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Ecuadorian slang: 300 phrases to sound like a local

  • 300 phrases
  • 300 real examples
  • 60 slang
  • 6 regions
  • 37 local phrases
  • 13 marked vulgar

Ecuadorians are polite, warm and full of slang you won't find in a textbook. Quito and the Sierra sound soft and careful, while Guayaquil and the coast sound fast and loud.

Greetings and small talk 24

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
1 Buenas Hi (in a shop) Buenas, ¿tiene agua sin gas?Hi, do you have still water? Everyday Short for buenos días or buenas tardes. Say it when you walk into a shop.
2 ¿Mande? Pardon? Yes? ¿Mande? No le escuché bien.Sorry? I didn't hear you well. Everyday The polite reply when someone calls you or you miss what they said.
3 Mucho gusto Nice to meet you Te presento a mi ñaña. Mucho gusto, soy Ana.This is my sister. Nice to meet you, I'm Ana. Everyday Say it when someone introduces you with te presento a... To stay in touch, ask ¿me pasas tu WhatsApp?
4 ¿Qué fue? What's up? ¿Qué fue, ñaño? ¿Todo bien?What's up, bro? All good? Slang The go-to hello with friends.
5 ¿Qué más? What's new? ¡Hola, Diego! ¿Qué más? ¿Cómo has estado?Hi, Diego! What's new? How have you been? Casual A friendly hello you can use with people your age.
6 ¿Qué es de tu vida? What have you been up to? ¡Ñaño! ¿Qué es de tu vida? Años sin verte.Bro! What have you been up to? I haven't seen you in years. Everyday The warm hello for someone you haven't seen in a while.
7 ¿Cómo así? How come? What do you mean? ¿Cómo así que ya no vienes?What do you mean you're not coming anymore? Everyday Asks for the story behind a surprise. You'll hear it all day.
8 De una For sure, let's do it ¿Vamos a la playa el finde? ¡De una!Shall we go to the beach this weekend? Let's do it! Casual Your go-to yes to any plan.
9 ¡Cómo no! Of course, sure ¿Me ayuda con la maleta? ¡Cómo no!Can you help me with my suitcase? Of course! Everyday The warm, polite yes. You'll hear it from hotel staff, drivers and shopkeepers.
10 De ley Definitely De ley te llamo mañana.I'll definitely call you tomorrow. Casual Means it will happen for sure.
11 Simón Yeah, sure ¿Vienes a la farra? Simón.Are you coming to the party? Yeah. Slang A cool yes. Mexico uses it too.
12 ¿Cachas? Get it? Es por allá, a la derecha, ¿cachas?It's over there, on the right, get it? Slang From cachar, to get it, and ¿me cachas? works too. ¿Mordiste? means the same.
13 No sea malito Please, be a dear No sea malito, deme pasando la sal.Be a dear and pass me the salt. Regional Softens any request. Typical of the Sierra.
14 Dame pasando Pass me (polite) Dame pasando el celular, porfa.Pass me the phone, please. Regional Dar plus a verb in -ando is the polite Sierra way to ask for something.
15 Dios le pague Thank you so much Dios le pague, señora, muy amable.Thank you, ma'am, that's very kind. Regional A warm thank you, very common in Quito and the Sierra.
16 Qué pena Sorry, how embarrassing Qué pena, se me olvidó tu nombre.Sorry, I forgot your name. Everyday A soft sorry for small slips. It can also mean what a shame.
17 Con permiso Excuse me (to pass or leave) Con permiso, ya me retiro.Excuse me, I'm heading off now. Everyday Say it when you squeeze past people or leave a table. You'll often hear just permiso.
18 Me da pasito Excuse me, can I get by? Me da pasito, por favor, aquí me bajo.Excuse me, please, I'm getting off here. Regional People in Quito say it on buses and in crowds.
19 ¡Elé! Look who's here! ¡Elé, ya llegaste! Pensé que no venías.Look who's here, you made it! I thought you weren't coming. Regional Quito's way to greet someone who just showed up.
20 ¿Qué tiro contigo? What's up with you? ¿Qué tiro contigo, loco? Hace rato no te veo.What's up with you, man? I haven't seen you in ages. Slang A greeting young people use with friends.
21 Mijín Buddy, mate ¿Qué fue, mijín? ¿Vamos por un café?What's up, buddy? Shall we grab a coffee? Casual What people call any friend. It's the fond form of mijo.
22 ¿Qué trip? What's going on? ¿Qué trip? ¿Por qué hay tanta gente aquí?What's going on? Why are there so many people here? Regional Guayaquil's way to ask what's up or what happened.
23 Bye Bye Ya me voy, bye. Nos vemos el lunes.I'm off, bye. See you on Monday. Everyday Ecuadorians borrow the English word all the time, and chao works too.
24 Barajarse Head off, leave Ya es tarde, me barajo. Nos vemos mañana.It's late, I'm off. See you tomorrow. Slang A cool way to say you're leaving.

Getting around 31

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
25 Hasta ahí no más Stop here, that's far enough Hasta ahí no más, jefe, en la esquina me bajo.Stop here, boss, I'll get off at the corner. Everyday Tells a taxi or bus driver where to let you off. It also means "that's enough" when someone serves you.
26 Carrera Taxi ride, fare La carrera hasta el centro histórico sale en 4 dólares.The ride to the old town comes to 4 dollars. Everyday The word taxi drivers use for a trip.
27 Jefe Boss (to a taxi driver) Jefe, ¿me lleva a La Mariscal? ¿Cuánto me cobra?Boss, can you take me to La Mariscal? How much? Everyday The usual way to address a taxi driver. Agree the price before you get in.
28 Taxímetro Taxi meter Ponga el taxímetro, por favor.Please turn on the meter. Everyday Ask for it when you get in. If the driver says it's broken, find another taxi.
29 Coger To take (a bus or taxi) Coge el bus en la esquina.Catch the bus on the corner. Everyday Safe to say in Ecuador. In Mexico and Argentina it's crude.
30 Pasaje Bus fare, ticket ¿Cuánto es el pasaje hasta Otavalo?How much is the fare to Otavalo? Everyday Pay the driver or the fare collector. Carry coins, since few buses can break a 20.
31 Buseta Minibus Cogemos la buseta hasta el centro.We take the minibus downtown. Everyday Small buses that run city and school routes.
32 Trole Quito trolleybus Coge el trole hasta La Marín.Take the trolleybus to La Marín. Regional The main bus line through Quito's old town. The Ecovía runs on the east side, and the Metro de Quito is the newer north to south line.
33 Soroche Altitude sickness Llegué a Quito con soroche y me dolía la cabeza.I got to Quito with altitude sickness and had a headache. Everyday Quito sits at about 2,850 m, so take it easy on day 1.
34 Churreta The runs, diarrhea Comí en la calle y me dio churreta.I ate street food and got the runs. Casual Handy on a trip. At the pharmacy, say diarrea.
35 Zancudo Mosquito En la Amazonía hay muchos zancudos, lleva repelente.There are lots of mosquitoes in the Amazon, bring repellent. Everyday The word you'll hear in the jungle and on the coast. Mosquito works too.
36 ¡Pilas! Watch out, be sharp Pilas con el celular en el bus.Watch your phone on the bus. Casual A friendly warning to stay alert. ¡Ojo! works the same way.
37 Paro Strike, road blockade Mañana hay paro y no salen buses a Baños.There's a strike tomorrow and no buses are leaving for Baños. Everyday Protests can block the roads for days. Check the news before a long bus trip.
38 Aquicito no más Just right here ¿Es lejos? No, aquicito no más.Is it far? No, it's just right here. Everyday Careful, aquicito can still mean a 10 minute walk.
39 A la vueltita no más Just around the corner La farmacia está a la vueltita no más.The pharmacy is just around the corner. Everyday Expect a longer walk than it sounds.
40 Afuerita Just outside Te espero afuerita, en la puerta.I'll wait for you just outside, by the door. Casual The -ita ending makes it sound close and friendly.
41 Jalar dedo Hitchhike No había bus a Mindo, así que jalamos dedo.There was no bus to Mindo, so we hitchhiked. Casual Ecuadorians don't ask for an aventón, they jalan dedo. Pickup trucks on rural roads often stop.
42 Bájate con todo Hand it all over (a mugger's line) Un man me dijo bájate con todo y le di el celular.A guy told me to hand it all over and I gave him my phone. Slang What a robber says. If you hear it, hand over your things and don't fight.
43 Choro Thief Cuidado, ese man es choro.Careful, that guy's a thief. Slang Also a verb, chorear, to steal.
44 Arranchador Bag snatcher Un arranchador se llevó la cartera de mi amiga.A snatcher took my friend's purse. Everyday Arranchar means to snatch.
45 Chapa Cop Ese chapa me paró por no llevar el cinturón.That cop stopped me for not wearing my seat belt. Slang Don't say it to a cop's face.
46 Dar un vueltazo Go for a spin ¿Damos un vueltazo por el malecón?Shall we go for a spin along the boardwalk? Casual A ride or a walk around town just for fun.
47 Pico y placa Rush-hour driving ban by plate number Hoy tengo pico y placa, mejor vamos en taxi.My car can't go out today, let's take a taxi. Everyday Quito bans some cars at rush hour by the last digit of the plate. Check your rental car's day.
48 Rompevelocidades Speed bump Baja la velocidad, viene un rompevelocidades.Slow down, there's a speed bump coming. Everyday Chapa acostado, a "lying-down cop", is the slang version. Policía acostado is heard too, as in Colombia.
49 Vulcanizadora Tire repair shop Se nos bajó la llanta, busquemos una vulcanizadora.We got a flat tire, let's find a tire shop. Everyday You'll see the hand-painted signs along every road.
50 Salir soplado Leave in a rush Salió soplado porque se le iba el bus.He shot out of there because he was about to miss his bus. Casual Means to leave fast. ¡Sopla, ñaño! means run, bro.
51 Ir a patazo Go on foot No hay bus, toca ir a patazo.There's no bus, we'll have to walk. Slang A jokey way to say you'll walk.
52 Balde Bed of a pickup truck Nos fuimos en el balde de la camioneta hasta la playa.We rode in the back of the pickup to the beach. Everyday In the country people ride in the back of trucks.
53 Aguaje High tide No te metas al mar, hay aguaje.Don't go in the sea, the tide is high. Regional A beach word you'll hear on the coast.
54 Tarabita Cable basket over a gorge En Baños nos subimos a la tarabita.In Baños we rode the cable basket. Everyday A small open cable car across a canyon.
55 Chaquiñán Footpath, trail Subimos por un chaquiñán hasta la laguna.We walked up a footpath to the lake. Casual A Kichwa word for a mountain trail.

