back. Everyone keeps track.
91 El colero Person paid to hold a place in line Le pagué a un colero pa' no hacer la cola.I paid a line sitter so I didn't have to wait. Everyday A job born from long lines.
92 La chopin Store that sells in hard currency Eso no lo hay en el agro, búscalo en la chopin.They don't have that at the farmers market, look for it at the dollar store. Everyday Cubans' word for the hard-currency stores, from English "shopping". Prices there aren't in pesos.
93 El MLC Card-only dollar currency Esa tienda vende en MLC, no aceptan efectivo.That store sells in MLC, they don't take cash. Everyday A card-only dollar used in some state stores. Cuba is replacing it with dollar cards.
94 ¿Aceptas transferencia? Can I pay by bank transfer? No tengo efectivo, ¿aceptas transferencia?I don't have cash, do you take transfers? Everyday Cash runs short, so many pay by phone transfer.
95 El agro / el agromercado Farmers market Fuimos al agro a comprar mangos y aguacates.We went to the farmers market to buy mangoes and avocados. Everyday Open-air stalls with fruit, vegetables and meat. Prices are in pesos.
96 Resolver To get hold of, to make do Mañana resuelvo el aceite con un socio.Tomorrow I'll get the cooking oil through a friend. Everyday In Cuba it means finding what's scarce, any way you can.
97 La bolsa negra The black market La gasolina ahora solo se consigue en la bolsa negra.Gas is only on the black market now. Everyday Where scarce goods change hands.
98 Por la izquierda Under the table Me vendieron los huevos por la izquierda.They sold me the eggs under the table. Casual Anything bought or done off the books.
99 El bisne A deal, a thing, a matter Tengo un bisne mañana temprano, después te llamo.I've got a thing early tomorrow, I'll call you after. Slang From English "business", often a side deal. A bisnero is someone who lives off deals.
100 El meroliquero / la meroliquera A street seller of odds and ends El meroliquero de la esquina vende de todo, desde fosforeras hasta caramelos.The guy on the corner sells everything, from lighters to candy. Everyday Small sellers with a bit of everything. Check the price before you pay.
101 Tirar un salve To lend a little cash ¿Me tiras un salve hasta el lunes?Can you spot me some money until Monday? Slang A small loan between friends.
102 Estar en la fuácata To be flat broke Después del viaje quedé en la fuácata.After the trip I was flat broke. Slang A very Cuban way to say broke. Estar pelao means the same.
103 No tener ni un kilo To not have a cent No puedo salir esta noche, no tengo ni un kilo.I can't go out tonight, I don't have a cent. Slang A kilo is a centavo, the smallest coin. Some add "prieto partido por la mitad" for effect.
104 Jamar un cable To struggle, to be hard up Este mes estoy jamando un cable, no hay ni pa' la comida.I'm really struggling this month, there's not even money for food. Slang Literally "eating a cable". Also "comerse un cable".
105 Buscar balas To hustle for work or cash when broke Estoy en la fuácata, este fin de semana tengo que buscar balas.I'm flat broke, this weekend I've got to find some work. Slang Literally "to look for bullets".
106 Estar forrao To be loaded Ese tipo está forrao, tiene tres carros.That guy is loaded, he has 3 cars. Casual Lined with money.
107 Arrancarle el brazo To jump at a deal ¿Te lo dejan en cinco dólares? ¡Arráncale el brazo!They'll let you have it for 5 dollars? Grab it! Casual Literally "tear his arm off". Say it when an offer is too good to think twice.
108 El maceta A rich guy El maceta del barrio se compró otra casa.The neighborhood big shot bought another house. Slang It once hinted the money came from shady deals. Now it means any rich guy.

Bars and going out 23

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
109 Una fría A cold beer Caballero, tráiganme una fría, que hace calor.Folks, bring me a cold beer, it's hot. Casual The easy way to order a beer.
110 Una Cristal A Cristal beer Dos Cristal bien frías, por favor.2 really cold Cristals, please. Everyday Cristal is the Cuban beer on every menu. Bucanero is the other name you'll see.
111 ¿Qué tú tomas? What are you drinking? ¿Qué tú tomas, mojito o cerveza? Yo invito.What are you drinking, mojito or beer? My treat. Everyday Ask it when you offer someone a round.
112 Un pomo de ron A bottle of rum Trae un pomo de ron y hielo pa' la casa.Bring a bottle of rum and ice to the house. Everyday Pomo is any bottle or jar. A water bottle is un pomo de agua.
113 La curda A bender, being drunk Anoche cogimos tremenda curda.Last night we got really drunk. Slang Coger una curda is to get drunk, and estar en curda is to be drunk.
114 Bailar casino To dance Cuban salsa ¿Tú sabes bailar casino? Yo te enseño.Do you know how to dance Cuban salsa? I'll teach you. Everyday In Cuba, salsa is casino.
115 Echar un pie To dance Están poniendo salsa en el patio, ¿vamos a echar un pie?They're playing salsa in the courtyard, shall we dance? Slang Literally "to throw a foot". The easy way to ask someone to dance.
116 Guarachar To party Esta noche vamos a guarachar en el Vedado.Tonight we're going out partying in Vedado. Slang From guaracha, an old dance style.
117 La gozadera A great time, a wild party Anoche en la Fábrica de Arte eso era una gozadera.Last night at the Fábrica de Arte it was a total blast. Slang Big fun with music and dancing.
118 El bonche A loud get-together Hay un bonche en casa de Yuli, ¿te embullas?There's a get-together at Yuli's place, are you in? Casual A noisy party among friends.
119 El vacilón Fun, a good laugh Vamos pa' la playa, que va a estar el vacilón.Let's go to the beach, it's going to be fun. Casual A good time with friends.
120 Rumbear To go out partying Ese se pasa la semana rumbeando.That guy spends all week partying. Casual Out late, bar to bar.
121 Estar prendío To be fired up Desde que empezó la música estoy prendío.I've been fired up since the music started. Slang Excited and full of energy.
122 Embullarse To get into it, to get excited Al principio no quería bailar, pero me embullé.At first I didn't want to dance, but I got into it. Casual Also used to ask if someone's in. ¿Te embullas?
123 El motivito A small party El sábado hay un motivito en casa de mi prima, ¿vienes?There's a little party at my cousin's place on Saturday, are you coming? Casual A small get-together, usually with music and dancing.
124 La descarga A jam session Hoy hay descarga de jazz en el patio.There's a jazz jam in the courtyard today. Everyday Live, loose music for a small crowd.
125 Un cubalibre Rum and cola Dame un cubalibre con mucho hielo.Give me a rum and cola with lots of ice. Everyday The classic bar order, often with a squeeze of lime.
126 Estar en nota To be a bit drunk Después de tres cervezas ya estaba en nota.After 3 beers I was already a bit drunk. Slang Buzzed and happy.
127 Estar jumao To be drunk Después de medio pomo de ron ya estaba jumao.After half a bottle of rum he was already drunk. Slang Jumarse is to get drunk. Stronger than estar en nota.
128 Estar jalao To be drunk A las tres de la mañana ese estaba jalao, no se podía ni parar.At 3 in the morning he was so drunk he couldn't stand up. Slang The most common Cuban word for drunk. Jalao is the clipped jalado.
129 Botarse To pay for everyone, to splash out Hoy me boto yo, pidan lo que quieran.Tonight's on me, order whatever you want. Casual Botarse is to go all in. ¡Se botó! means he outdid himself.
130 La ponina A whip-round, pooled cash Vamos a hacer una ponina pa' comprar el ron.Let's chip in to buy the rum. Casual Everyone puts in a bit.
131 Un trago A drink ¿Nos tomamos un trago después de la cena?Shall we have a drink after dinner? Everyday Any alcoholic drink, a shot or a glass.

