---
title: Speak Spanish slang like a native
description: Discover 20 essential Spanish slang words and phrases to enhance your Spanish skills. Sound like a local and connect authentically with native speakers!
image: https://blog.soyguiri.com/hubfs/2-Nov-27-2024-06-07-05-3525-PM.jpg
---

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# Speak Spanish slang like a native

[Andrea Rey](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/andrea-rey)  January 28 2025

If you're learning Spanish , understanding **Spanish slang** is key to sounding natural and connecting with native speakers 😜. **Spanish slang words** add flavour to your conversations and provide insight into the culture. In this guide, we'll share **20 essential Spanish slang terms**, examples, and tips to help you use them like a pro. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Spain 🌍 or chatting 📲 with Spanish-speaking friends, these words will boost ⬆️ your confidence and make you feel like a true local 😎.

![spanish slang](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-Nov-27-2024-06-07-35-3985-PM.jpg?width=900&height=470&name=1-Nov-27-2024-06-07-35-3985-PM.jpg)

## Why is Spanish slang important?

Slang reflects the personality and culture of a language 👅. In Spain, slang is everywhere, whether you're hanging out with friends 😁, shopping 👜, or watching TV 📺. Mastering **Spanish slang** will:

\- 🗣️ Make your conversations more authentic.

\- 🙌 Help you connect deeply with native speakers.

\- 😎 Impress locals with your natural sounding Spanish!

## 20 Spanish slang terms you need to know

### 1. **Vale 👍**

**Meaning:*Okay* or *fine*.**

**Usage:** Shows agreement or acknowledgment.

**Example:** *¿Vienes a cenar esta noche? Vale* 👍*.* *(Are you coming for dinner tonight? Okay.)*

👂Vale

0:03

### 2. Guay 👌

**Meaning:** *Cool, awesome*.

**Usage:** Compliment something or someone positively.

**Example:** *Este restaurante es muy guay* 👌*.* *(This restaurant is really cool.)*

👂 Guay

0:03

### 3. **Tío/Tía 😎**

**Meaning:** *Dude, buddy* or *girl*.

**Usage:** Casual term for friends.

**Example:** *Tío, ¿qué pasa?* 🤷‍♂️ *(Dude, what's up?)*

👂Tío

0:01

### 4. **Molar 🆒**

**Meaning:** It's cool.

**Usage:** Expresses enjoyment or approval.

**Example:** *Tu chaqueta mola* 🤩 *mucho.* *(Your jacket is super cool.)*

👂 Molar

0:02

### 5. **¡Hostia! 😱**

**Meaning:** Wow, damn.

**Usage:** Exclamation of surprise or frustration.

**Example:** *¡Hostia, olvidé mi cartera!* 🤦‍♀️ *(Damn, I forgot my wallet!)*

👂Hostia

0:02

### 6. **Currar 💼**

**Meaning:** To work.

**Usage:** Casual way to talk about jobs.

**Example:** *Tengo que currar*  **💼** *este fin de semana.(I have to work this weekend.)*

👂Currar

0:03

### **7. Chaval/Chavala 👦**

**Meaning:** *Kid, young boy* or *girl*.

**Usage:** Refers to someone young.

**Example:** *Ese chaval juega muy bien al fútbol* **⚽***.* *(That kid plays football really well.)*

👂Chaval

0:03

### 8. **Flipar 😳 🤩**

**Meaning:** To freak out or be amazed.

**Usage:** Describes shock or awe.

**Example:** *Vas a flipar cuando veas esta película. (You're going to freak out when you see this movie.)*

👂Flipar

0:03

### 9. **Pasta 🤑**

**Meaning:** Money.

**Usage:** Casual term for cash.

**Example:** *Necesito más pasta 💸 para el viaje.* *(I need more money for the trip.)*

👂Pasta

0:03

### 10. **Enrollarse 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨**

**Meaning:** To hook up or chat endlessly.

**Usage:** Romantic or conversational context.

**Example:** *Se enrollaron* **👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨** *en la fiesta.* *(They hooked up at the party.)*

