Cool / awesome
Chido
Say it: CHEE-doh
Local tip: Very common. Say it and you sound local.
Cancun & Mexican Slang in Spanish
The chido, guey, ahorita words locals actually use.
Buddy / dude
Guey
Say it: way
Local tip: Between friends. Sometimes spelled wey.
What is up?
Que onda?
Say it: kay OHN-dah
Local tip: Casual greeting.
Right on
Sale
Say it: SAH-lay
Local tip: Also means "OK, done deal".
No way!
No manches!
Say it: noh MAHN-chess
Local tip: Softer than the alternative. Family friendly.
A little bit
Un poquito
Say it: oon poh-KEE-toh
Local tip: More common than un poco.
Right now
Ahorita
Say it: ah-oh-REE-tah
Local tip: In Mexico this can mean anywhere from 5 minutes to never.
Please stop
Ya
Say it: yah
Local tip: Multi-use word. Means "enough" or "already".
Really?
En serio?
Say it: en SAIR-ee-oh
Local tip: Standard expression of surprise.
Delicious
Que rico
Say it: kay REE-koh
Local tip: About food. Locals say this constantly.
A mess / chaos
Un desmadre
Say it: oon des-MAH-dray
Local tip: Casual, safe with locals your age.
How pretty
Que padre
Say it: kay PAH-dray
Local tip: Also means cool. Padre literally means father.
Traffic jam
Trafico
Say it: TRAH-fee-koh
Local tip: Or say esta pesado (its heavy).
My friend (male / female)
Compa / comadre
Say it: KOHM-pah / koh-MAH-dray
Local tip: Warm, familiar.
No worries
No hay bronca
Say it: noh eye BRONG-kah
Local tip: Reply to sorry or thanks.
What a shame
Que pena
Say it: kay PAY-nah
Local tip: Empathy phrase.
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