Food and drink 38

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
56 ¿Me regala...? Can I have...? ¿Me regala un jugo de mora, por favor?Can I have a blackberry juice, please? Everyday A soft way to ask for anything, and you still pay. It's common across the Andes, and Colombia uses it too.
57 Me da la cuentita Can I have the bill? Me da la cuentita, por favor.Can I have the bill, please? Everyday A polite way to ask for the check. You'll also hear ¿me regala la cuenta?
58 Almuerzo Set lunch ¿Qué hay de almuerzo hoy?What's the set lunch today? Everyday A cheap lunch of soup and a segundo, a main plate, often with juice. The plate often comes with menestra, stewed beans or lentils.
59 Seco de chivo Goat stew El seco de chivo viene con arroz amarillo y maduro.The goat stew comes with yellow rice and ripe plantain. Everyday A classic stew you'll see on lunch menus. Seco de pollo, with chicken, is just as common.
60 ¿Te provoca...? Do you feel like...? ¿Te provoca un cafecito con humitas?Do you feel like a coffee with corn cakes? Everyday The friendly way to offer food or a plan. Say ¿le provoca...? with usted.
61 Verde / maduro Green plantain / ripe plantain ¿El seco viene con verde o con maduro?Does the stew come with green or ripe plantain? Everyday Plantain is everywhere, so learn both words.
62 Guineo Banana Dame un guineo para el camino.Give me a banana for the road. Everyday Plátano usually means plantain in Ecuador.
63 Merienda Dinner ¿Qué hay de merienda?What's for dinner? Everyday The evening meal, often light.
64 Ceviche Seafood in a soupy lime and tomato broth El ceviche de camarón viene con canguil y chifles.The shrimp ceviche comes with popcorn and plantain chips. Everyday Peru makes a different one.
65 Batido Fruit milkshake Un batido de mora, por favor.A blackberry milkshake, please. Everyday Fruit blended with milk. Ask for a jugo if you want it with water.
66 Bolón Fried green plantain ball Un bolón mixto y un café, por favor.A plantain ball with cheese and pork and a coffee, please. Everyday Order mixto to get both cheese and pork crackling.
67 Sorbete Drinking straw Un jugo de mora sin sorbete, por favor.A blackberry juice with no straw, please. Everyday The word for a straw.
68 Encebollado Tuna and yucca soup Un encebollado con chifles cura cualquier chuchaqui.A fish soup with plantain chips cures any hangover. Everyday A coastal breakfast and hangover cure, now sold all over the country.
69 Hueca Hole-in-the-wall eatery Conozco una hueca con el mejor encebollado.I know a hole-in-the-wall with the best fish soup. Casual A plain spot with great cheap food. Locals swear by their own.
70 Chugchucara Fried pork platter En Latacunga pedimos una chugchucara para 2.In Latacunga we ordered a fried pork platter for 2. Regional Latacunga's big plate of fried pork, mote, potatoes, plantain and popcorn.
71 Jamear To eat Vamos a jamear algo antes del bus.Let's go eat something before the bus. Slang Jama is the noun, food or grub.
72 Ricazo Really tasty Este hornado está ricazo.This roast pork is really tasty. Casual The -azo ending turns up the volume.
73 Agachaditos Street food stalls Comimos en los agachaditos del mercado.We ate at the little market stalls. Casual Cheap stands where you sit on low stools.
74 Chifles Thin plantain chips Me da una funda de chifles, porfa.Can I get a bag of plantain chips, please? Everyday The snack that comes with ceviche and encebollado.
75 Patacones Fried plantain slices El pescado viene con arroz y patacones.The fish comes with rice and fried plantain. Everyday Thick plantain slices fried twice.
76 Hornado Slow-roasted pork El sábado vamos a comer hornado en Sangolquí.On Saturday we're going to eat roast pork in Sangolquí. Everyday A whole roast pig served with mote and potato patties.
77 Fritada Fried pork chunks Pedimos una fritada para compartir.We ordered fried pork to share. Everyday Pork cooked down in its own fat with mote and plantain.
78 Llapingachos Cheesy potato patties Los llapingachos vienen con huevo y chorizo.The potato patties come with egg and sausage. Regional A Sierra classic.
79 Mote Hominy Póngame más mote, por favor.Give me more hominy, please. Everyday Big white corn kernels served with hornado, fritada and many other dishes.
80 Humitas Sweet corn cakes Una humita y un café para la tarde.A corn cake and a coffee for the afternoon. Everyday Cooks steam them in a corn husk. People eat them in the afternoon with coffee.
81 Canguil Popcorn Aquí el ceviche viene con canguil.Here the ceviche comes with popcorn. Everyday You'll find it on top of ceviche and soup.
82 Chochos Lupin beans En el parque venden chochos con tostado.In the park they sell lupin beans with corn nuts. Regional A cheap street snack in the Sierra.
83 Encocado Seafood in coconut sauce En Esmeraldas probé un encocado de pescado.In Esmeraldas I tried fish in coconut sauce. Regional The signature dish of Esmeraldas and the north coast.
84 Tigrillo Plantain mash with egg and cheese En Zaruma desayunamos tigrillo con café.In Zaruma we had plantain mash with egg for breakfast. Regional A breakfast from Zaruma, in El Oro. Some cooks add pork crackling.
85 Locro de papa Potato and cheese soup Hace frío, pidamos un locro de papa.It's cold, let's order potato soup. Everyday The Sierra's classic soup, served with avocado. Yahuarlocro is the version with lamb and blood.
86 Cuy Roast guinea pig En Baños probé cuy asado.In Baños I tried roast guinea pig. Regional A Sierra treat for special days.
87 Chaulafán Fried rice En el chifa pedimos un chaulafán mixto.At the Chinese place we ordered a mixed fried rice. Everyday Every town has a chifa, a Chinese-Ecuadorian place, and this is the dish everyone orders.
88 Fanesca Easter bean and cod soup En Semana Santa mi abuela prepara fanesca.At Easter my grandma makes fanesca. Everyday A thick soup of salt cod, milk and 12 kinds of beans and grains, eaten around Easter.
89 Allulla Flaky lard biscuit En Latacunga compramos allullas con queso de hoja.In Latacunga we bought flaky biscuits with leaf cheese. Regional The snack sellers offer on buses near Latacunga.
90 Guatita Tripe stew in peanut sauce Los domingos mi papá pide guatita con arroz.On Sundays my dad orders tripe stew with rice. Everyday A menu staple, with potatoes in a peanut sauce. The name means "little belly".
91 Canelazo Hot cinnamon cane drink Hace frío, vamos por un canelazo.It's cold, let's go get a hot cinnamon drink. Everyday Cane liquor with cinnamon and fruit, perfect on a cold Quito night.
92 Colada morada Spiced purple corn drink En noviembre tomamos colada morada.In November we drink purple corn punch. Everyday A thick hot drink for the Day of the Dead.
93 Agua de vieja Herbal tea Me duele la barriga, mejor tomo un agua de vieja.My stomach hurts, I'd better have some herbal tea. Casual Literally "old lady's water". Any hot herbal tea.