Friends and people 21

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
132 Asere / acere Man, buddy, bro Asere, ¿qué tú haces por aquí?Bro, what are you doing here? Slang The most Cuban word there is. It's how Cubans say "bro".
133 Socio Buddy, pal ¿Qué volá, socio? Hace rato que no te veo.What's up, pal? I haven't seen you in a while. Casual A very common word for a friend, or a guy you just met.
134 El yuma A foreigner, an American El yuma pidió dos mojitos y dejó tremenda propina.The foreigner ordered 2 mojitos and left a huge tip. Slang Strictly an American, but you'll get called yuma wherever you're from. No offense meant. La Yuma is the USA itself.
135 El jinetero / la jinetera Street hustler who targets tourists Un jinetero nos quiso llevar a un paladar pa' cobrar comisión.A hustler wanted to take us to a restaurant to earn a commission. Slang La jinetera often means a sex worker. Say "no, gracias" and walk on.
136 Monina Pal, buddy Esa es mi monina, nos conocemos desde la escuela.That's my buddy, we've known each other since school. Slang A close friend. You can also call a friend monina.
137 Consorte Buddy, close friend ¿Qué bolá, consorte? ¿Todo bien?What's up, buddy? All good? Slang A tight friend. A bit street.
138 Ecobio Close friend, brother Él no es mi primo, es mi ecobio de toda la vida.He's not my cousin, he's my brother for life. Slang An Afro Cuban word for a trusted friend.
139 Mi yunta My best friend Ella es mi yunta, vamos juntas a todas partes.She's my best friend, we go everywhere together. Casual Yunta is a pair of oxen, 2 who always go together.
140 Monstruo Champ, a star at something Ese muchacho es un monstruo tocando el piano.That kid is a beast at piano. Casual Also a friendly way to greet a buddy. Un monstruo de mujer is a stunning woman.
141 El gallego A Spaniard El dueño del hostal es un gallego que vive aquí hace años.The hostel owner is a Spaniard who's lived here for years. Casual Any Spaniard, not only someone from Galicia.
142 El fiñe A kid El fiñe de al lado se pasa el día jugando pelota.The kid next door plays baseball all day. Slang A child or young teen. El chama means the same.
143 El temba A middle-aged person Ese temba se viste como un pepillo.That middle-aged guy dresses like a teenager. Slang Someone around 40 to 60.
144 El pepillo A young, trendy person La Rampa por la noche se llena de pepillos.La Rampa fills up with young people at night. Casual Teens and young adults who follow fashion.
145 El guajiro A country person Mi abuelo es guajiro de Pinar del Río.My grandpa is a country guy from Pinar del Río. Everyday Country people wear the word with pride. As a tease it means a hick.
146 El mayimbe A big shot, an official Ese carro es de un mayimbe del ministerio.That car belongs to a ministry big shot. Slang Someone high up in the state. El pincho means the same.
147 El seguroso State security agent No hables de política aquí, que ese es seguroso.Don't talk politics here, that guy is state security. Slang Plainclothes political police. Cubans say it quietly.
148 El chivato An informer, a snitch No le cuentes nada a ese, que es chivato.Don't tell him anything, he's a snitch. Slang One of the worst things to call someone.
149 El jodedor A joker, a prankster Tu primo es un jodedor, no para de hacer chistes.Your cousin is a joker, he never stops cracking jokes. Casual Mostly a compliment. Can also mean someone who bugs you.
150 El bembelequero A big gossip No le digas nada, que es tremendo bembelequero.Don't tell him anything, he's a huge gossip. Slang From bemba, big lips.
151 Radio Bemba The gossip grapevine Por Radio Bemba me enteré de que se casa.I heard through the grapevine that she's getting married. Casual How news really spreads in a barrio.
152 El chulo A sponger, a man who lives off others Ese chulo vive de lo que gana la mujer.That sponger lives off what his wife earns. Vulgar In Cuba, a pimp or a man who lives off women. Don't call anyone this.

