If you are visiting or living in Buenos Aires, you probably are trying to learn or improve your Spanish. The obvious way to learn and improve your Spanish would be to take a Spanish course, and then make sure to speak as much Spanish as possible. However, there are many other ways you can improve you language skills, and many of them are free. Read on for a few different approaches on how to improve your Spanish, and having fun while doing so.

1. Spanglish

Have you ever heard of speed dating? Well, think of speed dating, but instead of meeting potential dates, you are meeting local Argentines with whom you can practice your Spanish. At the same time, they get to practice English, and it´s all in a fun, casual setting.

Here´s how it works: Depending on the night, you meet up in a bar. It´s a mix of locals and foreigners, and you are paired up for 10 minutes each. For 5 minutes, you speak English, and for five minutes you speak Spanish. After the 10 minutes are up, you rotate, and speak with a different local. Its very casual, lots of fun, and on top of improving your Spanish, it´s a great way to meet new people. Any age can go (over 18), and most nights you will find people of all ages. Cost is $15 pesos, and includes one beer, and something to snack on. For more information, visit: http://www.spanglishba.com/

2. Conversation Exchange

This is a website where you can be paired up with a native Argentine that lives in Capital Federal. You exchange contact information, and then arrange to meet whenever it´s convenient. The idea is to speak in both English and Spanish, so both people can improve.

You can also pair up with someone through online text or voice chat, which is great if you have less time, and can´t get out as much. The site is free, easy to use, and it works great! There are lots of Porteños who are willing to meet up, and not only will you get practice with Spanish, this is also a great way to meet people. Visit: http://www.conversationexchange.com/

3. Get a girlfriend or boyfriend that doesn´t speak English, or speaks very little

What better way to improve your Spanish than dating an Argentine? Far better than having friends that speak Spanish, dating someone who does not speak much English will help you advance very quickly. Not only are you forced to interact in Spanish, you will also be exposed to an Argentine environment – Argentine friends, Argentine parents, Argentine TV, Argentine books and magazines, etc. This is one of the TOP ways to improve your Spanish, and at the same time, you get to be surrounded by another culture!

4. Listen to Argentine music, and learn the lyrics

There is plenty of great music to listen to from Argentina, and if you study the lyrics, you will quickly learn new vocabulary. At the same time, you will be learning more about Argentine culture, and you will understand a whole lot more about the country. Find a style of music you like, then try to find the artists that are popular in that category. Once you find some songs you like, look up the lyrics on line. Type the name of the song, the artist, and the word “letras” (meaning lyrics) into Google, and you´ll get a list of sites with the lyrics written out. Look the words up that you don´t understand, and from then on, when you listen to the song, make sure to listen for the words, and think of the meaning. This method is great for comprehension and learning new vocabulary.

5. Chat online

This may not seem like an obvious method, but chatting with a native speaker is a GREAT way to improve your Spanish, especially if you are a high beginner or low intermediate. Chatting gives you time to think before you “speak.” It also gives you time to look words up online, and to see your sentence structure. You learn a lot by reading the chats of your friend, because you have time to see each and every word, and again, have time to look up words you do not know. I highly recommend chatting with Latin American friends as much as possible, you will learn quickly.

6. Read in Spanish

Reading is another great way to learn Spanish, and if you read magazines and newspapers, you will learn a lot of the common local expressions and phrases. Try to pick a publication that really interests you, and read it regularly. Every week, or every month if it´s a magazine. Don´t look up all the words, just the ones that you need to know to understand what´s written.

Books and magazines are usually better than novels, because the language will be much more colloquial, and the vocabulary won´t be so difficult. On top of that, you will be reading short articles, which is important when reading in another language. If you try reading novels, it is easy to lose interest too quickly, and you risk setting the book aside forever.

7. Join something

It could be a club, it could be volunteer work, it could be a sport, whatever. The important thing is you will be surrounded by Argentines, and forced to take part. Find something that you enjoy, that interests you, and happens on a weekly basis. It can be difficult at first, but will definitely pay off in the long run.

8. Live with people who only speak Spanish, or who speak very little English

Buenos Aires is full of South Americans that are here to study or live, and that look for shared accommodation. If you are looking for a room in a shared apartment, try to find one that is shared with Latin Americans. They often prefer to share with a native English speaker, so that they can also learn some English. This will force you to speak Spanish, and you will learn quickly.

9. Limit the amount of English speaking friends you have, and try to avoid English speaking activities

This is the number one biggest mistake that people make when they come to Buenos Aires, and hope to learn Spanish. They stay in a hostel, meet English speaking friends, go to activities with English speakers, and find it to difficult to break away from that. When you arrive in Buenos Aires, try to limit your group of friends to mainly non-English speakers. Stay away from expat groups, expat bars, and things that are geared to tourists. Although this may not work for everyone, if you are here to learn Spanish this is very important.

Once you have developed a group of Spanish speaking friends, and are part of a Spanish speaking community, then it is fine to seek out English speakers. In fact, it is important to spend at least some time with English speakers, to reduce the risk of culture shock.

