Feeling lost in Mexico because the locals speak a different kind of Spanish? Thrive in Spanish is here to help! Our new video “10 Mexican Slang Phrases That'll Make You Sound Like a Local!” will have you ditching the textbook Spanish and speaking like a true amigo. From figuring out if something is “chingón” (awesome) or “gacho” (awful) to understanding everyday requests like “hacer el paro” (doing a favor), this video is your key to unlocking Mexican slang. 🇲🇽 Want to see real-life examples in action? Check out the hilarious dialogue included and learn how to navigate a weekend conversation like a pro. Don't forget to stick around for some bonus phrases that will truly impress your Mexican friends!
Click on and watch the video below:
We kick things off with some must-know phrases:
“Está chingón” is used to express that something is very good or cool
“Está leve indicates that something is easy or simple
“Hazme el paro” is a way to ask for a favor
“Está crudo” describes a hangover
“Échale la mano” suggests helping someone
“Sacarle la sopa” refers to getting information out of someone.
“Está gacho” is used to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Additionally, we have three bonus phrases that will really impress your Mexican friends: “Buena onda” literally means “good wave,” but it's used to describe someone who's cool or has a great vibe; “Es un pedo” literally means “it's a fart,” but it's used to describe a difficult situation or a big problem; and “No mames” or “No manches” are expressions of disbelief or surprise, similar to “No way!” or “You've got to be kidding me!” in English, with “No mames” being a bit stronger and potentially vulgar in some contexts.
To illustrate these phrases in context, let's dive into a weekend conversation video between friends:
Carlos: ¡Hola María! ¿Cómo estuvo tu fiesta el sábado?
María: ¡Hola Carlos! Estuvo chingón, la pasamos muy bien. ¿Y tú? ¿Por qué no fuiste?
Carlos: Ay, no pude ir porque el viernes salí con unos amigos y el sábado estaba crudo. Me sentía muy mal.
María: Qué lástima. Oye, ¿me puedes hacer el paro con la tarea de español?
Carlos: Claro, no hay problema. Está leve, es fácil. Te ayudo mañana.
María: Gracias, eres un buen amigo. Por cierto, ¿sabes qué le pasa a Juan? Lo vi ayer y parecía triste.
Carlos: No sé, pero podemos echarle la mano. ¿Por qué no hablas con él y tratas de sacarle la sopa?
María: Buena idea. Espero que no sea nada grave. A veces la vida está gacha, ¿no?
Carlos: Sí, pero para eso están los amigos. Vamos a ayudarlo.
María: Tienes razón, siempre eres muy buena onda. Bueno, me voy a dormir. Nos vemos mañana en la escuela.
Carlos: Vale, descansa. Hasta mañana.
Fast QUIZer
Complete the sentences with the correct Mexican slang term from the provided list.
María said her weekend party was so amazing; it was ____________!
After a long night out, Carlos felt terrible the next day and described himself as ____________.
When Carlos needed help with his Spanish homework, María asked him to ____________.
Replace formal phrases with Mexican slang.
“I need a favor from you.” → “Necesito que me ____________.
“It’s an easy task.” → “Es una tarea ____________.”
“Life is tough sometimes.” → “La vida a veces ____________.”
Listen to the video conversation and choose the correct Mexican slang term to complete the dialogue.
Carlos: “I didn’t understand the new project at all. It’s such a ____________!”
María: “Don’t worry, I’ll help you out. It’s ____________ once you get the hang of it.”
Carlos: “Thanks, I really appreciate it. You’re always so ____________!”
And there you have it—10 essential Mexican slang phrases that'll have you sounding like a local in no time. If you want to learn more, hit that subscribe button and check out our other videos on Mexican culture and language.
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So, what are you waiting for?
After this blog reading, click the link in the description to chat with Diego and start your personalized Spanish learning journey today!
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