Reactions and feelings 30

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
153 ¡Coño! Damn! Wow! ¡Coño, qué calor hace hoy!Damn, it's hot today! Vulgar You'll hear it all day for surprise, anger or pain, so it lands softer here than in Spain. ¡Ño! is the clean short form.
154 ¡Pinga! Damn! F*ck! ¡Pinga, se me quedó la llave dentro!Damn, I left the key inside! Vulgar The strongest everyday swear in Cuba, and it names the penis. Don't say it yourself.
155 ¡Está volao! It's amazing La fiesta de anoche estuvo volá.Last night's party was amazing. Slang Mind-blowing. Also spelled volado. Say volá for a feminine noun.
156 ¡Qué fula! How awful! How lame! ¡Qué fula, se fue la corriente otra vez!How awful, the power went out again! Slang Ugly, bad or lame. La fula on its own is the dollar.
157 ¡Qué va! No way, not at all ¿Que está caro? ¡Qué va, está regalado!Expensive? No way, it's a giveaway! Everyday You'll hear it all day to wave something off.
158 Mortal Awesome El show de anoche estuvo mortal.Last night's show was awesome. Slang Great or excellent. The way Cubans say "cool".
159 De madre Insane, unreal (good or bad) La cola del pan está de madre hoy.The bread line is insane today. Casual Huge, intense, or unbearable.
160 Estar en candela To be in big trouble Con la renta y la luz estoy en candela.With the rent and power bills I'm in deep trouble. Casual Also "on fire" with heat.
161 ¡Te la comiste! You nailed it! Bailaste casino toda la noche, ¡te la comiste!You danced salsa all night, you nailed it! Casual Literally "you ate it". Praise for a job well done.
162 Me resbala I don't care Lo que digan de mí me resbala.I don't care what they say about me. Casual It slides right off me.
163 Desmaya eso Let it go Desmaya eso, ya él no va a volver.Let it go, he's not coming back. Slang Also "desmaya esa talla" and "tumba eso". For breakups, bad days and topics to drop.
164 No cojas lucha Don't stress, take it easy No cojas lucha con el vuelo, que llegamos a tiempo.Don't stress about the flight, we'll make it on time. Casual One of the most Cuban things you can say.
165 Estar bravo To be angry Mi mamá está brava porque llegué tarde.My mom's mad because I got home late. Everyday In Cuba bravo means angry. Brave is valiente.
166 Darle un berro To fly into a rage Le dio tremendo berro cuando se fue la corriente.He flew into a rage when the power went out. Casual Berro is anger in Cuba. Coger un berro means the same.
167 Estar quemao To be fried, a bit crazy Ese está quemao, habla solo por la calle.That guy's lost it, he talks to himself in the street. Slang Burned out or nuts. It can also mean your cover is blown.
168 ¡Qué salación! What bad luck! ¡Qué salación, perdí la guagua otra vez!What bad luck, I missed the bus again! Casual A run of bad luck, or a pain.
169 Se destimbaló He took a hard fall, he's wrecked Se cayó de la bicicleta y se destimbaló.He fell off his bike and got wrecked. Slang A hard fall, or a run of bad luck.
170 Le zumba el mango That's outrageous Le zumba el mango que te cobren diez dólares por eso.It's outrageous they charge you 10 dollars for that. Casual Shock at something too much.
171 Se levantó con el moño virado Woke up in a bad mood No le hables ahora, que se levantó con el moño virado.Don't talk to her now, she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Casual Her bun is twisted.
172 ¡Le ronca los cojones! That's outrageous, unbelievable ¡Le ronca los cojones que no haya agua otra vez!It's unbelievable there's no water again! Vulgar Shock or anger at something too much.
173 Se acabó el pan de piquito The good times are over Se acabó el pan de piquito, ahora todo se vende en dólares.The good times are over, now everything is sold in dollars. Casual Said when plenty runs out.
174 Pasé el Niágara en bicicleta I went through hell Pa' sacar el pasaporte pasé el Niágara en bicicleta.Getting my passport was an absolute nightmare. Casual Crossing Niagara on a bike.
175 ¡Estás acabando! You're killing it! ¡Mira cómo habla español el yuma! ¡Estás acabando!Look at the foreigner speaking Spanish! You're killing it! Casual Literally "you're finishing". Cheer for someone on a roll.
176 ¡Naciste! You got lucky! Close call! ¡Naciste! Ese carro casi te coge.That was close! That car almost hit you. Casual You were "born again".
177 Chévere Cool, great ¿Mañana a las ocho? Chévere.Tomorrow at 8? Great. Everyday The first word for cool a visitor hears. Friendly and mild.
178 ¡Qué berrinche! How annoying! ¡Qué berrinche, me cobraron de más!How annoying, they overcharged me! Casual Frustration at something small. It also means a bad smell, like stale pee.
179 Formarse una tángana A heated argument breaks out Se coló uno en la cola y se formó tremenda tángana.Someone cut in line and a huge argument broke out. Casual Shouting and arguing, no punches yet.
180 Le puso la tapa al güiro That takes the cake Llegó tarde, sin regalo y con tres amigos. ¡Le puso la tapa al güiro!He came late, with no gift and 3 friends. That takes the cake! Casual For the very best or the very worst. Also "le puso la tapa al pomo".
181 Sin plumas y cacareando Ripped off, cleaned out Lo tumbaron en el cambio y lo dejaron sin plumas y cacareando.They ripped him off on the exchange and left him plucked and squawking. Casual Plucked clean and still squawking. Dejar a alguien sin plumas y cacareando is to fleece someone.
182 Lo último de los muñequitos The last straw Que me cobres por el agua es lo último de los muñequitos.Charging me for the water is the last straw. Casual Strong disapproval. Muñequitos are cartoons.