10. Find a job where you need to use Spanish

Most foreigners come here, and end up working in a job where they only use their English. Try to find a job where you are working with native Argentines, and have to use your Spanish at least some of the time. It could be in a restaurant, an international company that operates in English and Spanish, a magazine, etc. This forces you to use your Spanish, and puts the pressure in you to do it well.

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In order to understand and master Argentine Spanish, there are a few things you will need to learn first, even if you already speak Spanish. First, you will have to learn and become familiar with the Argentine accent and intonation, which is what gives the Argentine Spanish such a distinct sound.

Once familiar with these different sounds, you will have to learn the differences in grammar, such as the Argentine Vos form. The Argentines use ‘vos’ instead of ‘tu’ in contrast to most countries in the world.

Finally, you will be ready to learn the different vocabulary and expressions that are used here, which is always the hardest part of learning a new dialect. Like all Spanish speaking countries, Argentina has a very distinct vocabulary to what would find in Mexico, Spain, or even its neighbor Chile. It can take many years to learn all of the differences, but learning the most important expressions and vocabulary is fairly simple. The following pages will help you to learn the differences, and become an expert at speaking Spanish in Argentina.

Argentina Spanish – a list of the most common words and expressions used in Argentina, though not necessarily specific to Argentina.

Argentine Slang – a list of typical Argentine slang

Argentine Expressions – a list of the most common Argentine expressions and phrases

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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.   Check out my other page to learn the most common Argentine 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.

Muletilla (f)
1. Comes from muleta, which means ‘crutch.’ A muletilla is the word the argentines use to describe colloquial words that they say every sentence, something they can say when they have nothing else to say, as a filler. In English, for example, we say “like ” “you know” or “um.” Here are the most common ones used in Argentina. It is good to know them, but don’t make a habit of using them. Just like the equivalents in English, when they are overused, it sounds really bad.

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.

Saying “maybe” in Argentina: Quizás and tal vez are not often used in Argentina to say maybe. Here are the more common words used:

Puede ser
1. means “it´s possible.” Puede ser que vaya a Londres. It’s posible I will go to London.
2. maybe, might, we´ll see. Puede ser que vaya a una fiesta. I might go to a party, maybe I´ll go to a party. Querés ir? Si, puede ser. Do you want to go? Ya, maybe/we´ll see.

Capaz
1. maybe, might Capaz que vaya a una fiesta. I might go to a party, maybe I´ll go to a party. Similar to tal vez, quizás, puede ser.

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.

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A list of some basic Argentine slang. Naturally, there are many more words to learn, but this makes a good start.

Bajón (f)
1. a downer, something that sucks Es un bajón. Que bajón. That sucks, that´s too bad.

Bancar (v)
1. to tolerate. No me lo banco más. I can’t put up with it anymore.

Barbaridad (f)
1. something that is outrageous.

bárbaro/a
1. great, wonderful, cool. Estuvo bárbara la fiesta. It was a great party. Que bárbaro! Awesome, sweet!

bicho (m)
1. a bug/insect, critter, little animal

Bombilla (f)
1. metal straw with a filter on the end, used to drink mate.

Boliche (m)
1. Refers to a dance club/disco in Argentina. They don´t say disco, nor do they say club.

Boludez (f)
Refers to something that is stupid or ridiculous. El sistema de transporte es una boludez.
Can also refer to something that was really easy. El curso fue una boludez. Saqué un 10. The course was a joke, I got a 10.

Boludo/a (m/f)
Super super common, it is used in pretty much every sentence by Argentines. There are a few uses.
1. if you want to call someone a moron, a goof, an idiot, or a jerk, you call him a boludo. It is not that harsh, not like swearing at someone, but isn´t all that nice.
2. it is also used to say something similar to “hey man.” Here they say “che boludo.”
3. it is also used all the time when talking amongst friends. They like to throw it in most sentences, it´s sort of like saying “man” again, but not really. Used with girls or guys. See below for examples:
Pedro: Vamos al cine? Let´s go see a movie? Juan: Ni loco boludo, sale muy caro. No way man, it´s really expensive.
Pedro: Vas a la fiesta? Juan: No, estoy cansado, me quedo en casa. Pedro: Que? Boludo, es viernes, no se queda en casa.
In the first use, it is an insult. In the others, it is not, but is very colloquial. Don´t say boludo to your boss or your girlfriend´s parents, as an example.

Cana (f)
1. The police/the cops.

Capo (adj.)
1. cool, great – refering to a person. Tu amigo es un capo. Your friend is really great.

Cagada (f)
1. sucks, crap, a mess – Que cagada. That sucks. El proceso es una cagada. The process is a mess.

Chabón (m)
1. a guy, similar to ‘Pibe.’

Chamuyero (n)
1. a smooth talker, a sweet talker. Often used to describe guys that say whatever to try to pick up girls.

Chamuyar (v)
The action of being a chamuyo. Sweet talking, trying to pick someone up, scamming someone.