Money and shopping 19

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
94 ¿A cómo es? / ¿A cuánto está? How much is it? Veci, ¿a cómo es la libra de tomate?Neighbor, how much is a pound of tomatoes? Everyday The market way to ask a price. Point at the item and ask.
95 ¿Me hace una rebajita? Can you give me a discount? ¿Y si llevo 3 ponchos? ¿Me hace una rebajita?And if I take 3 ponchos? Can you give me a little discount? Everyday Haggling is expected at Otavalo and the craft markets. Smile, and buy more than 1 to get a better price.
96 Sencillo Small change No tengo sencillo, solo un billete de 20.I don't have small change, only a 20. Everyday Carry coins and 1 or 5 dollar bills. Ask ¿tiene cambio? before you hand over a 20.
97 Yapa A free extra Veci, ¿no me da la yapa?Neighbor, won't you throw in a little extra? Casual Ask for it at markets and small shops.
98 Está caro / está barato It is expensive / it is cheap Está caro, veci. ¿Me hace una rebajita?It is pricey, neighbor. Can you give me a little discount? Everyday Say it politely when a price feels high. Está barato is the happy version.
99 Caserita Regular customer, market vendor Caserita, deme 3 aguacates maduros.Ma'am, give me 3 ripe avocados. Everyday Market sellers and shoppers call each other casera or casero.
100 Funda Plastic bag ¿Le doy una fundita?Do you want a bag? Everyday People understand bolsa, but funda is the word you'll hear.
101 Cachina Second-hand street market Ese celular es de la cachina.That phone is from the second-hand market. Slang Used goods, and thieves sell some of them here.
102 Meter el dedo Rip someone off En ese local te meten el dedo con los precios.That shop rips you off on prices. Slang To swindle or overcharge.
103 Chiro Broke No salgo hoy, estoy chiro.I'm not going out today, I'm broke. Slang Chira for a woman.
104 Sacarse la madre Fall hard, or work yourself to the bone Me saqué la madre en la bici y me raspé la rodilla.I took a hard fall off the bike and scraped my knee. Vulgar Most often means you took a nasty fall. It also means you worked yourself to the bone, as in me saqué la madre todo el mes.
105 La propina The tip ¿La propina ya viene en la cuenta?Is the tip already on the bill? Everyday Tipping about 10% is normal in restaurants. Check the bill first, since a service charge is sometimes added.
106 Amarrete Stingy No seas amarrete, invita una biela.Don't be stingy, buy us a beer. Casual A friendly jab at someone tight with money.
107 Hacer vaca Chip in, pool money Hagamos vaca para la pizza, cada uno pone 3 dólares.Let's chip in for the pizza, 3 dollars each. Casual Everyone puts in a little. Andar en la vaca is the Ecuadorian twist, and you'll also hear hacer una vaquita.
108 Camellar To work hard Toca camellar para pagar el arriendo.I've got to work hard to pay the rent. Slang Camello means a job.
109 ¿Aceptan tarjeta? Do you take cards? ¿Aceptan tarjeta o solo efectivo?Do you take cards or only cash? Everyday Big cities take cards, but small shops and markets often want cash. Some places add a fee for cards.
110 El vuelto The change you get back Me falta el vuelto, veci. Le di un billete de 20.I am missing my change, neighbor. I gave you a 20. Everyday Count it before you walk away.
111 Luca A thousand dollars La moto me costó 2 lucas.The motorbike cost me 2 grand. Slang Money talk with big sums, not bus fares. Older people also use it for 1,000 sucres, the old currency.
112 ¡A la orden! Can I help you? ¡A la orden, veci! ¿Qué le doy?Can I help you, neighbor? What can I get you? Everyday What market sellers call out as you walk past. It also means you're welcome.

Bars and going out 27

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
113 Farra Party, night out El viernes hay farra en la casa de Andrés.There's a party at Andrés's place on Friday. Casual Ir de farra means to go out partying.
114 Trago A drink, booze ¿Vamos a tomar un trago después del trabajo?Shall we go for a drink after work? Everyday Any alcoholic drink, and tomar un trago means to go for a drink. You may also hear guaspete, an older word for a drink.
115 Una Pilsener, porfa A Pilsener, please Una Pilsener bien helada, porfa.A really cold Pilsener, please. Everyday Order beer by brand. Pilsener is the beer you'll see everywhere.
116 Ley seca Alcohol sales ban No hay biela este domingo, hay ley seca por las elecciones.No beer this Sunday, there's an alcohol ban for the election. Everyday Shops and bars stop selling alcohol around elections. Check the dates before you plan a night out.
117 Biela Beer Mesero, dos bielas bien heladas, porfa.Waiter, 2 really cold beers, please. Slang The word everyone uses for beer.
118 Jaba Crate of 12 beers Compramos una jaba para el partido.We bought a crate of beer for the game. Slang Bottles come back to the shop in the jaba.
119 Zhumir Cane spirit (a brand) Compramos un Zhumir de durazno para la farra.We bought a peach Zhumir for the party. Everyday Ecuador's best-known aguardiente, the local cane firewater. It comes in fruit flavors.
120 Chancleta de bielas A case of beer Trae una chancleta de bielas para el partido.Bring a case of beer for the game. Slang A play on chancleta, a flip-flop.
121 ¡Hasta el fondo! Bottoms up! ¡Hasta el fondo, ñaño, sin miedo!Bottoms up, bro, don't be scared! Casual The table chants it when it's your turn to drink.
122 ¡Que se iguale! Catch up! Llegaste tarde, ¡que se iguale!You got here late, catch up! Casual A chant for the latecomer to drink until they match the group.
123 Chuchaqui Hangover Tengo un chuchaqui terrible.I have a terrible hangover. Slang From Kichwa. Chuchaqui moral is the guilt after a night out.
124 Buen provecho Enjoy your meal Buen provecho, con permiso.Enjoy your meal, excuse me. Everyday People say it to strangers when they walk past a table, and you reply gracias.
125 Happy Tipsy Con 2 bielas ya estoy happy.2 beers and I'm already tipsy. Slang From English. Said after a few drinks, before you're drunk.
126 Chumar / jumarse To drink, get drunk Hoy no chumo, mañana trabajo.I'm not drinking today, I work tomorrow. Slang From Kichwa. Chumado means drunk.
127 Pegarse una bomba Get wasted Se pegó una bomba en el matrimonio de su primo.He got wasted at his cousin's wedding. Slang A heavy night. Hacerse funda means to drink until you black out.
128 Estar pluto Be drunk No le dejes manejar, está pluto.Don't let him drive, he's drunk. Slang An Ecuadorian word for drunk.
129 Embalado Pumped, tipsy Ya está embalado, ahora quiere bailar.He's buzzing now, so he wants to dance. Slang Excited, often from a few drinks.
130 Piquete A shot of liquor in a drink Póngale un piquete al canelazo, seño.Put a shot in the canelazo, ma'am. Casual What turns a hot drink into a party drink.
131 Chiva Party bus Alquilamos una chiva para el cumpleaños.We rented a party bus for the birthday. Everyday An open-sided bus with a band, popular during Quito's fiestas.
132 Hervido Hot spiked fruit punch En las fiestas de Quito venden hervidos en la calle.During the Quito fiestas they sell hot spiked punch on the street. Regional Sierra fiesta drink with fruit juice and cane liquor.
133 Tripear To have a great time Fuimos a Montañita a tripear el feriado.We went to Montañita to enjoy the long weekend. Slang Used for trips and good times.
134 La joda A pain, a nuisance ¡Qué joda! Se dañó el bus otra vez.What a pain! The bus broke down again. Casual Estuvo la joda can also mean a great time, but a pain is the common sense. The verb joder is cruder, so keep that one for friends.
135 Huasipichay Housewarming party El sábado hacemos el huasipichay del depa nuevo.On Saturday we're having the housewarming for the new flat. Casual From Kichwa. Bring a drink or a small gift.
136 Ya no jalo I'm done, I can't go on Ya no jalo, me voy a dormir.I'm wiped out, I'm going to bed. Casual Also for a machine that stopped working.
137 Full Packed, totally La disco estaba full.The club was packed. Slang Also means very, as in full bacán. Super works the same way.
138 Jumo A drunk Ese es un jumo, no le sirvan más.That guy's a drunk, don't serve him any more. Slang Someone who's had far too much. It comes from jumarse.
139 Chupar To drink (alcohol) ¿Vamos a chupar después del partido?Shall we go drinking after the game? Slang The everyday verb for drinking with friends. Irse de chupa is the plan.

