50 Most Common Colombian Phrases to Survive Any Conversation

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia or simply want to improve your Spanish with a local touch, learning common Colombian phrases is essential. Colombian Spanish has a unique richness and diversity, with expressions that reflect the country’s vibrant culture. In this article, we present the 50 most common phrases in Colombia that will help you navigate any situation and better understand Colombians.

1. Greeting Like a Colombian

In Colombia, kindness and warmth are part of daily life. Greetings are fundamental to establishing a connection with others. Therefore, it’s important to master some of the most commonly used common Colombian phrases for greetings:

1. ¿Qué más? – This is one of the most common ways to ask “How are you?” in Colombia. It’s informal and widely used among friends.
2. ¿Todo bien? – Another way to greet, expecting a positive response.
3. ¡Buenas! – A short and friendly way to say “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening,” depending on the time of day.
4. ¿Cómo vamos? – A greeting that reflects closeness and familiarity, perfect for continuing a conversation.
5. ¿Qué hay de nuevo? – A common question to start a conversation.

Using these greetings at the beginning of a conversation will make Colombians welcome you with a smile and feel closer to you.

2. Everyday Expressions for Daily Interactions

Daily life in Colombia is full of phrases that reflect the relaxed and cheerful personality of Colombians. Understanding these expressions will allow you to better connect with locals and respond naturally in everyday situations. Here are some essential common Colombian phrases:

6. ¡Qué chévere! – This expression is used to say that something is cool or fantastic.
7. No dar papaya – A warning not to expose yourself to risky or vulnerable situations.
8. Estar embolatado – It means being very busy or having too much to do.
9. Sacar la piedra – A colloquial way of saying that something has really annoyed you.
10. ¡Pilas! – A term used to warn someone to pay attention or be careful. This expression is so versatile that it can be used in serious or informal situations.
11. ¡Qué vaina! – To express frustration or surprise.
12. Estar berraco – It can mean being angry or being very good at something.
13. Irse de rumba – A common expression for going out to party.
14. Estar amañado – Feeling comfortable or at ease in a place.
15. Hacer una vaca – Collecting money among several people for a common goal, such as buying something to share.

These expressions are not only useful, but they will also allow you to immerse yourself in Colombian culture and understand the nuances of informal conversations.

3. Phrases for Navigating the City

When exploring Colombia, knowing how to ask for directions or inquire about transportation is crucial. The following common Colombian phrases will be highly beneficial in these scenarios:

16. ¿Cómo llego a…? – Perfect for asking directions to any place.
17. Voy para el norte/sur/oriente/occidente. – Useful when taking a taxi or asking for directions.
18. ¿Cuánto cuesta la carrera? – This phrase is essential for asking the fare of a taxi.
19. Siga derecho y después a la izquierda. – A common instruction you’ll hear when asking for directions.
20. ¿Dónde queda la parada del bus? – A useful question to find the bus stop.
21. ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Increasingly common, but in rural areas, it might be useful to ask to avoid surprises.
22. ¿Hay mucho trancón? – Trancón is the Colombian word for traffic, so this question is to know if there are traffic jams.
23. ¿A qué hora pasa el próximo bus? – To know the time of the next bus.
24. Voy para el centro. – To indicate that you are heading to the city center.
25. ¿Dónde queda la estación de TransMilenio? – TransMilenio is the mass transit system in Bogotá, and this phrase is essential if you’re moving around the capital.

Do you want to learn more Colombian phrases while improving your Spanish?

4. Interacting During Meals

Food plays a central role in Colombian culture, and meal times are key moments for socialization. Learning the common Colombian phrases related to food will allow you to enjoy these experiences more fully:

26. ¿Qué hay de almuerzo? – A basic question to know what’s being offered at a restaurant or at home.
27. ¡Qué rico! – An enthusiastic expression used to say that something is delicious.
28. ¡Otra ronda, por favor! – Perfect for ordering more food or drinks in a group.
29. Estoy lleno(a), gracias. – Useful when you can’t eat any more but are offered another portion.
30. ¿Me puede traer la cuenta? – Essential for asking for the bill in any restaurant.
31. Sin ají, por favor. – Useful if you prefer to avoid spicy food, something not very common in Colombian cuisine but offered as an option.
32. ¿Tienen menú vegetariano? – To ask if there are vegetarian options.
33. ¿Qué me recomienda? – To ask for menu recommendations.
34. Un tinto, por favor. – To order a black coffee, which is called “tinto” in Colombia.
35. Vamos a tomar algo. – An invitation to go out for a drink, which could be coffee, beer, or any other beverage.

Understanding and using these phrases will make you feel more integrated during meals and allow you to share special moments with the locals.

5. Socializing and Making Friends

A fundamental part of Colombian culture is the ease with which friendships are formed. Here are some of the common Colombian phrases that will help you start and maintain conversations with new people:

36. ¿Vas a rumbear esta noche? – An invitation to go out partying, something very common in Colombian cities.
37. Nos vemos luego. – Ideal for saying goodbye informally.
38. ¡Pilas! – An expression that means “Be careful!” or “Pay attention!”.
39. ¡De una! – An enthusiastic way of saying “Sure!” or “Let’s do it!”.
40. ¿Vamos a tomar algo? – An informal invitation that can lead you to learn more about the nightlife and social life of Colombians.
41. ¡Hágale! – A typical expression to encourage someone to do something, similar to “Go ahead!” or “Do it!”.
42. ¿Cómo te ha ido? – A question to find out how someone has been.
43. ¡Qué nota! – An expression to say that something is really good.
44. Estar parchado – To be relaxed in a place, usually with friends.
45. Ser un bacán – Being a very good or friendly person, someone who cares about others.
46. Nos pegamos una rodadita. – Going for a drive or a ride, usually in a car.
47. ¡Qué rumbón! – To describe an excellent party.
48. Vamos a charlar. – To invite someone to chat, ideal for spending time in good company.
49. ¿Qué cuentas? – A question to start a conversation and find out someone’s news.
50. Nos pillamos más tarde. – A casual way to say goodbye, similar to “See you later.”

With these phrases, you will not only improve your communication skills, but you will also open the door to new friendships and memorable experiences in Colombia.

Mastering these common Colombian phrases is a key step to fully enjoying your experience in Colombia. It will not only allow you to communicate effectively, but it will also help you understand and participate in the country’s rich culture. Furthermore, learning these phrases can significantly enhance your interactions with locals, making your time in Colombia more enjoyable and meaningful.

If you want to delve deeper into Colombian Spanish and continue learning in a fun and accessible context, we recommend the book Short Stories in Colombian Spanish, where you can immerse yourself in stories that capture the essence of Colombian Spanish and practice in an entertaining way.

Do you want to learn more Colombian phrases while improving your Spanish?