Chupamedias (f)
1. a suck up, brown noser (literally means someone who sucks socks).

Chupar (v)
1. to suck. Also used to talk about drinking alcohol. Vamos al bar a chupar cervezas. Let’s go to the bar for a beer.

Che (m)
1. man. If used amongst friends in this sense, it Is somewhat of a term of endearment (in a very light way). Chau che. Later man. Can also be used with people you don´t know, as a way of addressing them. Vamos che, dejame pasar. Come on man, let me in.
2. hey. Used to get someone´s attention. Che, por acá!. Hey, over here!

Cheto, Concheto (m)
1. snobby. Es un lugar muy cheto. Its a really snobby place.

Club (m)
1. Gentleman´s Club (nude women)
2. Where you join as a member to use the leisure facilities

Colectivo (m)
1. Refers to the city bus in Buenos Aires

Copado/a (adj.)
1. cool, good. Used especially for people, places, events. Tu hermano es muy copado. Your brother is really cool.

Gato (m)
1. a female prostitute, or one acting like a female prostitute. Like calling someone a whore in English.
2. a gay person.

Groso (adj.)
1. something or someone that is great, awesome. Voy a la playa! Que groso! I´m going to the beach! That´s great!!

Guita (f)
1. Money. No tengo gita. I don´t have any money.

Laburar (v.)
1. to work

Lunfardo (m)
1. refers to the street slang and the slang of people who danced tango in Buenos Aires in the earlier 1900s. Many words and expressions are still used today.

Mangos (m)
1. pesos. Me costó 120 mangos! It cost me 120 pesos!

Mate (m)
1. Refers to a special type of tea that the Aregentine´s like to drink.
2. Refers to the gourd in which the Yerba (mate tea) is put

Micro (m)
1. bus that goes out of the city, from one city or town to another

Mina (f)
1. refers to a girl or women (teens and up). It is slightly degrading, but not really. It’s very common to talk among guy friends that you were talking to a “mina”, or met some “minas.”

onda (m)
1. the literal meaning is a wave, like a sound wave. However, it is used to talk about a situation or person in a good way. Tu amigo tiene muy buena onda. Your friend has a great vibe/is really cool. It is not only used in Argentina, but is used a lot, so is important to know.

Pelotudo/a (m/f)
1. an idiot, moron, jerk, just like boludo. It is not used to say “man” or when talking to your friends, in the same way boludo is.

Pibe (m)
1. a kid, boy/girl, though more common to use for a boy

Porro (m)
1. a joint, weed

Porteño/a (m/f)
1. a person that is from the city of Buenos Aires
2. is also used as an adjective to describe something that is very typical of Buenos Aires. Ese bar es bien porteño. That bar is very typical of the bars in Buenos Aires.

Pucho (m)
1. cigarette

Quilombo (m)
1. a mess, a disaster, chaotic. El tránsito en Buenos Aires es un quilombo.

Remera (f)
1. t-shirt

Tipo (masc noun or adv. )
1. a guy conocí a un tipo. I met some guy.
2. around, approximately La fiesta empieza tipo 20h The party starts around 8.

Toque (m)
1. a touch, a little bit. Falta un toque de sal. It’s missing just a touch of salt.

Trucho/a (adj. or m/f noun)
1. fake/counterfeit items. Compré una remera trucha. I bought a counterfeit t-shirt. Esos son truchos. Those are fake.

If you are interested in buying an Argentine book about slang, your best option is “Che Boludo: A gringo’s guide to understanding the Argentines.” by James Bracken. It is a useful book, and is very current – all the expressions you find in the book are used kind often here. The book is slightly limited in that it does not provide many examples, so often you don’t understand how it may be used in speech. Also, it doesn’t indicate which are really common, and which ones you won’t hear very often. It can be purchased in the main bookstores in Buenos Aires.

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One difficult thing for English speakers to get used to when speaking Spanish is speaking formally, by using the “usted” form.  In English, you say “you” to everyone, because there is no distinction between formal and informal.  In Spanish, “you” can either be “vos” (remember that in Argentina, they don´t use “tú” they use vos) or “usted.”  When you want to speak to someone formally, to show them respect, you use “usted.”

The problem we English speakers have, is deciding WHEN you need to speak formally, because this is never perfectly clear – there is no “rule” that one can follow.  Do you speak formally to a taxi driver?   How about someone you meet who is older than you, but not a senior?   Your boss?  Your friend’s mom, even if you are now good friends?   How about the shopkeeper?  Yes, it can be very confusing, and to make matters worse, it works differently in all Spanish speaking countries.

Now for the good news – in Argentina, things tend to be informal, much more so than most other countries.  Their use of Spanish follows this same trend. In general, you are ok using the “vos” form in almost any situation.  It is fine to refer to people you don´t know by vos, people you meet randomly that are older, people in services such as taxi drivers, store clerks, hotels, etc.   Basically, you only need to use “usted” with seniors,   family members of your friends, and in professional business situations.   However, if you are ever unsure, then you are better off using usted!!

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