Friends and people 33

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
140 Pana Friend, buddy Él es mi pana del colegio.He's my buddy from high school. Casual The most common word for a friend.
141 Ñaño / ñaña Brother / sister, bro Mi ñaña vive en Cuenca.My sister lives in Cuenca. Everyday From Kichwa. Friends also call each other ñaño, and ñañito or ñañita is the fond form.
142 Loco Dude ¿Qué fue, loco? ¿Vamos al partido?What's up, dude? Shall we go to the game? Slang Between friends it means dude. Loquillo is a fond word for a crazy guy.
143 Mijo / mija Son / daughter, dear Mija, abríguese que hace frío.Sweetie, bundle up, it's cold. Everyday Older people say it to anyone younger.
144 El man / la man The guy / the girl La man de la tienda es buenísima.The girl at the shop is really nice. Slang Any guy or girl, friend or stranger.
145 Veci Neighbor, pal Buenas, veci. ¿Me da un pan, porfa?Hi, neighbor. Can I get a bread roll, please? Casual Short for vecino. Call a shopkeeper or a friend veci and you'll sound local. Seño works for an older woman.
146 Gringo / gringa Foreigner, tourist Ese man me cobró precio de gringo.That guy charged me the tourist price. Casual Any foreigner, above all a tourist, and you'll hear it about yourself. Precio de gringo is the inflated tourist price.
147 Broder Bro Gracias, broder, te debo una.Thanks, bro, I owe you one. Slang From the English "brother".
148 Liguista Liga de Quito fan Toda mi familia es liguista.My whole family supports Liga de Quito. Everyday Football talk breaks the ice fast.
149 Barcelonista Barcelona SC fan En Guayaquil todos son barcelonistas o emelecistas.In Guayaquil everyone backs Barcelona or Emelec. Everyday Barcelona SC is Guayaquil's biggest club.
150 Acolitar Help out, back someone up Acolítame a cargar las maletas, ñaño.Help me carry the bags, bro. Casual Also to go along with someone, like a wingman.
151 Amiguero People person Mi primo es súper amiguero, conoce a todos.My cousin is a real people person, he knows everyone. Casual Amiguera for a woman.
152 Amiguis Friends (cute) Hoy salgo con mis amiguis.I'm going out with my girlfriends today. Casual Cutesy, used mostly by young women.
153 Guambra Kid, young person Los guambras están jugando en el parque.The kids are playing in the park. Casual From Kichwa. You'll also see it written wambra.
154 Guagua Baby, small child La guagua ya está dormida.The baby is already asleep. Everyday From Kichwa. In Cuba it means bus.
155 Taita Dad Mi taita no me deja salir hoy.My dad won't let me go out today. Casual From Kichwa. Taita Dios means God.
156 Guayaco Person from Guayaquil Los guayacos hablan rapidísimo.People from Guayaquil talk super fast. Casual Guayaca for a woman.
157 Serrano Person from the Sierra Mi esposa es serrana y yo soy de la costa.My wife is from the Sierra and I'm from the coast. Everyday The neutral word. Longo is a slur.
158 Montubio Coastal country person Mi abuelo era montubio de Manabí.My grandpa was a coastal farmer from Manabí. Everyday Montubios farm the coastal plains, and many say the word with pride.
159 Mono / mona Person from the coast En Quito me dicen mono por mi acento.In Quito they call me mono because of my accent. Vulgar A slur. Never say it to someone you just met.
160 Chagra Andean cowboy, country person Mi abuelo era chagra, cuidaba ganado en el páramo.My grandpa was an Andean cowboy who kept cattle up on the moors. Casual Proud for some, but an insult for a hick in the city. Don't call anyone chagra until a local does.
161 Pelucón Rich person Esa casa es de un pelucón.That house belongs to some rich guy. Slang A bit mocking. Pelucona for a woman.
162 Aniñado Posh, spoiled Es aniñado, nunca ha cogido un bus.He's posh, he's never taken a bus. Slang For rich kids from fancy neighborhoods.
163 Norio Nerd, bookworm Mi hermano es norio, siempre saca 10.My brother is a nerd, he always gets top marks. Casual Teasing but mild.
164 Avispado Sharp, quick Es avispado, consiguió los boletos más baratos.He's sharp, he got the cheapest tickets. Casual Someone who spots every chance.
165 Entrador Outgoing, bold Es bien entrador, habla con todo el mundo.He's really outgoing, he talks to everyone. Casual People like hearing it.
166 Tuco Buff, strong Ese man está tuco, va al gym todos los días.That guy is buff, he goes to the gym every day. Slang A compliment.
167 Guacho Orphan, all alone Me quedé guacho, toda mi familia se fue de viaje.I'm all on my own, my whole family went on a trip. Casual From Kichwa. You'll also see it written huacho.
168 Suca Blond, fair-haired person La suca de la clase es de Loja.The blond girl in class is from Loja. Regional A Sierra word for blond. Suco for a man.
169 Gato Person with light eyes Su hijo es gato, salió con los ojos verdes.Her son has light eyes, he came out with green eyes. Casual Said of blue or green eyes.
170 Churón / churona Curly-haired person Mi ñaña es churona, como mi mamá.My sister has curly hair, like my mom. Casual Churos are curls.
171 Peloteo Kickabout El domingo hay peloteo con los vecinos.On Sunday there's a kickabout with the neighbors. Casual A pickup football game. Ask ¿puedo jugar? and you're in.
172 La Yoni The United States Mi primo se fue a la Yoni hace 5 años.My cousin moved to the States 5 years ago. Slang Irse a la Yoni means to move to the US, and many families have someone there.

