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Bolivia has one of the most underrated varieties of Spanish in Latin America.

Depending on the region, you’ll hear influences from:

Here’s some Bolivian slang and everyday expressions I’ve heard 👇

[CHEH 🗣️]

A casual filler word used to get someone’s attention.

You’ll also hear this in Argentina.

e.j Che, ¿cómo estás?
Hey, how are you?

[HA-YA-YA 🗣️]

A word with indigenous Aymara roots used to express:

e.j ¡Jallalla Bolivia!
Long live Bolivia!

[POOH-CHAH 🗣️]

A mild expression of frustration or disappointment.

e.j ¡Pucha, se me olvidó!
Damn, I forgot!

[CHEH-BEH-REH 🗣️]

Very common across parts of Latin America, especially:

e.j Está chévere tu ropa
Your outfit is cool

[KEH MAH-KAH-NAH 🗣️]

Used when something unfortunate happens.

e.j ¡Qué macana, se canceló el partido!
What a shame the match got cancelled!

[YAH-PAH 🗣️]

A very common concept in Andean countries.

It refers to:

You’ll often hear this in markets.

e.j ¿Me das mi yapa?
Can you give me a little extra?

[WAH-WAH 🗣️]

Comes from indigenous languages like Quechua.

Used affectionately for babies and children.

e.j Tu wawa es muy linda
Your baby is so cute

[CHOH-CAH 🗣️]

Casual way to refer to a friend.

e.j ¿Qué tal, choca?
What’s up friend?

[CH’-AH-LAH 🗣️]

Used for festive gatherings and celebrations.

e.j Vamos a la ch’ala
Let’s go to the party

[PEH-LAH-DO / PEH-LAH-DAH 🗣️]

Informal slang used to refer to someone casually.

e.j Ese pelado baila bien
That guy dances well

[NYAH-TOH / NYAH-TAH 🗣️]

Usually used affectionately as a nickname.

e.j El ñato Miguel
Flat-nosed Miguel

[T’-EEN-KEE 🗣️]

A small symbolic gift or gesture of appreciation.

e.j Le di un t’inki de agradecimiento
I gave him a small thank-you gift

[YAH-PWEHS 🗣️]

Very common conversational phrase.

e.j ¡Ya pues, vamos!
Come on, let’s go!

[NO-VEH 🗣️]

Shortened version of:

Used as a conversational tag.

e.j Está lloviendo, no ve’
It’s raining, you know

[BYEHN NOH-MAHS 🗣️]

A relaxed, understated response.

e.j ¿Cómo estás? — Bien nomás
How are you? — All good

[DEH-LEY 🗣️]

Very common expression of agreement.

e.j ¿Vas a venir mañana? — De ley
You coming tomorrow? — For sure

Bolivian accents and slang vary a lot depending on:

But sprinkling in a few of these expressions is a great way to connect more naturally with locals.

Let me know how you get on.

For free Spanish grammar videos click here.

Un abrazo,
Harrison

Language for living, not just learning.