Colombian Spanish Phrases & Slang

What's up / How are you

¿Qué más? is the most Colombian way to greet someone. While it literally translates to "what else?", Colombians use it exactly like "what's up?" or "how are you?". You'll hear it dozens of times a day in Colombia.

What's happening / What's up

¿Qué hubo? (often shortened to ¿Quiubo? or ¿Quiubas?) is another very Colombian greeting. It's slightly more informal than ¿Qué más? and carries a warm, friendly tone.

Hi / Hey (quick greeting)

"Buenas" is the ultra-casual shortening of buenos días/tardes/noches. Colombians use it at any time of day as a quick, friendly hello. It's one of the most distinctly Colombian greetings.

Bye / Goodbye

Colombians say "chao" (borrowed from Italian "ciao") instead of "adiós". It's by far the most common way to say goodbye in Colombia at all levels of formality.

Cool / Awesome / Great

"Bacano" is one of the most distinctly Colombian words for "cool" or "awesome". It can describe a person, situation, thing, or experience. It's warm, positive, and very Colombian.

Cool / Nice / Great

"Chévere" is used across many Latin American countries but is especially beloved in Colombia. It means cool, nice, or great and can describe people, things, or situations.

Friend / Buddy / Bro

"Parcero" (shortened to "parce") is the quintessential Colombian word for a close friend. It's warm, affectionate, and used between people who are genuinely close. Not just an acquaintance — a real friend.

Badass / Impressive / Tough

"Berraco" is a uniquely Colombian expression of admiration. It means someone is tough, impressive, hard-working, or skilled. It's a compliment — calling someone berraco means they're exceptional.

Hangover

In Colombia, a hangover is called a "guayabo". The word literally means guava tree, but Colombians use it exclusively to mean the morning-after feeling after drinking. "Estoy con guayabo" = "I'm hungover".

Party / Going out

"Rumba" in Colombia means a party or a night out. "Ir de rumba" means to go partying. The verb form "rumbear" means to party or go out dancing. Colombia is known for its vibrant rumba culture.

Beer

"Pola" is the Colombian slang word for beer. It comes from "Póker" and "Club Colombia" — two famous Colombian beer brands. Asking for "una pola" is the most natural way to order a beer in Colombia.

Thing / Stuff / Situation

"Vaina" is perhaps the most versatile word in Colombian Spanish. It can mean "thing", "stuff", "situation", "problem", or just about anything. Colombians use it constantly as a filler word.