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Speak Like a Local – Mexican Slang Guide | Casa Creciente

Speak Like
a Local

Your guide to essential Spanish phrases for traveling in Mexico

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💬

A Little Spanish Goes a Long Way

You don't need to be fluent — just a few key phrases show respect for the culture and open doors everywhere you go. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort.

🔊 Tap the speaker icon next to any phrase to hear it pronounced.

Be a Respectful Visitor

10 Phrases You Need to Know

These essentials show respect and make everyday interactions smoother.

01
¿Cuánto cuesta?
"How much does it cost?" Essential for shopping and markets.
Shopping
02
La cuenta, por favor
"The check, please." Use this when you're ready to pay at a restaurant.
Dining
03
¿Dónde está...?
"Where is...?" Fill in the blank: el baño (bathroom), la playa (beach), el centro (downtown).
Directions
04
Una mesa para dos, por favor
"A table for two, please." Swap the number as needed.
Dining
05
¿Habla inglés?
"Do you speak English?" Polite way to ask before switching languages.
Communication
06
No entiendo
"I don't understand." Honest and appreciated.
Communication
07
¿Me puede ayudar?
"Can you help me?" Polite way to ask for assistance.
Help
08
Muy rico / Muy bueno
"Very delicious / Very good." Compliment the food — locals love it.
Dining
09
Sin picante, por favor
"Without spice, please." If you can't handle the heat.
Dining
10
Gracias, muy amable
"Thank you, very kind." A warm way to express gratitude.
Courtesy
Sound Like a Local

Everyday Expressions

Here are some phrases that will make you sound like a local — use a few and watch the smiles light up.

01
¿Qué onda?
The most common informal greeting. "What's up?"
Greeting
02
No manches
Expresses disbelief or surprise. "No way!" or "You're kidding."
Surprise
03
Está cañón
"That's intense/tough/crazy."
Reaction
04
Chido
"Cool" or "awesome." Use "chida" when describing something feminine.
Everyday
05
Neta
"For real" or "the truth." ¿Neta? = "Seriously?"
Emphasis
06
Órale
Super versatile. Can mean "okay," "let's go," "wow," or agreement.
Essential
07
Aguas
"Watch out!"
Warning
08
Ni modo
"Oh well" / "It is what it is."
Acceptance
09
Me vale
"I don't care."
Casual
10
Ándale pues
"Alright then" / "Okay, let's do it."
Agreement
11
Qué pedo
Very informal "What's going on?"
Friends Only
12
Échale ganas
"Give it your all" / "Keep pushing."
Motivation
13
Ahorita
Technically "right now" but really means anywhere from 5 minutes to never.
Time
14
Ya merito
"Almost there" (often used when you're not actually almost there).
Time
15
Sale y vale
"Sounds good" / "Done deal."
Agreement
16
Qué padre
"How cool!"
Everyday
17
No hay bronca
"No problem" / "Don't worry about it."
Reassurance
18
Simón
Slang for "yes."
Everyday
19
Carnal
A close friend, like "bro."
Friendship
20
Buena onda
"Good vibes" or describes someone as cool/nice.
Compliment
Cheeky & Fabulous

Serve It Up 💅

For when you're feeling flirty, fierce, or just need to let them know. Use at your own risk. 😏

01
¡Qué guapo!
"How handsome!" A friendly way to compliment someone's looks. Say "¡Qué guapa!" to women.
Flirty
02
Estás bien bueno
"You're really hot." Direct and bold — use wisely. Say "buena" to women.
Flirty
03
Calenturiento
"Thirsty" — and not for water. Describes someone who's... eager. Use "calenturienta" for women.
Spicy
04
Me pones
"You turn me on." Save this one for someone special.
🔥 Hot
05
Devoró
"Ate." When someone absolutely slayed — an outfit, a dance, a comeback. "Esa presentación… devoró y no dejó ni las migas."
💅 Fabulous
06
Sirviendo
"Serving." From drag and ballroom culture — someone serving looks, energy, or drama. "Ella llegó sirviendo alta moda, morch."
💅 Fabulous
07
Pa loca tú, calva
"You're the crazy one, baldhead." An iconic comeback — sass meets genius. From a legendary Simpsons dub.
👑 Iconic
08
Dilo, Tata
"Say it, queen!" A hype phrase to celebrate a dramatic statement or mic-drop moment.
👑 Iconic
09
¿Vamos a mi casa?
"Let's go to my house?" The classic move. You know what this means.
🔥 Hot
10
Soy pasivo / activo
"I'm a bottom / top." For when you need to be direct about preferences.
🔥 Hot

Casa Creciente is an adults-only vacation rental — so yes, some of these phrases aren't for the kids. 😉

Additional Resources

Keep Learning

Want to hear these phrases in action? These channels are a great place to start.

Easy Spanish

1.8M+ Subscribers

Street interviews with real locals in Mexico and Latin America. Hear authentic slang in natural conversations with subtitles.

Watch Now →

Butterfly Spanish

1.35M+ Subscribers

Ana is a Mexican linguist who breaks down grammar, slang, and the differences between Mexican and Spain Spanish.

Watch Now →

Spanish and Go

900K+ Subscribers

Jim (American) and May (Mexican) teach practical travel Spanish and slang while touring through Mexico.

Watch Now →
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Now get out there and practice!

¡Échale Ganas!

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