Reactions and feelings 32

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
173 Bacán Cool, great Este lugar está bacán.This place is great. Casual The top word for cool.
174 Chévere Cool, nice ¡Qué chévere tu chompa!What a cool jacket! Casual Softer than bacán.
175 Pepa Great, cool Esa canción está pepa.That song is great. Slang Young people say "está pepa" for anything they like.
176 Buenazo Really nice Tu hermano es buenazo, me ayudó con todo.Your brother is so nice, he helped me with everything. Casual The -azo ending adds weight. Buenazo means a kind person.
177 ¡Qué bestia! Wow, that's wild ¡Qué bestia, ganamos 3 a 0!Wow, we won 3 to 0! Casual For anything amazing or shocking.
178 ¡Chuta! Shoot! Darn! ¡Chuta! Me olvidé las llaves.Shoot! I forgot my keys. Casual A clean way to show you're annoyed. Safe with anyone.
179 ¡Chucha! Damn! ¡Chucha! Se me perdió la billetera.Damn! I lost my wallet. Vulgar Very common, but it also names female genitals. Don't say it to elders.
180 ¿La plena? Really? Seriously? Me caso en junio. ¿La plena?I'm getting married in June. Seriously? Casual Asks if something is true. Mandar la plena means to tell it straight, and ¡cueeenta! begs a friend to spill the gossip.
181 ¡Achachay! Brr, it's cold! ¡Achachay! Pásame la chompa.Brr! Pass me my jacket. Everyday From Kichwa. You'll say it every night in Quito.
182 Pacheco Cold weather Qué pacheco hace en el páramo, lleva guantes.It's freezing up on the moors, bring gloves. Regional A Sierra word for the cold, above all at night.
183 ¡Arrarray! / ¡arraray! Ouch, it's hot! ¡Arrarray! Está hirviendo el café.Ouch! The coffee is boiling hot. Everyday From Kichwa. For heat or a burn.
184 ¡Atatay! Yuck! ¡Atatay! Hay un pelo en la sopa.Yuck! There's a hair in the soup. Everyday From Kichwa. For anything gross.
185 ¡Ayayay! Ouch! ¡Ayayay! Me di contra la puerta.Ouch! I hit the door. Everyday From Kichwa. For a bump or a sting.
186 ¡Púchica! Wow! Gosh! ¡Púchica, qué grande es el Cotopaxi!Gosh, Cotopaxi is huge! Casual A clean word for surprise. You'll also hear the short form, ¡pucha!
187 Arrecho Bold, fearless Ese man es bien arrecho, se tiró del puente.That guy is fearless, he jumped off the bridge. Vulgar Bold or daring, but it can also mean horny, so watch the context. On the coast, está arrecho also means it's awesome.
188 Alhaja Nice, lovely Qué alhaja tu casa, ñaña.Your house is lovely, sis. Casual Said of a thing or a person you like.
189 Belleza Perfect ¿Te llevo a las 8? Belleza.Shall I pick you up at 8? Perfect. Casual Something went just right.
190 Foco Over the top, awkward Ese carro amarillo es muy foco.That yellow car is way too flashy. Slang Also an awkward moment. Foco also means light bulb.
191 Lámpara Show-off, or lame No seas lámpara, nadie te preguntó.Don't be a show-off, nobody asked you. Slang A know-it-all who wants attention. ¡Qué lámpara! also means how lame, for something bad but not serious.
192 ¡Mentira! No way! ¿Te vas a vivir a Galápagos? ¡Mentira!You're moving to Galápagos? No way! Casual Shows you can't believe it.
193 Acholarse Get embarrassed, chicken out Me acholé y no le hablé.I got shy and didn't talk to her. Casual To lose your nerve.
194 Ahuevarse Get scared No te ahueves, el canopy es seguro.Don't chicken out, the zip line is safe. Slang A bit crude, so keep it for friends.
195 ¡Chendo! Just kidding! Me voy a vivir a Quito. ¡Chendo!I'm moving to Quito. Just kidding! Regional Said right after a joke or a fib. Typical of Quito and Cuenca.
196 Chiripa Lucky break Pasé el examen de chiripa.I passed the exam by sheer luck. Casual Pure luck.
197 Estar salado Have bad luck Estoy salado, perdí el bus y se puso a llover.I'm so unlucky, I missed the bus and it started to rain. Casual When nothing goes your way.
198 Estar picado Be sore, want payback Sigue picado porque le ganamos el partido.He's still sore because we beat him in the match. Casual You feel stung and want to get even.
199 Ñeque Grit, guts Hay que tener ñeque para subir el Chimborazo.You need guts to climb Chimborazo. Casual Strength and drive.
200 Fajarse Give it your all Me fajé toda la semana para terminar el proyecto.I worked my tail off all week to finish the project. Casual To try really hard.
201 Íngrimo All alone Se quedó íngrimo en la casa todo el feriado.He was all alone at home for the whole long weekend. Casual Alone with no one around.
202 Emputarse Get mad Se emputó porque le rayaron el carro.He got mad because someone scratched his car. Vulgar Crude, so keep it for friends. Enojarse is the clean word.
203 Me vale verga I don't care at all ¿Que se enojó? Me vale verga.He got mad? I couldn't care less. Vulgar In Ecuador, me vale verga means you couldn't care less, and esto vale verga means this is crap. Never say it in polite company. Me vale is the softer short form, and Mexico uses it too.
204 ¡Carajo! Damn it! ¡Carajo, perdí el bus!Damn it, I missed the bus! Vulgar Mild for many locals, but skip it around elders. Del carajo means amazing.

Fillers and everyday words 27

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
205 Ya OK, sure ¿Nos vemos a las 3? Ya.See you at 3? OK. Everyday The word you'll hear most. It means OK, yes or got it.
206 Ya pues Fine then, come on Ya pues, vamos de una vez.Fine then, let's go right now. Everyday Agrees, gives in or hurries someone along. In fast speech it comes out "ya ps". O sea is the other filler you'll hear, like "I mean".
207 Dele no más Go right ahead Dele no más, está abierto.Go right ahead, it's open. Everyday No más softens anything, like "just".
208 Porfis Please (cute) Porfis, acompáñame a la tienda.Please come with me to the shop. Casual A cutesy please, common among young women.
209 Un pite A little bit Dame un pite de tu colada, porfa.Give me a little of your drink, please. Casual Ask for just a taste or a bit.
210 Ve Hey, look Ve, ¿y tu hermano no vino?Hey, didn't your brother come? Regional A Sierra way to grab attention, as in "¿qué más, ve?".
211 Choclo Corn on the cob Un choclo con queso, por favor.Corn on the cob with cheese, please. Everyday A Kichwa word. You will see it sold on every street corner in the Sierra.
212 Humita Steamed fresh corn cake Una humita y un café, por favor.A corn cake and a coffee, please. Everyday A snack of sweet corn steamed in its husk.
213 Cacho Joke Ese man siempre cuenta cachos.That guy is always telling jokes. Casual A joke or a funny story. Echar cacho means to joke around.
214 Verás Look, I'm warning you Verás, no llegues tarde.Look, don't be late. Casual Also "I told you so".
215 Ya sabe You know it ¿Nos vemos en la farra? Ya sabe.See you at the party? You know it. Slang Often stretched out as "ya saaabe".
216 Nada que... Still not, no way Le llamé y nada que contesta.I called him and he still won't answer. Everyday Nada que plus a verb means it still hasn't happened. In Guayaquil it also opens a story, like "so anyway".
217 Porsia Just in case Lleva paraguas, porsia.Bring an umbrella, just in case. Casual Short for por si acaso.
218 Por gusto For nothing, pointlessly Fuimos por gusto, estaba cerrado.We went for nothing, it was closed. Everyday Something done without need or result.
219 Parar bola Pay attention Párame bola, te estoy hablando.Pay attention to me, I'm talking to you. Casual To listen to someone.
220 La bola A lot, loads Había la bola de gente en el mercado.There were loads of people at the market. Slang Gajo works too.
221 Quedito Still and quiet Quédate quedito, que el bebé está dormido.Stay still and quiet, the baby is asleep. Everyday Common with kids.
222 Pegarse una ruca Take a nap Después del almuerzo me pegué una ruca.After lunch I took a nap. Slang A short sleep. Quedarse ruco means to fall asleep.
223 Caleta House, home Ya es tarde, vamos a la caleta.It's late, let's go home. Slang Your place or a friend's.
224 Tacho Trash can Bota eso en el tacho.Throw that in the trash can. Everyday Botar means to throw away.
225 Socapar Cover for someone Mi hermana me socapó con mis papás.My sister covered for me with my parents. Casual To hide what someone did.
226 Aplastarse Sit down, plop down Aplástate aquí, hay espacio.Plop down here, there's room. Casual A friendly way to say take a seat.
227 Retar Scold Mi mamá me retó por llegar tarde.My mom scolded me for getting home late. Everyday Chile and Argentina use it too.
228 Amarcar Carry in your arms Amárcame a la guagua un ratito.Hold the baby for me for a bit. Casual From Kichwa.
229 Naranjilla Small orange fruit used for juice Un jugo de naranjilla, por favor.A naranjilla juice, please. Everyday A tart Andean fruit that Ecuador is known for. You will find it on any menu.
230 Esfero Pen ¿Me presta un esfero para firmar?Can I borrow a pen to sign? Everyday Bolígrafo sounds foreign here.
231 Yucho Naked Los guaguas andan yuchos en la playa.The kids are running around naked on the beach. Casual From Kichwa. A playful word, often said about kids.

