The Most Common Words and
Phrases
This is a list of some
of the most common words and phrases you will hear when speaking to an
Argentine. Not all are specific to Argentina, but it is important to
know and understand them, because you will be hearing them A LOT! This
will help you understand Argentine Spanish and will also help you to
sound Argentine. Keep in mind these are the common colloquial terms
that are used, but are not slang.
Bueno
1. this is one of the first words you will learn in Spanish, but in
Argentina, they use it more than anywhere else. Although this meaning
exists in Spanish from all countries, it is used much more often in
Argentina, in pretty much every sentence. It is used to mean ‘well’ or
‘alright.’ Bueno, no sé. Well, I don´t know. Bueno, hablamos más tarde?
Alright, let´s talk later? Vamos al cine? Bueno. Let´s go to a movie?
Alright.
2. used to say something is good. Again, this is used in all Spanish
speaking countries. However, in other countries, they may use other
descriptive words to say something is good, whereas Argentines use
bueno/a to to label any thing as good, all the time. Que tal la carne?
Está buena! Conociste a Lucia? Si, está buena!! Did you meet Lucia? Ya,
she’s good (as in attractive). Que bueno!! That´s great/Awesome/Right
on!
Dale
1. Similar to the “vale”used in Spain, dale is one of the ways
Argentines agree to something (like saying ok. Juan: Vamos al cine?
Luisa: Dale. Juan: Let’s go to the movies? Luisa: Ok.
Mira Vos
1. The Argentines say this ALL the time. It is said after someone has
told you something, and you want to say either “wow, look at you”
meaning “what you´re doing is great!” It can also be translated as “is
that right?” or “really?” or “wow.” You say it after someone says
something that you think is good or that surprises you. Juan: Ayer, fui
al banco, despúes estudié por 5 horas, y desúes jugué dos partidos de
futbol. Kara: Mira vos! Juan: Yesterday I went to the bank, studied for
5 hours, then played two football games. Kara: Wow, right on. Juan: No
tengo plata, porque viajo 5 veces por año. Kara: Mira Juan: I don´t have
any Money, because I travel 5 times a year. Kara: Wow, is that right?
Pasa que
1. used to say “the thing is” when describing or explaining something.
Pasa que no tengo plata para ir, así que… The thing is, I don´t have any
money to go, so…
Tal cual
Used to answer someone and say “yes, exactly,” or “I agree.” Tal cual
can be used in many ways, but this particular use is very common in
every day speech. Prefiero vivir en el campo porque la gente de los
pueblos es mucho más alegre y amable. Sí, tal cual. I prefer living in
the country because the people are much more lively and kind. Yes,
exactly, I totally agree.
Tipo
1. can be used as a noun (m), meaning “guy.” Ayer hablé con un tipo…
Yesterday, I spoke with some guy…. However, in Argentina, this is not as
common as they often use other words.
2. In Argentine, it is very common to use it to describe a
not-so-specific-time. La fiesta empieza tipo 9. The party starts around
9.
3. It is also used to describe the type or style of something. El
restaurant es tipo parilla, pero más elegante. The restaurant is similar
to (like) a BBQ restaurant, but more elegant.
Todo bien
1. This the most common way of asking someone how they´re doing in
Argentina. Todo bien che? Si, todo bien. How´s it going man? It´s all
good, thanks/I´m fine thanks. Te molesta? No, está todo bien! Am I
bothering you? No, it’s all good!
Ya fue
1. you say it when something is over, or has finished, and it´s time to
forget about it. Juan: Estoy muy triste, porque me olvidé mi cámara.
Simon: Bueno, ya fue. It´s like saying, forget about it, there´s nothing
else you can do. The Argentines love to say it.
Viste
1. This is probably the most common, and very Argentine. It is not
really used in other Spanish speaking countries. It is nearly an exact
translation of “you know” in English. No me gusta ir a la playa, viste,
siempre hay mucha gente. I don’t like going to the beach, you know,
there’s always a lot of people. Siempre hay mucha basura en la calle
viste. There’s always a lot of garbage in the streets, you know? Sí,
pero son locas viste? Ya, but they’re crazy, you know?
O sea
Almost identical to “I mean” in English. This is used throughout Latin
America. Some people use it in nearly every sentence. Bueno, no sé, o
sea, que más puedo hacer? Well, I don´t know, I mean, what else can I
do?
Que sé yo
Pretty much identical to “I don´t know” which is it´s literal meaning.
Argentines use it all the time as a filler, similar to how we do in
English. Es un helado, que sé yo, cremoso y dulce. It´s a type of ice
cream that´s, I don´t know, creamy and sweet. Salís esta noche? No,
quiero quedarme en casa para, que sé yo, limpiar, ver tele.
Common Expressions
Saying “Hello”
– Hola
Introducing yourself
– Soy Anne. Mucho gusto.
Saying that you do not speak Spanish
– Perdón, yo no hablo
español
Saying that you don’t understand
– Perdón, pero no
entiendo
Asking if the other person speaks English:
– ¿Habla inglés?
Saying “yes”
– Sí
Saying “no”
– No
At a bar, asking for a coffee
– ¡Mozo! Un café, por
favor.
Asking for the bill
– La cuenta, por favor.
(in a restaurant)
– ¡Cuánto es? (in a
shop)
Asking for the price
– ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Asking if they accept dollars
– ¿Aceptan dólares?
Asking for a place or a service
– Disculpe, ¿la plaza
de Mayo? / Disculpe, ¿un cajero automático?
Excusing yourself and answering
– ¡Perdón!
– No es nada.
Thanking and answering
– Gracias.
– De nada.
In a taxi, giving an address
– Hasta Santa Fe y
Callao, por favor. / Hasta Av. De Mayo 1400, por favor.
Saying “good bye”
– Chau.
Expressing that you are not feeling well
– No me siento bien.
The
neighborhood
