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¡Hola -!
This week, we're setting off to explore the unique aspects of the language in Mexico. Fasten your seatbelts, amigos!
As you probably now by now, while all Spanish speakers can understand each other, each country has its unique charm when it comes to the language.
Mexican Spanish, like the country itself, is rich and diverse, with an array of local slang and characteristics that set it apart from other Spanish-speaking countries. Let's explore a few:
Slang words
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Chamba: This means 'work' or 'job.' For example, "Necesito encontrar una chamba." (I need to find a job.)
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Chido: It translates to 'cool' or 'awesome.' You can use it as: "¡Esa película está muy chida!" (That movie is really cool!)
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Guero/a: It means 'blond,' but it's often used to refer to any light-skinned person. For example, "Este guero es de Alemania." (This guy is from Germany.)
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Cuate: This is a term used for 'friend.' You could say, "Voy a salir con mis cuates." (I'm going out with my friends.)
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Lana: It's the slang word for 'money.' For instance, "Necesito más lana para comprar un carro." (I need more money to buy a car.)
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Padre: It literally means 'father,' but in slang, it's another way to say something is cool or awesome. "¡Esa fiesta estuvo muy padre!" (That party was really cool!)
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Güey: This term is the equivalent of 'dude' or 'mate'. So this is a very Mexican phrase you will hear often: "¡No mames güey, que chido!" (No way dude, that's so cool!)
Vocabulary differences:
Mexican Spanish can sometimes feel like a different language altogether, thanks to its unique vocabulary that might not be understood elsewhere. Let's look at some examples:
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Camión: In most Spanish-speaking countries, 'camión' means 'truck.' But in Mexico, it also means 'bus.' So if someone says, "Voy a tomar el camión," they mean, "I'm going to take the bus."
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Refresco: This is the term Mexicans use for 'soda,' whereas in other countries, you'll often hear 'gaseosa.'
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Plática: It means 'chat' in Mexican Spanish, as in "Vamos a tener una plática." (We're going to have a chat.) In Spain, the word 'charla' is more common.
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Tianguis: This is a word you'll hear only in Mexico, and it refers to a 'street market.' So, "Voy al tianguis a comprar frutas." means "I'm going to the street market to buy fruits."
And there you have it! We hope this guide has given you a little taste of Mexican Spanish. Feel free to explore and experiment with these new words with your Mexican friends to add a bit of sprinkle your conversations, and if you'd like to expand on this topic, be sure to read our blog post: Mexican Slang: 38 Words To Make You Sound Like A Local
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