Time and plans 16

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
232 Ya mismo Soon, in a while Ya mismo llego, espérame.I'll be there soon, wait for me. Everyday It can mean 10 minutes or an hour.
233 Ahorita Right now, or in a bit Ahorita vengo, no te vayas.I'll be back in a bit, don't leave. Everyday Usually right now or in a moment. If it's urgent, ask ¿ahorita mismo?
234 Hora ecuatoriana Running late, local time Quedamos a las 8, pero hora ecuatoriana.We said 8, but Ecuador time. Casual A joke that people arrive late, so expect to wait.
235 Un ratito A little while Espérame un ratito, ya bajo.Wait for me a little while, I'm coming down. Everyday The -ito makes it sound short and polite. It can still mean 20 minutes.
236 Irse de chupa Go out drinking El viernes nos vamos de chupa después del trabajo.On Friday we're going out drinking after work. Slang A plan for a night of drinks. Chupar means to drink.
237 Ahí te caigo I'll swing by Ahí te caigo a las 8.I'll swing by at 8. Slang To meet up at someone's place.
238 Despuesito A bit later Despuesito te llamo.I'll call you in a bit. Casual Small and soft, like ratito.
239 Enantes / enantitos Earlier, a while ago Enantes pasó tu amigo.Your friend came by earlier. Casual Old Spanish still alive in Ecuador.
240 Irse a volver Step out and come right back Mi mamá no está, se fue a volver. Espérela un ratito.My mom's out, but she'll be right back. Wait for her a bit. Casual Despite the word irse, the person is coming back soon.
241 Aguántate un chance Hang on a sec Aguántate un chance, ya vuelvo.Hang on a sec, I'll be right back. Casual Un chance means a moment or a little bit. In Quito you'll also hear espérate un chance or dame chance.
242 Finde Weekend ¿Qué haces este finde?What are you doing this weekend? Casual Short for fin de semana.
243 Feriado Long weekend, holiday En el feriado todos se van a la playa.Over the long weekend everyone goes to the beach. Everyday Expect full buses and hotels.
244 Antesito A bit earlier Llega antesito para coger buen puesto.Get there a bit early to grab a good spot. Casual A soft "earlier".
245 A la final In the end A la final no fuimos al cine.In the end we didn't go to the movies. Everyday Used for "al final".
246 En veces Sometimes En veces llueve toda la tarde.Sometimes it rains all afternoon. Regional Heard in the Sierra for "a veces".
247 Hacerse la pera Skip class or work Nos hicimos la pera y nos fuimos al parque.We skipped class and went to the park. Slang Darse la pera works too.

Teasing and insults 20

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
248 Cojudo Idiot No seas cojudo, eso es peligroso.Don't be an idiot, that's dangerous. Vulgar Friends toss it around, but it's rude to strangers.
249 Huevón Jerk, idiot ¡Qué huevón, se olvidó el pasaporte!What an idiot, he forgot his passport! Vulgar Between close friends only. Huevada means nonsense and huevear means fool around.
250 Sapo Sly, opportunist Qué sapo, se coló en la fila.How sly, he cut in line. Casual Someone who gets ahead at others' cost, and a sapada is a sly move. It can also mean a snitch, the main sense in Colombia and Venezuela.
251 Lengua larga Blabbermouth No le cuentes nada, es lengua larga.Don't tell her anything, she's a blabbermouth. Casual Someone who can't keep a secret.
252 Cargoso Teaser, pest No seas cargoso, deja a tu hermana.Don't be a pest, leave your sister alone. Casual Someone who teases too much.
253 Guacharnaco Person with no taste Solo un guacharnaco pinta su casa así.Only someone with zero taste paints their house like that. Slang A snobby put-down.
254 Sabroso Show-off Ese man se hace el sabroso con su carro.That guy shows off with his car. Regional In Guayaquil it means someone who acts too cool.
255 Sobrado Cocky Está muy sobrado desde que ganó.He's been so cocky since he won. Casual Full of himself.
256 Shunsho Dimwit No seas shunsho, piensa un poquito.Don't be a dimwit, think a little. Slang From Kichwa. A mild, teasing put-down, like dummy.
257 Mañoso Picky, sly El guagua es mañoso para comer.The kid is a picky eater. Casual Also someone crafty.
258 Pendejo Fool No seas pendejo, nadie te va a devolver esa plata.Don't be a fool, nobody's giving that money back. Vulgar Much ruder in Mexico.
259 Alevoso Arrogant, stuck-up No seas alevoso, saluda a la gente.Don't be so stuck-up, say hi to people. Casual Someone who acts above others.
260 Car'e tuco Shameless ¡Qué car'e tuco! Se coló en la fila y ni pidió permiso.How shameless! He cut in line and didn't even say excuse me. Slang Short for cara de tuco, someone with no shame at all.
261 Hacer la foca Make a fool of yourself Hizo la foca bailando en la boda.He made a fool of himself dancing at the wedding. Slang To look silly in public.
262 Cochoso Grubby, dirty Lávate las manos, estás todo cochoso.Wash your hands, you're all grubby. Casual Said a lot to kids who come in muddy.
263 Patucho Shorty El patucho de mi primo no alcanza la mesa.My short little cousin can't reach the table. Casual A teasing word for a short person.
264 Bronquearse Get into a fight Se bronquearon a la salida de la disco.They got into a fight outside the club. Slang A fight at a party or a game.
265 Amagar Fake someone out Me amagó con que se iba y se quedó.He made like he was leaving and then stayed. Casual To pretend or threaten without doing it.
266 Longo Highlander (slur) No le digas longo, es ofensivo.Don't call him longo, it's offensive. Vulgar A slur. It's racist toward Indigenous and Sierra people, so learn it but never say it.
267 Cholo Tacky Esa fiesta estuvo bien chola.That party was so tacky. Vulgar A slur. It means tacky, but never use it about people.

