Local Spanish Guide

We are excited to share these insights and recommendations to help you understand the ins and outs of the local Spanish of your new home city, while also further diving into the culture.

Spanish Differences
Local Slang
Resources on How to Improve your Spanish
- Language Meetups
- Films, Series, Books

Spanish Differences

In Argentina and Uruguay, you’ll quickly encounter a distinction that sets the local Spanish apart from what you may have learned elsewhere: the use of the pronoun “vos” instead of “tú.”

To conjugate “vos” in the present tense:

Irregular verbs: ser → sos; ir → vas; haber → has

To conjugate “vos” in the affirmative command:

Irregular verb: ir → andá

You will also find that words containing “ll” or “y” will be pronounced as “sh.” A few examples:

yo = sho (I)

lluvia = shuvia (rain)

pollo = posho (chicken)

playa = plasha (beach)

Local Slang

Argentina Slang

Bancar: to support; to wait
Birra: beer
Bocha: a lot
Boliche: nightclub
Bondi: public transport bus
Bárbaro: great

Canchero/copado: cool person
Chamuyero: sweet talker
Che: hey
Dale: sure; hurry up; are you kidding me?
Dar bola: to pay attention
Laburo: job

Manija: be excited about something
Morfar: to eat
Posta: truth
Plata: money

Uruguay Slang

Uruguay shares a lot of slang with Argentina, however, while most expressions are used and understood, there is usually a more local alternative as well. There are also expressions that are unique to Uruguay and give Uruguayans away when visiting their Argentinian neighbors.

Barra: group of friends
Bo: similar to “che”, is a way to say “hey” and get someone’s attention.
Botija: little kid
Championes: tennis shoes, snickers
Changa: informal one-time job
Chiva: bike
Chela: beer
Chorro: thief

Comer oreja: to talk too much to someone, to the point where in annoys them
Estar al palo: to be very busy
Estar copado: to be happy or excited about something
Groncho/a: tacky
Guita: money
Mamarse: to get drunk
Rajá: ordering someone to leave quickly — either because you are kicking them out or because you encourage them to hurry.

Pila: a lot
Romperla: to do something perfectly
Salado: difficult, astounding, huge
Ta: I get it
Ta!: enough!
Ta?: Do you get it?
Vende humo: Someone who portrays a fake skill or promises things they can not deliver

Resources on how to Practice your Spanish

chatting with locals

Argentines and Uruguayans are very sociable and love to go and hang out for hours. Whether it’s for a coffee in the afternoon or drinks at night, locals find any possible excuse to celebrate and spend time with friends - or maybe with new people just like you!

Open up! Wherever you go, don’t stick with a large group of expat friends. If you go to a bar or to a boliche (nightclub), locals may feel intimidated to approach a large group. Some will feel shy about speaking in English, especially around foreigners, so maybe split into smaller groups, and invite them to come over and practice both Spanish and English.
Take the initiative. Most locals will not go out of their way to meet foreigners. You will likely have to approach them and start a conversation. Ask them about fútbol, mate, history, family, and traditions.
¡Vos podés! (You can do it!) Reduce your English as much as you can; locals will appreciate your effort to speak Spanish! It’s the best way to practice the language, and it’s a good excuse to talk to new people.

other resources

Gamified language learning apps such as Duolingo and Babbel
Language Reactor to use with Netflix to have subtitles in Spanish and English at the same time
Spanish courses with a local institution such as COINED or Academia Buenos Aires (in Buenos Aires) or Academia Uruguay (in Montevideo).

language meetups

We've compiled a list of language exchange gatherings that you can attend to hone your Spanish skills with native speakers. These popular events generally consist of conversations in both Spanish and English in a "speed dating" modality.

Spanglish Exchange: One of the most traditional exchanges in the city, Spanglish meets once a week in Palermo. There is a low cost to participate and registration can be done upon arrival.

Mundo Lingo: Their “intercambio de idiomas” events are not only restricted to the typical English <> Spanish, but also open to other languages. Each participant will be given country flag stickers indicating which language(s) they speak and want to practice. This group meets four times a week in different neighborhoods, free of charge.

Mate Club de Conversación: This is a structured event where you are seated with a group of two native English speakers and two native Spanish speakers. You will switch between languages and groups throughout the event. They meet a few days a week, and you have to sign up and pay to attend.