casual📍 Caribbean Coast

Cógela suave

Take it easy / Chill out / Relax
KOH-heh-lah SWAH-veh

What does it mean?

"Cógela suave" is one of the most iconic expressions from Colombia's Caribbean coast. It literally means "take it soft/easy" and is used to tell someone to relax, slow down, or not stress. It perfectly captures the warm, laid-back spirit of costeño culture. You'll hear it constantly in Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.

How to use it

Classic costeño expression. Use when someone is stressed, rushing, or overreacting. It's both advice and a cultural philosophy.

Example sentences

Take it easy, don't stress.

Cógela suave, no te estreses.

Relax bro!

¡Cógela suave mi hermano!

Slow down, enjoy life.

Cógela suave, disfruta la vida.

Related phrases

More costeno phrases

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