Fillers and everyday words 31

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
183 ¡Dale! OK! Go on! Let's go! ¿Nos vemos a las ocho? Dale.See you at 8? OK. Everyday Yes, sure, hurry up or bye, all in 1 word. You'll hear it all day.
184 ¡Oigo! Hello? (on the phone) ¡Oigo! ¿Quién habla?Hello? Who's this? Everyday How Cubans answer the phone.
185 Se fue la corriente The power's out Se fue la corriente otra vez, prende una vela.The power's out again, light a candle. Everyday Blackouts, apagones, happen every day. When it's back, people shout "¡llegó la corriente!" Street use
186 El apagón The blackout Hoy el apagón es de dos a seis, así que carga el teléfono.Today the blackout is from 2 to 6, so charge your phone. Everyday Power cuts are part of daily life. Ask your host when the next one is.
187 La jaba A bag Trae una jaba, que aquí no dan bolsas.Bring a bag, they don't give bags here. Everyday Carry one. Shops rarely have bags.
188 No entiendo ni pitoche I don't understand a thing Habla tan rápido que no entiendo ni pitoche.He talks so fast I don't understand a thing. Casual Handy when someone talks too fast.
189 Hay pero no te toca There is some, but not for you ¿Hay cerveza? Hay, pero no te toca.Is there beer? There is, but not for you. Casual A sly line about things that are rationed or reserved.
190 Chico / chica Man, girl (to someone you know) Chico, ¿tú no me oíste? Te estoy llamando.Man, didn't you hear me? I'm calling you. Everyday Friendly, for friends and people your age.
191 Tremendo / tremenda Huge, really Tengo tremenda hambre y hace tremendo calor.I'm really hungry and it's really hot. Everyday Put it before any noun to make it bigger, good or bad.
192 Me hablaste en chino You lost me, I don't get it Más despacio, por favor, que me hablaste en chino.Slower, please, you lost me. Casual Handy when Cubans talk too fast. No entendí ni papa means the same.
193 Bárbaro / bárbara A real pro, great at something Ese mecánico es un bárbaro, arregló el carro en una hora.That mechanic is a real pro, he fixed the car in an hour. Casual ¡Qué bárbaro! means wow, that's amazing.
194 ¿Qué tú dices? What? You're kidding me ¿Qué tú dices? ¿Diez dólares por un café?What? 10 dollars for a coffee? Casual Disbelief at what you just heard.
195 ¡Solavaya! God forbid! Knock on wood! ¿Que se cancele el vuelo? ¡Solavaya!The flight canceled? God forbid! Casual A very Cuban word to keep bad luck away.
196 La pincha Work, the job Mañana no puedo, tengo pincha.I can't tomorrow, I have work. Slang The job or the workplace. Pinchar is to work: ¿tú dónde pinchas?
197 Inventar To make ends meet Aquí hay que inventar pa' comer todos los días.Here you have to get creative to eat every day. Everyday Finding a way when there's no way.
198 La fosforera A lighter ¿Tienes una fosforera?Have you got a lighter? Everyday Nobody says mechero here.
199 El pulóver A T-shirt Me compré un pulóver de Cuba pa' mi hermano.I bought a Cuba T-shirt for my brother. Everyday Elsewhere a pullover is a sweater.
200 El pitusa Jeans Con este calor no me pongo el pitusa.In this heat I'm not wearing jeans. Everyday Old brand name that became the word. Some say la pitusa.
201 El chor Shorts Ponte un chor, que vamos pa' la playa.Put on shorts, we're going to the beach. Casual From English "shorts".
202 La trusa Swimsuit No te olvides la trusa.Don't forget your swimsuit. Everyday Both men's and women's.
203 La pila The tap Abre la pila, a ver si llegó el agua.Turn on the tap, let's see if the water's back. Everyday The word for a faucet in Havana and the west. In the east you'll hear la pluma. Pila also means a battery.
204 El gao Home, my place Me voy pa'l gao, que estoy muerto.I'm heading home, I'm dead tired. Slang Your house. Gabeto means the same.
205 Surnar To sleep Anoche surné como un tronco.Last night I slept like a log. Slang To sleep deeply.
206 La bola The rumor Corre la bola de que van a subir los precios.There's a rumor going around that prices will go up. Everyday "Corre la bola" is how news spreads.
207 A tres por kilo Loads of, all over Aquí hay mangos a tres por kilo.There are mangoes all over the place here. Casual In big numbers.
208 De jamón Easy, no effort El examen me salió de jamón.The exam was a breeze. Slang Piece of cake.
209 ¡Qué tropelaje! What a mess! What chaos! Nadie sabía a qué hora salía la guagua. ¡Qué tropelaje!Nobody knew when the bus was leaving. What a mess! Casual Noise, confusion and disorder all at once.
210 Ni pescao frito Nothing at all Fui a la tienda y no había ni pescao frito.I went to the store and there was nothing at all. Casual Absolutely nothing.
211 De contra What's more, besides Y de contra me cobró el doble.And what's more he charged me double. Casual Adds one more thing.
212 Tírame un cabo Give me a hand Asere, tírame un cabo con la mudanza.Man, give me a hand with the move. Casual A cabo is a rope. You throw it to someone who needs help.
213 El paquete The weekly offline media drop Mi vecino me pasó el paquete: series, novelas y música pa' toda la semana.My neighbor passed me the weekly package: shows, soaps and music for the whole week. Everyday A hard drive of shows, movies and apps copied hand to hand each week. It's how Cubans watch TV without internet.

