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Want to practice learning the words?
You can learn this list of Guatemalan Slang Here.


Guatemala is home to more than:

Which is why it’s often called:

(The heart of the Mayan world)

Because of this, Guatemalan Spanish is heavily influenced by indigenous languages like:

The Spanish itself is generally:

Although, like much of Central America, people often soften or drop the final:

sound in casual speech.

For example:

Similar to Costa Rican Slang 🇨🇷, Guatemalans often use:

even with:

as a sign of respect.

They also commonly use:

instead of:

Guatemalan slang is often referred to as:

And the slang expressions themselves are called:

Interestingly:

Let’s take a look at some common chapinismos 👇

One of the most common Guatemalan expressions.

e.j ¡Qué chilero tu carro!
Your car is awesome!

Also used in:

e.j No tengo pisto
I don’t have money

Very useful word 😂

e.j ¡Qué clavo!
What a pain!

A strong expression of surprise.

You’ll also hear:

for extra emphasis 😅

e.j ¡Ala gran! ¡Qué caro está eso!
Wow! That’s expensive!

Usually playful rather than aggressive.

e.j ¡Sho, vos!
Shhh, you!

Can be:

depending on context and tone.

e.j ¡Qué onda, cerote!
What’s up, dude!

In Guatemala:

But it can also mean:

e.j Mi chucho se escapó
My dog ran away

e.j Vamos a chivar esta noche
Let’s go party tonight

Very common across Central America.

e.j Esa camisa es chafa
That shirt is fake / cheap

Another useful everyday word.

e.j Hay un tranque terrible
There’s a terrible traffic jam

Can refer to:

e.j Dejá de dar casaca
Stop talking nonsense / Stop flirting

Very common phrase.

e.j Tengo clavo con la compu
I’ve got a problem with my computer

Used a lot across Central America.

e.j Ella está pilas con el trabajo
She’s on top of her work

Very enthusiastic agreement 😂

e.j ¿Vas al partido? — ¡A huevos!
You going to the game? — Of course!

You’ll hear this in:

e.j ¡Órale, pues!
Alright then!

Classic Central American greeting.

e.j ¡Qué onda, vos!
What’s up, man!

One of the most iconic Guatemalan adjectives.

e.j Esa canción está chilera
That song’s awesome

Common descriptive nickname.

e.j Esa canche es mi amiga
That blond girl is my friend

Learn even a few

helps you instantly connect more naturally with Guatemalans.

So remember:

Message me if I can support you on your Spanish journey in any way.

Check out free Grammar Videos Here.

Un abrazo,
Harrison


Language for living, not just learning.