Love and flirting 21

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
268 ¿Tienes enamorado? Do you have a boyfriend? Oye, ¿tienes enamorado o estás soltera?Hey, do you have a boyfriend or are you single? Everyday Ask ¿tienes enamorada? for a girlfriend. Enamorado is the everyday word for a partner.
269 Hacerle los toques Try to get physical, no strings Le está haciendo los toques a la man del trabajo.He's trying to get with the girl from work. Vulgar You want to fool around, not date.
270 Tímbrame Ring me ¿Me pasas tu número? Tímbrame cuando llegues.Can I get your number? Ring me when you get home. Casual Means call me or give me a quick ring. Ask ¿me pasas tu número? first.
271 Meter carpeta Keep asking someone out Le metió carpeta toda la semana hasta que aceptó salir con él.He kept asking her all week until she agreed to go out with him. Slang Pushing your case with someone you like until they say yes.
272 Pelado / pelada Boyfriend / girlfriend Te presento a mi pelada.Let me introduce my girlfriend. Casual Some people also use it for a kid or a young person.
273 Vacilar Flirt, make out Estaban vacilando en la farra.They were making out at the party. Slang It can also mean to dance close at a party. A vacile is a casual fling.
274 Labioso Smooth talker No le creas, ese man es bien labioso.Don't believe him, that guy's a real smooth talker. Slang Someone who sweet-talks to win you over. Meter labia means to sweet-talk.
275 Gordo / gorda Dear, sweetie Gorda, ¿ya llegaste a la casa?Sweetie, are you home yet? Casual A pet name between friends and couples. It's fond.
276 Lanzar los perros Make a move, flirt Le lanzó los perros toda la noche.He was hitting on her all night. Slang To try your luck with someone. Venezuela uses it too.
277 Estar camote Have a crush Está bien camote de la man del curso.He has a big crush on the girl from class. Casual Smitten, the step before love. Encamotarse means to fall for someone.
278 Piquito Quick peck Me dio un piquito y se fue.She gave me a quick peck and left. Casual A small kiss on the lips.
279 Una mucha A kiss Dame una mucha antes de irte.Give me a kiss before you go. Casual From Kichwa. A kiss, often a long one.
280 Agarrar Hook up, make out Anoche agarró con la man de la fiesta.Last night he hooked up with the girl from the party. Slang A kiss or more.
281 Estar amarrado Be in a serious relationship Ya no sale, ahora está amarrado.He doesn't go out anymore, he's tied down now. Casual Taken.
282 Amaño Living together, unmarried Están en amaño hace 2 años.They've been living together for 2 years. Casual A couple who live together but aren't married.
283 Engrupirse Fall for someone Se engrupió de la man del bus y ya no habla de otra cosa.He fell for the girl from the bus and talks of nothing else. Slang To get smitten, often too fast. An engrupido thinks he's in love.
284 Mandarina Whipped Ese man es mandarina, la novia decide todo.That guy is whipped, his girlfriend decides everything. Slang A pun on mandar, to boss. Peru uses it too.
285 Marcar tarjeta Check in with your partner Me voy a las 10, tengo que marcar tarjeta.I'm leaving at 10, I have to check in at home. Slang Like clocking in, said of partners who must report back.
286 Bagrero Someone with bad taste in partners Tu pana es bagrero, siempre sale con las peores.Your buddy has awful taste, he always dates the worst ones. Slang Teasing between friends, but it puts women down. Let a local use it first.
287 Poner los cachos Cheat on Le puso los cachos con su mejor amiga.He cheated on her with her best friend. Casual To be unfaithful.
288 Cortavenas Heartbreak song Después de la ruptura solo escucha música cortavenas.Since the breakup he only listens to heartbreak songs. Casual Sad songs about lost love, the kind you hear in cantinas.

Sayings and expressions 12

#PhraseMeaningExampleWhen to use
289 ¡Chulla vida! You only live once ¿Saltamos del puente? ¡Chulla vida!Shall we bungee off the bridge? You only live once! Casual Ecuador's carpe diem. Chulla means a single one, without its pair.
290 ¡Fresco no más! Relax, no worries ¿Llegaste tarde? Fresco no más.You got here late? No worries. Casual All is well.
291 Guagua que no llora no mama If you don't ask, you don't get Pide el aumento, guagua que no llora no mama.Ask for the raise, if you don't ask, you don't get. Everyday Nobody feeds a baby that doesn't cry.
292 Llevar piñas a Milagro Bring sand to the beach Llevarle café a un lojano es llevar piñas a Milagro.Bringing coffee to someone from Loja is like bringing sand to the beach. Everyday Milagro is a town full of pineapples.
293 Como en botica Every kind there is En el mercado hay frutas como en botica.The market has every fruit you can think of. Everyday Like a pharmacy, it has it all.
294 Como chancho en lodo Happy as a pig in mud En la piscina está como chancho en lodo.In the pool he's happy as a pig in mud. Casual Totally content.
295 Como a perro en misa Treated badly Me fue como a perro en misa en la entrevista.The interview went terribly. Casual Like a dog at Mass.
296 Hacer la casita Trick with false promises Le hicieron la casita y se quedó sin plata.They strung him along and he ended up broke. Casual To take advantage of someone's trust.
297 Ver la cara Take someone for a fool Al gringo le vieron la cara y le cobraron el doble.They took the tourist for a fool and charged him double. Casual Ver la cara de cojudo is the ruder long form.
298 Ni a cañón No way, not even by force Ni a cañón me subo a ese bus.There's no way I'm getting on that bus. Casual A firm no.
299 Ya me fregué I'm done for Ya me fregué, se me fue el último bus.I'm done for, I missed the last bus. Casual Said when something goes wrong and you can't fix it.
300 Estar mosca Stay sharp, be on guard Hay que estar mosca en el terminal, se roban todo.You have to stay sharp at the bus station, they steal everything. Casual Mosca means fly, so you stay quick and alert. Ponerse once means the same.

Around Ecuador 37

Slang changes a lot between the Sierra, the coast and the Afro-Ecuadorian northwest, so a word that's normal in Quito can get a blank look in Guayaquil.

Quito

The capital sits high in the Andes, and quiteños speak slowly and politely.

PhraseMeaningExample
Darán viendo Please keep an eye on it Darán viendo las maletas, ya vuelvo.Please keep an eye on the bags, I'll be right back.
Mama cuchara Dead-end street Esa calle es mama cuchara, no tiene salida.That street's a dead end, there's no way out.
Chulla quiteño Classic proud Quito local Mi abuelo era un chulla quiteño: elegante, orgulloso y siempre sin plata.My grandpa was a classic Quito man: smart, proud and always broke.
Pegarse una ceja Doze off, take a nap El guardia se pegó una ceja en plena guardia.The guard dozed off in the middle of his shift.
Chompa Sweater, jacket Lleva chompa, en la noche hace frío.Bring a jacket, it gets cold at night.

Guayaquil

Ecuador's biggest city is hot, loud and fast-talking, and its street slang flips words around, a habit it shares with Peru and Argentina.

PhraseMeaningExample
Mi llave My buddy ¿Qué fue, mi llave? ¿Todo tranquilo?What's up, buddy? All good?
Lleca Street Andaba por la lleca toda la noche.He was out on the street all night.
Hornoquil Guayaquil heat Esto es Hornoquil, no salgas al mediodía.It's a furnace out there, don't go out at noon.
Chuzos Shoes Me compré unos chuzos nuevos.I bought some new shoes.
Luquear To look Luquea quién viene ahí.Look who's coming.
Jermu Woman, wife Mi jermu me espera en la casa.My wife is waiting for me at home.
Afrentoso Over the top, dramatic No seas afrentoso, solo fue una gotita.Don't be so dramatic, it was only a drop of rain.
Norro Highlander (rude) Ese norro no aguanta el calor.That highlander can't take the heat.

Cuenca

This colonial city in the southern Andes is famous for its sing-song accent.

PhraseMeaningExample
Morlaco Person from Cuenca Los morlacos están orgullosos de su ciudad.People from Cuenca are proud of their city.
Mote pillo Hominy scrambled with egg En Cuenca desayunamos mote pillo.In Cuenca we had hominy with egg for breakfast.
El goce Something funny Ese video es el goce.That video is hilarious.
Gara Nice, great ¡Qué gara estuvo la fiesta!What a great party that was!
Chua / chuya Spotless Dejé la casa chua para la visita.I left the house spotless for the guests.

Manabí

Manta and Portoviejo sit on the central coast, and Manabí's country talk keeps old Spanish words alive.