Time and plans 12

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
214 Ahorita In a bit, later (maybe never) Ahorita te llamo, déjame llegar a la casa.I'll call you in a bit, let me get home. Everyday In Cuba it means later, and it can also mean a while ago.
215 Un momentico Just a sec Un momentico, que ya te atiendo.Just a sec, I'll be right with you. Everyday You'll hear -ico where others say -ito. It can mean a few minutes.
216 ¿Cuadramos? Deal? Are we on? Nos vemos a las ocho en el Malecón, ¿cuadramos?See you at 8 on the Malecón, deal? Casual Cuadrar is to agree or arrange.
217 Dame un timbrazo Give me a call Dame un timbrazo cuando llegues al hotel y salimos.Give me a call when you get to the hotel and we'll go out. Casual A timbrazo is a quick phone call.
218 Embarcar To stand someone up Me embarcaste anoche, te estuve esperando dos horas.You stood me up last night, I waited for you 2 hours. Casual To leave someone waiting. Someone who always does it is un barco, a flake.
219 Se quedó como la novia de Pacheco Left waiting, stood up Se vistió pa' salir y se quedó como la novia de Pacheco.She got dressed up to go out and got stood up. Casual All dressed up with no one showing up.
220 Dejar en esa To break a promise, to leave someone hanging Me dijiste que venías a la playa y me dejaste en esa.You said you were coming to the beach and you left me hanging. Casual Breaking your word on a plan. Embarcar is the no-show itself.
221 En un pestañazo In a flash Espérame, que vuelvo en un pestañazo.Wait for me, I'll be back in a flash. Casual A blink.
222 Coger un diez To take a break Vamos a coger un diez, que llevamos tres horas caminando.Let's take a break, we've been walking for 3 hours. Casual A short rest from whatever you're doing.
223 Hasta el sol de hoy To this day Se fue a Miami en 2010 y no lo veo hasta el sol de hoy.He left for Miami in 2010 and I haven't seen him since. Casual Said about something that has lasted a long time.
224 Me voy a tirar un rato I'm going to lie down a bit Estoy muerto del calor, me voy a tirar un rato antes de salir.I'm wiped out from the heat, I'm going to lie down a bit before we go out. Casual Tirarse is to lie down. The siesta before a night out.
225 Cambio de bola Change of plans Cambio de bola: la fiesta es en mi casa.Change of plans: the party is at my place. Casual Cambio is also a changeup in baseball.

Teasing and insults 26

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
226 Comemierda Idiot, a pompous fool No seas comemierda, que te están cobrando de más.Don't be an idiot, they're overcharging you. Vulgar The most common Cuban insult, also used for snobs. No comas mierda means stop being stupid.
227 ¡Tu maletín! That's your problem ¿Que perdiste la llave? Tu maletín.You lost the key? Your problem. Casual Also "ese es tu maletín". A shrug, a little cold.
228 Pendejo A coward No seas pendejo y háblale a la muchacha.Don't be a chicken and go talk to the girl. Vulgar In Cuba it often means coward.
229 Guanajo Fool, dumb turkey Ese guanajo se perdió en su propio barrio.That fool got lost in his own neighborhood. Casual Guanajo is a turkey. Mild and old school.
230 Picúo Tacky, corny Esa camisa de lentejuelas está picúa.That sequin shirt is so tacky. Casual In bad taste, over the top.
231 Cheo Tacky, out of style Mi papá con medias y chancletas, ¡qué cheo!My dad in socks and flip-flops, so tacky! Casual Mostly about clothes.
232 Chusma Trashy, loud and rude No seas chusma, baja la voz.Don't be trashy, keep your voice down. Casual Rude manners.
233 Repartero Rough, low class Ese tipo es tremendo repartero, siempre está gritando.That guy is so low class, he's always shouting. Slang Also a fan of reparto music.
234 Paquetero A liar No le creas, que es un paquetero.Don't believe him, he's a liar. Casual A paquete is a lie, and ¡tremendo paquete! means what a lie!
235 Se cree la última Coca-Cola del desierto Thinks he's God's gift Desde que tiene carro se cree la última Coca-Cola del desierto.Since he got a car he thinks he's God's gift. Casual Literally "thinks he's the last Coke in the desert". For anyone stuck-up.
236 Te falta calle You're naive, you lack street smarts ¿Le pagaste antes de que terminara? Te falta calle, mi hermano.You paid him before he finished? You're too naive, buddy. Casual A tease for someone who gets fooled easily.
237 Hijo de mami y papi A spoiled kid Ese es hijo de mami y papi, nunca ha lavado un plato.He's a spoiled kid, he's never washed a dish. Casual A tease for a young person who has it easy.
238 Guatacón / guatacona A brown-noser No seas guatacón con el jefe, que se nota.Don't suck up to the boss, it shows. Casual Someone who flatters to get ahead.
239 Jamonero A creep, a groper Cuidado en la guagua, que hay mucho jamonero.Watch out on the bus, there are lots of gropers. Slang A man who leers or touches women.
240 Mucho aguaje All talk, big show Ese tiene mucho aguaje y poca pelea.That guy is all talk and no fight. Casual Bluster from a tough guy.
241 Fajarse To get in a fight Se fajaron a la salida de la discoteca.They got in a fight outside the club. Casual Also "to work hard" at something.
242 Un piñazo A punch Le dieron un piñazo por meterse en lo que no era.He got punched for sticking his nose in. Casual A blow with the fist.
243 Singao / singá A jerk, a lowlife Ese singao me tumbó con el cambio.That jerk ripped me off on the exchange. Vulgar Very strong, so don't say it yourself. Deja la singae is a rude way to say stop bugging me.
244 Chotear To mock Deja de chotear al niño, que se va a poner bravo.Stop mocking the kid, he'll get mad. Casual Cuban humor runs on choteo.
245 Dar chucho To tease, to make fun of Le dimos chucho toda la noche por el pelado nuevo.We teased him all night about his new haircut. Casual Friendly ribbing between friends. El chucho is the teasing itself.
246 Esqueleto rumbero Skinny as a rail Come algo, que estás hecho un esqueleto rumbero.Eat something, you're skin and bones. Casual A dancing skeleton.
247 Tamal mal envuelto Badly dressed, clothes don't fit Con ese vestido parece un tamal mal envuelto.In that dress she looks like a badly wrapped tamale. Casual Mean but common.
248 Ñame con corbata A fool in a suit Lo nombraron jefe y es un ñame con corbata.They made him boss and he's a fool in a tie. Casual A yam in a tie. Clueless but acting important.
249 No dispara un chícharo Lazy, does nothing Mi cuñado no dispara un chícharo en la casa.My brother-in-law doesn't lift a finger at home. Casual Doesn't fire a single pea.
250 Dar muela To talk your ear off El taxista me dio muela todo el camino.The taxi driver talked my ear off the whole way. Casual Also "mete tremenda muela".
251 Te das tremenda lija You're showing off Con esos espejuelos y esa cadena te das tremenda lija.With those sunglasses and that chain you're really showing off. Casual Literally "you sand yourself down a lot". A tease for someone pretentious.

