10+ Chilean Slang Expressions to Speak Like a Local

Regardless of what country you are planning to visit and what language is spoken there, knowing colloquial phrases that locals widely use is highly beneficial. This way, you will not only understand most people you're interacting with, but you'll also feel more confident during such conversations. Today, we're focusing on the unique and beautiful Chile language, with its exciting colloquial words and phrases. 

Must-Know Chilean Slang Terms

You know that feeling when you're learning a language and then meet your first native speaker and get completely stressed because they sound nothing like your textbooks? Don't worry; it's quite a common situation, especially when it comes to dialects. Chilean Spanish has plenty of unique slang words; we've provided some of the most common ones below.

• Atado – [aˈtaðo] – Problem/drama.

This word is your go-to for anything that feels like unnecessary drama, trouble, or a hassle. If something's too much to deal with, it's an atado!

No quiero ningún atao en la fiesta. (I don't want any drama at the party.)

• Bacán – [baˈkan] – Cool/awesome.

Used to hype up something totally rad, amazing, or impressive. 

¡Ese outfit está bacán! (That outfit is awesome!)

• La Raja – [la ˈra.xa] – Amazing/the best.

Although the word's literal translation might be confusing (verbatim, it means "the bum's crack"), you can trust us – it's definitely a compliment. 

Ese concierto estuvo la raja. (That concert was amazing.)

• Po – [po] – You know/Right?

A classic filler word; you can hear it just as often as you hear "eh" from Canadians. Chileans pop this at the end of sentences to emphasize or add a casual vibe.

Sí po, voy a ir contigo. (Yeah, I'm going with you, y'know?)

• Cachai – [kaˈtʃai] – Get it?/You know?

Think of this like a "Do you get it?" or "Do you understand?" It's what you say to make sure everyone's following along.

No me gusta ese lugar, cachai? (I don't like that place, you get it?)

• Huevón/Huevona – [weˈβon/weˈβona] – Dude/bro/idiot.

This Chile meaning slang is super versatile. Depending on tone, it can mean "dude" or "bro," but also "idiot". So yeah, be careful how you use it, and maybe save it for conversations with people you already know.

Oye huevón, ¿cómo estai? (Hey dude, how are you?)

• Pololo/polola – [poˈlo.lo / poˈlo.la] – Boyfriend/girlfriend.

Chilean language has its own word to describe a significant other, and it's not novio/a. It's pololo or polola – your one and only!

Mi pololo es muy simpático. (My boyfriend is really nice.)

• Fome – [ˈfo.me] – Boring/lame.

If something (or someone) is totally unfun, it's fome. This word captures anything that lacks good vibes.

Esa película es fome. (That movie is boring.)

• Yapa – [ˈʝa.pa] – Bonus/extra.

You can hear this one a lot when visiting Chilean markets. When you get a little extra something for free (and people who sell things there like to do that a lot), that's yapa. A sweet deal, right?

Me dieron una yapa en la feria. (They gave me a little extra at the market.)

• Carrete – [kaˈre.te] – Party.

The last expression on the list is the ultimate Chilean word for "party." If there's a carrete, you know it's going to be a good time.

Vamos al carrete el sábado. (Let's go to the party on Saturday.)

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Colloquial Language in Chile: Common Slang Phrases

In addition to widespread slang terms, you can often hear a ton of whole expressions on the streets of Chile. Here are some of our favorites.

• Pasarlo chancho – [paˈsaɾlo ˈtʃantʃo] – To have a great time (lit., to pass it like a pig).

Anoche la pasé chancho en la fiesta. (Last night I had a great time at the party.)

• Qué lata – [ke ˈla.ta] – What a bummer/How annoying/It sucks.

¡Qué lata que llueva hoy! (What a bummer that it's raining today!)

• Estar más tonto que una puerta – [esˈtaɾ mas ˈton.to ke ˈu.na ˈpweɾ.ta] – To be really dumb (lit., to be dumber than a door).

Ese huevón está más tonto que una puerta. (That guy is dumber than a door.)

• Estar pato – [esˈtaɾ ˈpa.to] – To be broke.

No puedo salir, estoy pato. (I can't go out; I'm broke.)

• Estar arriba de la pelota – [esˈtaɾ aˈri.βa ðe la peˈlo.ta] – To be drunk (lit., to get on top of the ball).

Después de tres copas, estaba arriba de la pelota. (After three drinks, he was drunk.)

• Mojar el potito – [moˈxaɾ el poˈti.to] – To make a bold move/statement (lit., to get your bottom wet).

Si quieres ganar, tienes que mojar el potito. (If you want to win, you have to take a bold step.)

• Dar jugo – [daɾ ˈxu.ɣo] – Talking nonsense.

Siempre da jugo cuando está cansado. (He always talks nonsense when he's tired.)

• Estar chato – [esˈtaɾ ˈtʃa.to] – To be bored.

Estoy chato de estar en casa sin hacer nada. (I'm bored of being home with nothing to do.)

• Pellizcar la uva – [peʎisˈkaɾ la ˈu.βa] – To steal someone's partner (lit., to steal one's grapes).

Dicen que él siempre anda pellizcando la uva. (They say he's always trying to steal someone's partner.)

• Tener malas pulgas – [teˈneɾ ˈma.las ˈpul.ɣas] – To be in a bad mood (lit., to have fleas).

Hoy tiene malas pulgas; mejor no le hables. (He's in a bad mood today; better not talk to him.)

Learn to Sound Chilean in Spanish with Promova

Understanding and memorizing slang terms and phrases definitely takes your language learning to a new level. However, it doesn't mean you can skip mastering basic skills like the alphabet, grammar, or pronunciation. Luckily, with Promova, you can do both!

Our language-learning platform provides you with a handful of tools and materials for mastering foreign tongues. You can learn English, Spanish, Korean, French, and other languages using our platform and mobile application. All materials are created by language professionals, ensuring you access quality and engaging content. Whether you are a beginner or a fluent speaker, you can definitely find useful materials at Promova.

Conclusion

Memorizing the examples from this list can help you better understand locals in Chile more easily and feel more comfortable during casual interactions. And that's it for now! Let us know what expression or word you like the most in the comments!