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You can learn the list of Cuban Slang here


Cuban Spanish is pretty damn rhythmic.

Fast.
Musical.
Energetic.

It shares similarities with:

but still sounds very distinctive.

When I first met my Cuban friend Manuel 🇨🇺, I found him surprisingly difficult to understand.

The way Cubans speak feels very internal.

The:

Sounds like:

often soften or disappear completely.

For example:

Cubans also often turn the:

at the end of syllables.

So:

becomes:

Cuban Spanish almost flows like salsa music 💃

The rhythm rises and falls quickly, making it hard to follow if you’re not used to it.

The slang and personality of Cuban Spanish is often referred to as:

Let’s take a look at some of the most common Cuban slang words.

Gracias a Manuel 🇨🇺 for teaching me these 👇

One of the most iconic Cuban greetings.

e.j ¿Qué bolá contigo?
How’s it going with you?

Very common friendly slang.

e.j Oye, asere, ven acá
Hey dude, come here

e.j Ese asere es mi hermano
That guy’s my brother

Also common in:

e.j La fiesta estuvo chévere
The party was great

Very versatile conversational word.

e.j Dale, nos vemos mañana
Alright, see you tomorrow

Cuban equivalent of:

Usually refers to foreigners, especially Americans.

e.j Ese tipo es un yuma
That guy’s a foreigner

Used constantly in Cuban conversation.

e.j Oye, ¿tú vienes o no?
Hey, are you coming or not?

Shortened form of:

Shortened form of:

Classic Caribbean Spanish contraction.

e.j No pasa na’
It’s all good

e.j Pa’ la playa
To the beach

Casual way to refer to someone.

e.j Ese tipo baila bien
That guy dances well

Common slang for cash.

e.j No tengo ni un fula
I don’t have a dollar

Can mean:

depending on context.

e.j Esa es mi jeva
That’s my girlfriend

In Cuba:

(Whereas in Chile it means baby 😂)

e.j Vamos en guagua
Let’s go by bus

Cuban alternative to:

e.j Tengo hambre, voy a jamar
I’m hungry, I’m going to eat

Used when something is:

e.j ¡Esto está en candela!
This is wild!

Very expressive Cuban adjective.

e.j ¡Esa comida está bárbara!
That food’s incredible!

e.j No me eches chucho
Don’t tease me

Cuban slang for:

e.j Estoy pinchando en un restaurante
I’m working in a restaurant

Very Cuban expression 😂

e.j ¡Qué volá con ese tipo!
What’s up with that guy!

Used when something is:

e.j ¡La música está dura!
The music’s awesome!

Cuban Spanish can feel difficult at first but it becomes one of the most expressive and vibrant forms of Spanish to listen to.

And learning a few of these expressions instantly helps you connect more naturally with Cubans.

Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to help you on your Spanish Journey.

Check out free grammar videos here.

Un abrazo,

Harrison

Language for living, not just learning.