Love and flirting 21

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
252 La jeva / el jevo Girl, girlfriend / boyfriend Esa es mi jeva, llevamos dos años.That's my girlfriend, we've been together 2 years. Slang The go-to Cuban word for girl. El jevo is a boyfriend.
253 Echar un piropo To call out a compliment on someone's looks En el Malecón todos los muchachos le echaban piropos.On the Malecón every guy called out compliments to her. Everyday A piropo is the line a man calls out in the street. "¿Tienes novio?", do you have a boyfriend?, often comes next. Smile and keep walking if you're not interested.
254 Echar pila To flirt, to try to win someone over Ese muchacho me echa pila desde que llegué.That guy has been flirting with me since I arrived. Slang Also "echar bala". Use it about other people, not as a line.
255 ¡Nananina! No way, not a chance ¿Que te dé mi número? Nananina.Give you my number? Not a chance. Casual A firm, playful no. Tengo novio, I have a boyfriend, works too.
256 Sigue durmiendo de ese lado Keep dreaming ¿Que me vaya contigo? Sigue durmiendo de ese lado.Me, leave with you? Keep dreaming. Casual A cheeky brush-off for a pushy line.
257 Puchungo / puchunga Sweetheart, my love Puchunga, ¿tú quieres salir a bailar esta noche?Sweetheart, do you want to go dancing tonight? Casual A pet name for someone close.
258 ¡Vaya animal! What a looker! (a piropo) Mira esa trigueña, ¡vaya animal!Look at that brunette, what a looker! Vulgar A street catcall about someone's body. You'll hear it, but don't say it yourself.
259 El pinguero Male hustler, male sex worker Ese muchacho que te invitó un trago es pinguero.That guy who bought you a drink is a hustler. Vulgar It comes from pinga, so it's crude. The male side of the jinetera, mostly with male tourists. Same rule: no, gracias.
260 Un mango A hottie La muchacha de la recepción es un mango.The girl at reception is a total hottie. Slang Also mangón. Used for men and women.
261 Caerle atrás To chase someone, to keep pursuing them Ese muchacho le está cayendo atrás a mi prima desde el carnaval.That guy has been chasing my cousin since carnival. Casual To go after someone you like and not let up. It also means to keep after someone for a favor.
262 Echarse novio / echarse novia To get a boyfriend or girlfriend Se echó novia en el carnaval.He got a girlfriend at carnival. Casual Said when someone starts dating.
263 Empatarse To get together, start dating Se empataron en el carnaval y ya viven juntos.They got together at carnival and now they live together. Casual To become a couple.
264 Pegar los tarros To cheat on someone Le pegó los tarros con la vecina.He cheated on her with the neighbor. Slang To give someone horns.
265 Tarrudo A cheated-on guy Todo el barrio sabe que es tarrudo menos él.The whole neighborhood knows he's being cheated on except him. Vulgar A harsh tease.
266 Estar metío Crazy about someone, in love Ella está metía con el muchacho del bar.She's crazy about the guy from the bar. Casual Metío is the clipped metido.
267 Arrebatao Crazy in love Está arrebatao con esa muchacha.He's crazy about that girl. Slang Mad with passion.
268 Vacilar To eye someone up, to tease Ese tipo te está vacilando desde que llegamos.That guy's been checking you out since we got here. Casual To stare at someone with interest. Among friends it can also mean to joke around.
269 Ese huevo quiere sal Someone's flirting with you Te trajo flores otra vez, ese huevo quiere sal.He brought you flowers again, he's into you. Casual Says what someone is really after.
270 Papirriqui A handsome guy, a hunk Mira el papirriqui que acaba de entrar.Look at the hunk who just walked in. Slang Playful praise for a good-looking man.
271 Echarse un yuma To land a foreign partner Se echó un yuma en Varadero y se fue a vivir a Canadá.She landed a foreign partner in Varadero and moved to Canada. Slang It can sound sexual, so don't say it about someone you respect.
272 Templar To have sex Están en el cuarto templando.They're in the room having sex. Vulgar Very crude.

