If you are learning Spanish or want to, One of the reasons that motivate you to study the language is Being able to speak with natives in a natural and spontaneous way. However, if you want to speak like a native —in addition to learning the different grammatical tenses, knowing vocabularies of many types, practicing writing and pronunciation— you need to learn the colloquialisms and typical expressions del place you will travel. 

Do you know what they are? colloquialisms? 

Colloquialisms are words or phrases used in a geographically limited cultural setting. In Colombia, the use of these is very common regardless of the region where the speakers live. Therefore, it is important to learn them in order to communicate closely and assertively with local people.  

Next, we explain the meaning of 8 of the colloquialisms most used by Colombians —also called Colombianisms— 

• boar: hard-working, courageous and practical person. We use it to describe someone who moves forward and always perseveres until they reach their goals, despite the problems. 

“Did you see that the cyclist Egan Bernal returned to compete after his accident? He is a boar!" 

• Tusa: intense sadness caused by a love disappointment.  

“Five years ago he broke up with his girlfriend and he still calls her crying. She has a tremendous tusa ” 

• mechato: candy, sweet or snack that is eaten between meals.  

"At school, the children brought mecato to eat during their break" 

• Park: used to jokingly refer to a friend or partner. 

“Thank you very much for your help with the Spanish homework, parce” 

• Napa: gift or extra portion that Colombian sellers usually give their customers as a thank you for their purchase.  

"In Don José's store, if you buy 3 oranges, they give you another one of ñapa" 

• Chinos: traditional way of referring to a child or young person. 

"The Chinese today are very good at technology" 

• Tied: we use it to describe a person who is very stingy.  

“He did not go to the party to avoid paying for the drinks. It's just that he's tied up!" 

• partying: verb derived from noun rumba, which refers to the act of partying.  

“This Saturday I am going to party in Medellín with my schoolmates” 

If you want to learn to use more colloquialisms and expressions typical of this beautiful country, have a cultural immersion experience while learning Spanish at school. Nueva Lengua.  

Check the plans what we have for you, or write to info@nuevalengua.com for more information about our Spanish courses and cultural immersion In colombia.