Paraguay’s unique Spanish slang sets it apart from other Latin American countries. While Guaraní influences much of the local speech, Spanish slang holds its own special place in daily communication. Here’s your comprehensive guide to speaking Spanish like a true Paraguayo/a.
Essential Spanish Slang Expressions
Your daily Spanish conversations will be filled with these distinctively Paraguayan terms:
- Al pedo: Useless or without purpose
- Luego: Unlike other Spanish-speaking countries where it means “later,” in Paraguayan slang it means “okay” or “sure”
- Ya: Used much more frequently than in other countries, often as confirmation
- No más: Added to the end of sentences as emphasis (unique Paraguayan usage)
- Verdad que sí: Common affirmation phrase
Uniquely Paraguayan Spanish Phrases
These Spanish expressions have taken on special meanings in Paraguay:
Daily Communication
- ¿Qué tal luego?: “How are you?” (notice the uniquely Paraguayan “luego”)
- Dale nomás: “Go ahead” or “It’s fine”
- Por ahí nomás: “Around there” or “More or less”
- ¿Cómo te parece?: “What do you think?” (used more frequently than in other countries)
Social Situations
- Tranqui nomás: “Take it easy”
- Me parece super: “I think it’s great”
- Cualca: Short for “cualquier cosa” (whatever)
- Re: Prefix meaning “very” or “super” (Re lindo = very nice)
Spanish Variations Unique to Paraguay
Formal Situations
- Disculpe que moleste: More common than “perdón” in formal settings
- ¿Me permite?: Used frequently in social situations
- Con permiso: Used more liberally than in other Spanish-speaking countries
Casual Speech
- Tipo que: “Like” or “It’s like” (similar to “como que”)
- Ahí nomas: “Right there” or “That’s good enough”
- De paso: “By the way” (used more frequently than “por cierto”)
Business and Professional Slang
Spanish terms commonly used in professional settings:
- Capaz que: “Maybe” or “Perhaps”
- En todo caso: “In any case” (used more frequently than in other countries)
- Justamente: Often used to agree or confirm
- A cargo de: “In charge of” (used more formally than in other countries)
Modern Spanish Expressions
Contemporary Spanish slang popular among younger Paraguayans:
- Re copado: Really cool
- Está que arde: It’s awesome/intense
- Ni ahí: Not at all
- Mal que mal: Nevertheless
Regional Spanish Variations
Asunción Spanish
- Como mucho: “At most” (used differently than other Spanish-speaking regions)
- Por las dudas: “Just in case” (more common than “por si acaso”)
- De una: “Right away” or “Definitely”
Border Region Spanish
- A full: “At maximum capacity” (English influence)
- Purete: “A lot” or “many”
- Re piola: “Really cool” (influence from Argentine Spanish)
Common Spanish Phrases with Local Twists
Greetings and Farewells
- ¿Qué te cuentas?: “What’s up?” (more common than “¿Qué tal?”)
- Nos vemos luego: “See you later” (notice the “luego” usage)
- Chau luego: Goodbye (with the characteristic Paraguayan “luego”)
Expressions of Opinion
- Me parece nomás: “I think so” (with typical Paraguayan “nomás”)
- Puede ser: “Maybe” (used more frequently than in other countries)
- ¿Viste?: “See?” (used as confirmation)
Modern Influence on Spanish Slang
Social media and youth culture have added new dimensions:
- Re importante: Very important (often used ironically)
- Alta cosa: Something impressive
- Mandar fruta: To make things up or exaggerate
Spanish Filler Words
Uniquely Paraguayan ways to fill conversation:
- O sea: Used much more frequently than in other Spanish-speaking countries
- Este…: Equivalent to “um…” but with local timing
- Digamos: “Let’s say” (used as a filler more than in other countries)
Your mastery of Paraguayan Spanish slang will help you sound more natural and better understand local conversations. Remember that while these expressions are Spanish-based, they’re uniquely Paraguayan in their usage and meaning. The way Paraguayans use Spanish creates a distinctive dialect that reflects the country’s unique cultural identity.