Sayings and expressions 28

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
273 No es fácil Life's hard, it's tough out here ¿Cómo está la cosa? Ay, mi hermano, no es fácil.How are things? Oh, buddy, it's tough out here. Everyday The most Cuban phrase there is, said about prices, lines and blackouts. You'll hear it in your first taxi.
274 Mantén tu latón con tapa Keep it secret Te voy a contar algo, pero mantén tu latón con tapa.I'll tell you something, but keep your lips sealed. Casual Keep the lid on your trash can.
275 No me vayas a dichabar Don't rat me out Esto es entre tú y yo, no me vayas a dichabar.This stays between us, don't give me away. Slang Don't repeat what I tell you.
276 Pitirre en el alambre Careful, the police are coming Habla bajito, que hay pitirre en el alambre.Talk quietly, the cops are near. Slang A warning that police are close. Some also use it when kids are listening.
277 Éramos pocos y parió Catana As if things weren't bad enough Se fue la corriente y ahora llueve, éramos pocos y parió Catana.The power's out and now it's raining, as if things weren't bad enough. Everyday When trouble piles on.
278 Tremendo arroz con mango A total mess Con el cambio de horario se formó tremendo arroz con mango.The schedule change caused a total mess. Everyday Confusion, chaos.
279 Va a La Habana y apaga fuego Can do it all Mi madre cocina, cose y arregla carros, va a La Habana y apaga fuego.My mom cooks, sews and fixes cars, she can do anything. Casual Someone super capable.
280 Cantó el manicero He died El viejo del tercer piso cantó el manicero.The old man on the 3rd floor kicked the bucket. Casual From the famous song. Keep it for jokes, never at a funeral.
281 No tiene bistec atrasado He looks well fed Mira ese, no tiene bistec atrasado.Look at him, he's clearly not missing any meals. Casual A joke about someone chubby or healthy.
282 Dura lo que un merengue en la puerta de un colegio Won't last long Ese dinero dura lo que un merengue en la puerta de un colegio.That money will be gone in no time. Everyday Like a sweet outside a school.
283 Se cae de la mata It's obvious Que está enamorado se cae de la mata.It's obvious he's in love. Casual It's falling off the tree.
284 Sabe más que las cucarachas de Guanabacoa Really sharp Esa niña sabe más que las cucarachas de Guanabacoa.That girl is really sharp. Casual Smarter than the local roaches.
285 Tener un chino atrás To be jinxed, to have bad luck Todo me sale mal, tengo un chino atrás.Everything goes wrong for me, I'm jinxed. Casual Literally "to have a Chinese man behind you". Some say un chino descalzo, a barefoot one.
286 Tanto nadar pa' morir en la orilla So close and still failed Llegamos al aeropuerto y el vuelo se canceló, tanto nadar pa' morir en la orilla.We got to the airport and the flight got canceled, so close and still no luck. Everyday Losing at the very end.
287 Los guapos no toman sopa Tough guys don't flinch Dale, tómate el trago, que los guapos no toman sopa.Go on, drink up, tough guys don't back down. Casual A dare to show some nerve.
288 Barco parado no gana flete No work, no money Levántate y ve a trabajar, que barco parado no gana flete.Get up and go to work. No work, no pay. Everyday Push to get moving.
289 Eso va a terminar como la fiesta del Guatao That's going to end badly Ya hay tres borrachos peleando, eso va a terminar como la fiesta del Guatao.3 drunks are already fighting, that's going to end badly. Casual Say it when a party or a plan is about to blow up.
290 Con todos los hierros With everything, fully loaded Dame un perro caliente con todos los hierros.Give me a hot dog with everything on it. Casual Literally "with all the irons". Works for food, cars or a party that has it all.
291 A la cañona By force, like it or not Me hicieron pagar el taxi a la cañona.They made me pay for the taxi whether I liked it or not. Casual Forced on you.
292 O te peinas o te haces papelitos Make up your mind ¿Vienes o no? O te peinas o te haces papelitos.Are you coming or not? Make up your mind. Casual Pick one already.
293 El horno no está pa' galleticas Not the time for jokes Ahora no, que el horno no está pa' galleticas.Not now, I'm not in the mood. Casual Things are too tense for games.
294 Suave pa' que se te dé Easy does it Suave pa' que se te dé, que bailar casino lleva tiempo.Easy does it, learning salsa takes time. Slang Go slow and you'll get there.
295 Pa' luego es tarde Do it now, not later Cómprate los pasajes ya, que pa' luego es tarde.Buy your tickets now, later is too late. Casual Don't put it off.
296 Monta que te quedas Hop on or miss out Quedan dos puestos en la máquina, monta que te quedas.There are 2 seats left in the taxi, hop on or miss out. Slang Grab the deal while it's there.
297 Va que chifla That'll do, done Dame veinte pesos y va que chifla.Give me 20 pesos and we're done. Slang Closes a deal or a job.
298 Tener aché To have good luck, good energy Esa muchacha tiene aché, todo le sale bien.That girl has good energy, everything works out for her. Everyday From Santería, where the gods are los orichas. ¡Aché! on its own means good luck to you.
299 Chivo que rompe tambor con su pellejo paga You break it, you pay for it Tú rompiste la silla, así que chivo que rompe tambor con su pellejo paga.You broke the chair, so you pay for it. Casual You live with what you did. Cubans make drums from goatskin.
300 Caminar con los codos To be stingy Ese camina con los codos, nunca paga una ronda.That guy is stingy, he never pays for a round. Casual Literally "to walk on your elbows".

Around Cuba 27

The slang shifts as you travel. A word from Santiago can get a blank look in Havana, and a farm word from the west can puzzle a habanero.

Havana

You hear these from habaneros in Centro, Vedado and Habana Vieja, on the street and about the city.

PhraseMeaningExample
Ya tiraron el cañonazo It's 9 p.m. (the nightly cannon shot) Ya tiraron el cañonazo, vamos a comer.The 9 o'clock cannon just went off, let's eat.
Vamos pa'l muro Let's go sit on the Malecón wall Hace calor en la casa, vamos pa'l muro a coger fresco.It's hot in the house, let's go sit on the seawall and cool off.
Coger la lanchita To take the little ferry across the bay Cogimos la lanchita de Regla pa' ver a la Virgen.We took the little ferry to Regla to see the Virgin.
Chispa'etren Cheap, rough rum En la esquina venden chispa'etren a precio de agua.On the corner they sell rotgut for the price of water.
Nos vemos en Coppelia Let's meet at the ice cream park Nos vemos en Coppelia a las seis, en la cola de la entrada.See you at Coppelia at 6, in the line at the entrance.

Viñales and Pinar del Río

Viñales sits in Pinar del Río, the tobacco country in the west. Farmers and townspeople there use a few words you won't hear in Havana.

PhraseMeaningExample
¡Alabao! / ¡Ausi! Wow! Oh my! ¡Alabao, qué susto me diste!Wow, you gave me a scare!
Tener cuajo To be bored Hoy no hay nada que hacer, tengo un cuajo tremendo.There's nothing to do today, I'm so bored.
Un buque A giant plate of food En la finca me pusieron un buque de arroz y cerdo.At the farm they served me a giant plate of rice and pork.
Estar jipato To be very fair-skinned, pale Ese turista está jipato, que se ponga protector solar.That tourist is very pale, he should wear sunscreen.
Tener cotorras To have a sore groin after exercise Después de montar a caballo todo el día tengo cotorras.After riding all day my groin is sore.
Carne'puerco Something of doubtful quality Ese reloj es carne'puerco, no dura.That watch is junk, it won't last.

Matanzas, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara

Varadero sits in Matanzas province. These words come from Matanzas, from Cienfuegos on its bay and from Santa Clara in Villa Clara.