PhraseMeaningExample
Asúntate Pay attention, focus Asúntate, que el bus ya sale.Pay attention, the bus is about to leave.
¿Cuánto importó? How much did it cost? ¿Cuánto importó esa camisa?How much did that shirt cost?
¡Aguaita! Look! ¡Aguaita, hay ballenas en el mar!Look, there are whales out at sea!
Brisando Drizzling Está brisando, lleva el paraguas.It's drizzling, take the umbrella.
Te atajo I'll catch you Corre nomás, que te atajo.Go on and run, I'll catch you.
Estoy ajito I'm out of breath Subí la loma corriendo y estoy ajito.I ran up the hill and I'm out of breath.
Amarrar el burro Drop in on someone at lunchtime for a free meal Son las 12, voy a amarrar el burro donde mi tía.It's noon, so I'm dropping in at my aunt's for lunch.

Otavalo and Imbabura

Kichwa is everyday speech in the market towns north of Quito, so a few Kichwa words go a long way at the market.

PhraseMeaningExample
Alli puncha Good morning Alli puncha, mamita. ¿A cómo los ponchos?Good morning, ma'am. How much are the ponchos?
Yupaychani Thank you Yupaychani, muy rico el mote.Thank you, the hominy is delicious.
Ananay How nice ¡Ananay, qué lindo poncho!Oh, what a lovely poncho!
Mushpa Fool No seas mushpa, cuenta bien el cambio.Don't be a fool, count your change properly.
Anaco Wrap skirt Mi abuela todavía usa anaco todos los días.My grandma still wears a wrap skirt every day.
Urcu Mountain Mañana subimos al urcu a ver la laguna.Tomorrow we're climbing the mountain to see the lake.
Hijó Son, kid (friendly) No sea así, hijó, ayúdeme con la carga.Don't be like that, kid, help me with the load.

Esmeraldas

Esmeraldas on the north coast is the heart of Afro-Ecuadorian culture, and its speech has words you rarely hear in the Sierra.

PhraseMeaningExample
¡Diga! Go ahead, I'm listening ¡Diga, mi hermano! ¿Qué se le ofrece?Go ahead, my friend. What can I do for you?
Badulaque Shameless loafer Ese badulaque nunca ayuda en la casa.That loafer never helps around the house.
Coquimbo Someone with thin hair Mi tío ya es coquimbo.My uncle is already thin on top.
Mojiganga Silly, ridiculous thing No hagas mojiganga y ven a comer.Don't act silly and come eat.
Pres pres Pride Anda con su pres pres por todo el barrio.He walks around the whole neighborhood full of pride.

Don't mix these up

WordIn EcuadorElsewhere
Regalar"¿Me regala un pan?" means "can I have a bread roll?" You still pay, and Colombia says it the same way.In most places it means to give as a gift.
ConchaA shell, and ceviche de concha is a black clam ceviche that's common on the coast.In Argentina and Uruguay it's a vulgar word for female genitals.
PicoPico y placa is the rush-hour driving ban. Pico also means a peak or a beak.In Chile it's a vulgar word for penis.
AplastarseTo plop down in a seat. "Aplástate aquí."In most places aplastar means to squash or crush.
BravoEstar bravo means to be angry. "Mi mamá está brava."In many places bravo means brave or fierce.
GringoAny foreigner, often said with no malice. You'll hear it about yourself.In Mexico it means someone from the US, and it can sound rude.
CogerTo take a bus, a taxi or a thing. Totally clean.In Mexico and Argentina it's a crude word for sex.
GuaguaA baby or small child.In Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands it's a bus.
Ya mismoSoon, maybe in an hour.In Spain it means right now.
ChochoA lupin bean, sold as a street snack.In Spain it's a vulgar word.
ParoA strike or a road blockade. "Hay paro" can stop your bus.In Spain it means unemployment.
BombaPegarse una bomba means to get drunk. La bomba is also the gas station, as in Colombia.In Spain it's a bomb or a pump.
GuachoAn orphan, or someone left all alone.In Argentina and Chile it's an insult.
PendejoA fool. Rude, but common between friends.In Mexico it's much ruder.
ArrechoBold or fearless. It can also mean horny.In Colombia, Peru and Venezuela it means horny or angry.
PeladoA boyfriend or a young person.In Mexico it's a rude guy. In Spain it means bald or broke.
ChapaA cop.In most countries it's a lock or a metal plate.
CacharTo understand.In Peru it's a crude word for sex.
MonoA person from the coast. It can be a slur.In Spain it means cute. Elsewhere it's just a monkey.
PlátanoPlantain, the cooking kind. Ask for a guineo if you want a banana.In Spain and Mexico it's a banana.
FundaA plastic bag.In Spain it's a phone case or a pillowcase.
VacilarTo flirt, make out or have fun.In Spain it means to tease or to hesitate.
CholoTacky, and a slur for mixed-race people.In Mexico and the US it can mean a gang member.
AhoritaRight now, or in a moment. Ask ¿ahorita mismo? if it's urgent.In Mexico it often means later, maybe much later.
Pena"Qué pena" means sorry or how embarrassing.In Spain pena means pity or sorrow, so "qué pena" means what a shame.

Questions people ask

What are common Ecuadorian phrases?

You'll hear "de una" for yes, "no sea malito" for please and "ya mismo" for soon. "¡Chulla vida!" is Ecuador's way to say you only live once.

What does ya mismo mean?

Ya mismo means soon, but it can mean 10 minutes or an hour. In Spain it means right now, so don't expect a fast arrival in Ecuador.

What does achachay mean?

¡Achachay! means brr, it's cold. The word comes from Kichwa, and you'll say it every night in Quito.

What does ñaño mean?

Ñaño means brother and ñaña means sister. The word comes from Kichwa, and friends use it for each other too.

What does chulla vida mean?

¡Chulla vida! means you only live once. Chulla is a single thing without its pair, so the saying means you get just 1 life.

Is gringo offensive in Ecuador?

Usually not. Gringo means any foreigner, and most people say it with no malice, but "precio de gringo" warns you about inflated tourist prices.

What does chuchaqui mean?

Chuchaqui means a hangover. You say "tengo chuchaqui" or "estoy chuchaqui" the morning after a farra.

What does mande mean in Ecuador?

¿Mande? is a polite "pardon?" or "yes?". You say it when someone calls you or when you miss what they said.

Do Ecuadorians use vos or usted?

Usted is the safe choice with anyone you don't know, and many people in the Sierra use it even with family. Young people in Quito and on the coast use tú with friends, and you'll hear vos in Cuenca, Loja and the countryside.

Is Ecuadorian Spanish easy to understand?

Quito Spanish is slow and clear, so many learners find it easy. Guayaquil and the coast talk fast and drop their s sounds, so give your ears a few days.

What does chucha mean in Ecuador?

Chucha is a common curse, like "damn" or "shoot", that people shout when something goes wrong. It also names female genitals, so keep it for friends and never say it to elders.

What is chuta in Ecuador?

Chuta is the clean version of chucha. You can say "¡chuta!" in front of anyone when you drop your phone or miss the bus.

How do you say "hi" in Ecuador?

Say "¿qué fue?" or "¿qué más?" with friends, and "buenas" in a shop. People in Quito call shopkeepers "veci", and in Guayaquil friends say "¿qué fue, mi llave?".

What is Ecuadorian slang for "cool"?

Bacán is the top word, and chévere is a little softer. "Del carajo" goes even higher, but it's crude, so keep it for friends.

What is Ecuadorian slang for friend?

Pana is the word you'll hear most. Ñaño means brother but works for any close friend, and you'll also hear broder, veci in Quito and mi llave in Guayaquil.

What is Ecuadorian slang for girl?

La man means any girl or woman, and guambra is a kid of either sex. Pelada is a girlfriend, and young women call their friends amiguis.

What are Ecuadorian terms of endearment?

Mijo and mija are everywhere, even from strangers. Gordo, gorda, ñañito and veci all sound warm and friendly.

What are some Ecuadorian bad words?

The big ones are chucha, verga, carajo, cojudo and huevón. Longo and cholo are slurs, so learn them but don't use them.

What is Ecuadorian slang for beer?

Biela is the word everyone uses. A jaba is a crate of 12, and a chancleta de bielas is a case.

Slang in other countries

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Sources

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