👂 Enrollarse

0:02

### 11. Ser la leche **🔝**

**Meaning:** Amazing or fantastic.

**Usage:** Informal way to say something or someone is excellent.

**Example:** *El concierto fue la leche* **🔝***.* *(The concert was amazing.)*

👂 Ser la leche

0:02

### 12. **Chungo 😰**

**Meaning:** Dodgy or bad.

**Usage:** Refers to something negative or suspicious.

**Example:** *El barrio parece un poco chungo* 😰*.* *(The neighborhood seems a bit dodgy.)*

👂Chungo

0:02

### 13. **Movida 🙈**

**Meaning:** Drama or a situation.

**Usage:** Describes complications or drama.

**Example:** Hoy hemos tenido *una movida* 🙈 *en la oficina.* *(There was drama at the office today.)*

👂Movida

0:03

### 14. **Pegar un toque 📞**

**Meaning:** To give someone a call.

**Usage:** Suggests getting in touch.

**Example:** *Pégame un toque 📞 más tarde.* *(Give me a call later.)*

👂Pegar un toque

0:02

### 15. **Chorrada 😂**

**Meaning:** Silly thing or nonsense.

**Usage:** Describes trivial matters.

**Example:** *No digas chorradas* 🙊*.* *(Don't talk nonsense.)*

👂Chorradas

0:01

### 16. Puente 🏖️

**Meaning:** *Long weekend, bank holiday.*

**Usage:** Public holiday that joins the weekend.

**Example:** *¿Adónde te vas en el próximo puente ✈️?* *(Where are you going for the next long weekend?)*

👂Puente

0:02

### 17. **Guiri  👒**

**Meaning:** Foreigner.

**Usage:** Refers to tourists or non-Spaniards.

**Example:** *Ese guiri está perdido* 🗺️*.* *(That foreigner is lost.)*

👂Guiri

0:02

### 18. **Mono/Monísimo 😍**

**Meaning:** Cute or adorable.

**Usage:** Compliments people, pets or things.

**Example:** *Tu gato* 🐈 *es monísimo.* *(Your cat is adorable.)*

👂Monísimo

0:02

### 19. **Empollar 📚**

**Meaning:** To study, to cram.

**Usage:** Familiar contexts and friends.

**Example:** *Tengo examen* 📝 *el lunes, este finde me toca empollar* 🙆*.* *(I have an exam on Monday, so I have to cram this weekend.)* 

👂Empollar

0:04

### 20. **Patear 👣**

**Meaning:** To walk a lot.

**Usage:** Running errands or going sightseeing.

**Example:** *Fuimos a Roma y estuvimos todo el día pateando* 🚶 *el centro.* *(We went to Rome and spent the whole day wandering around the centre.)*

👂Patear

0:04

 

[![kit](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-182445752531.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJYR7wAjoZv0aZGsVX4rEQiUt0RQPfSSlTEhcmL8PPyC1Lz%2FTIhI336xwVsey%2BDR%2FNEnBClsVyDN7ArT38W1o5RQNuPYyw5Pam%2BI5uNf%2BCDLRc7svx7VdzB0ugZ302nJ9j5PQHzL%2FYPd8hx01JLh5pTw9tY2z6dgdY5RXBs1EKFIoWw7g7rjgPOAoxjBvvstxfVjkRkf3Avw9M8bydXKiVJeWG17cI%3D&webInteractiveContentId=182445752531&portalId=144185739)

### **Clarifying common questions about Spanish slang**

What Is the Spanish slang for "OK"?

The word ***vale*** 👍 is widely used as slang for 'OK' in Spain. It comes from the verb 'valer', which means 'cost' or 'worth'.  In Latin American Spanish speaking countries, 'está bien', 'dale' or 'ok' are more used. 

What does "¡hostia!" mean in Spanish slang?

**¡*Hostia*! 😱 expresses emotions like shock, frustration, or amazement—similar to 'wow' or 'damn'. In religious contexts, it is the 'host' or 'communion wafer'.** 

What does "molar" mean in Spanish slang?

***Molar*  😎** is a fun way to say something is cool or enjoyable. It is used as any other regular verb. 

What does "tío/tía" mean in Spanish slang?

***Tío* 👨** and ***tía*** **👩** are literally 'uncle' and 'auntie' but these words are also informal terms similar to 'dude' or 'mate'.

[![CTA - 750x390- Kit (1)](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/144185739/interactive-182445752517.png)](https://blog.soyguiri.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKufZzrYqXE28in1jItQA42lKPD8Fnisot7lhPRM2nsyQRlnMPV49aY5KFYAY7041oCIUKv3AsfSQ1lHyPK%2BoaGQch8BfumGdoFjBdLRCG65niPvzNAfG2%2BcKNTQrfcznBfv8ZEYbIJwoVD8JKWCRy6YKD%2BuldyVlzHue%2F8bkTIZfmEKBve2ibsX5TlhFWbHrqI2nl7IQVhEDU6iip8UEuYQJZVmII%3D&webInteractiveContentId=182445752517&portalId=144185739)

### Let's practice with them ✍️:

Ejercicio de Palabras Coloquiales

**Completa las siguientes conversaciones en español con las palabras coloquiales que has aprendido en este blog.**

Este finde hemos tenido  🏖️ y hemos ido a la playa 4 días.

Correct answer: puente

Esa peli me  🤩. ¡La he visto 3 veces!

Correct answer: flipa

Tengo que  📚 esta semana porque el examen es muy difícil.

Correct answer: empollar

Esa camisa es súper  🆒. Creo que me la voy a comprar igual.

Correct answer: guay

Ayer tuve un día muy  😰 en el trabajo, no paré ni un segundo.

Correct answer: chungo

Los  👒 siempre se pierden cuando visitan esta ciudad.

Correct answer: guiris

¿Te vienes a tomar algo? -  👍, dame cinco minutos y estoy lista.

Correct answer: Vale

No me  🫠 mucho esa serie, prefiero algo más interesante.

Correct answer: mola

Check Answers

Reset Exercise

Show Correct Answers

 

### Continue learning Spanish

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We hope that you liked this post 😁. Which Spanish slangs will you use the most?

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[Andrea Rey](https://blog.soyguiri.com/author/andrea-rey)

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