PhraseMeaningExample
Tener hueso To be lazy Hoy tengo hueso, no quiero hacer nada.I'm feeling lazy today, I don't want to do anything.
Un rasco rasco A shaved ice snack Cómprame un rasco rasco, que hace calor.Buy me a shaved ice, it's hot.
Una copelita An ice cream treat Vamos a la copelita de la esquina.Let's go to the ice cream shop on the corner.
El guagüí A tuber locals say is not malanga Echa guagüí en el caldo, no malanga.Put guagüí in the broth, not malanga.
Una bangaña A giant plate of food (Villa Clara) En Santa Clara me sirvieron una bangaña de arroz y frijoles.In Santa Clara they served me a giant plate of rice and beans.
Pejero A person of low character (Cienfuegos) No hagas negocios con ese pejero.Don't do business with that lowlife.

Santiago de Cuba and the east

You hear these from orientales in Santiago, Holguín and Guantánamo, and in Baracoa at the far eastern tip. They speak slower and use their own words for everyday things.

PhraseMeaningExample
Nagüe Buddy, pal ¿Qué volá, nagüe? ¿Vamos a la conga?What's up, pal? Are we going to the conga?
¡Dame la ñapa! Throw in a little extra! Te compro el mango, pero dame la ñapa.I'll buy the mango, but throw in a little extra.
La pluma The tap Cierra la pluma, que se va el agua del tanque.Turn off the tap, the tank water is running out.
Un macho asado Roast pork Pa' fin de año vamos a asar un macho en el patio.For New Year's we're going to roast a pig in the yard.
Las cutaras Flip-flops Me fui a la playa en cutaras.I went to the beach in flip-flops.
El fongo A small, thick-skinned plantain Hoy hay fongo hervido con mojo.Today there's boiled plantain with garlic sauce.
Un pru bien frío A cold fizzy drink brewed from roots Con este calor lo que hace falta es un pru bien frío.In this heat what you need is a cold pru.
¡Arreovaya! Hey there! (a country greeting, Baracoa) ¡Arreovaya, compadre! ¿Cómo va el cacao?Hey there, friend! How's the cacao going?
¡Entró el tetí! The tetí fish are running! (Baracoa) ¡Entró el tetí! Coge el colador y vamos pa'l río.The tetí are running! Grab the strainer and let's go to the river.
Tomarse un chorote To drink thick homemade hot chocolate (Baracoa) Por la mañana nos tomamos un chorote con el cacao de la finca.In the morning we drink thick hot chocolate made with cacao from the farm.

Don't mix these up

WordIn CubaElsewhere
papayaSlang for a woman's private parts. Order fruta bomba instead.The fruit
bolloA vulgar word for a woman's private partsA bread roll or bun in Spain
guaguaThe busA baby in the Andes
bodegaThe ration storeA wine cellar in Spain, a corner shop in New York
cogerTo take or catch. Coger la guagua is normal.To have sex in Mexico and Argentina
bravoAngryBrave or wild
pulóverA T-shirtA sweater
chuloA pimp, a man who lives off womenCute or cool in Mexico, cocky or cool in Spain
tortillaAn omeletteA flatbread in Mexico and Central America
pilaA tap in Havana and the west, where the east says pluma (and also a battery)A battery in Mexico and Spain
bichoA sly, clever personA bug in Spain, a vulgar word in Puerto Rico
ahoritaLater, maybe neverRight now in some countries
pendejoA cowardA dumbass in Mexico, a kid in Argentina
mariquitasThin plantain chipsLadybugs, or a slur for gay men
fajarseTo get in a fightTo make out in Mexico
camelloThe old humped bus, now mostly retiredA drug dealer in Spain, a job in Colombia
jineteraA woman who hustles tourists, often for sexA woman who rides horses
pájaroA slur for a gay man. Don't use it.A bird
colaThe line. Hacer la cola is to wait in line.A butt in Mexico, Argentina and much of Latin America
botellaA free ride. Coger botella is to hitch.A bottle
embarcarTo stand someone upTo board a plane or a ship

Questions people ask

How do Cubans say bro or friend?

Cubans say asere (also spelled acere). For a close friend you'll also hear monina, consorte, ecobio and mi yunta.

What does asere mean?

Asere means bro or buddy. It's the most Cuban word there is, and friends use it in almost every sentence.

What does yuma mean?

A yuma is a foreigner, strictly an American. You'll get called yuma wherever you're from, and no offense is meant.

How do you say "cool" in Cuban slang?

Say "chévere" for cool, and "¡está volao!" or "mortal" for something amazing. "De madre" works for anything huge, and "en talla" means all good.

What is a funny Cuban saying?

Try "éramos pocos y parió Catana", which means things just got worse. "Tremendo arroz con mango" is for a total mess.

What is Cuban slang for girl?

Jeva is the everyday word for a girl or girlfriend, and el jevo is a boyfriend. A hot guy or girl is un mango.

What are common Cuban slang insults?

Comemierda is the classic, then pendejo, guanajo, picúo and chusma. Pinga and singao are much stronger, so don't say them yourself.

What are the most common Cuban slang words?

Start with asere, qué bolá, guagua, yuma, jama, la pincha, la fula (dollars) and en talla. You'll hear all of them on your first day.

Is Cuban Spanish hard to understand?

At first, yes. Cubans talk fast and drop the s at the end of syllables, so "¿cómo estás?" sounds like "¿cómo ehtá?".

What does no es fácil mean?

It means life is hard. Cubans say it about prices, lines and blackouts, often with a shrug.

Is Miami Cuban slang the same?

Mostly, yes. Miami Cubans use asere, qué bolá and comemierda too, and mix in English loans like "parquear" (to park) and "el mall".

What are common Cuban phrases for travelers?

Ask prices with "¿a cómo está?" and taxi fares with "¿cuánto tú me cobras?". When you join a line, ask "¿quién es el último?", and say "no, gracias" to any jinetero.

How do Cubans say hello?

Friends say "¿qué bolá?", which means what's up. To a stranger, start with "mi hermano" or "caballero" for a group.

What does Cuban mean in slang?

In English, a Cuban is often a Cuban cigar or a Cuban link chain. In Cuba, you're the one with the nickname: everyone will call you yuma.

How do Cubans say goodbye?

Friends say "¡chao, pescao!" or "nos pillamos" for see you later. To say you're leaving, try "me piro" or "me voy echando".

Slang in other countries

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Sources

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