Medellín Spanish Cheatsheet
Drop these words and locals will light up. Colombians love when travelers make an effort. Even a single 'parce' alone will get you extra credit.
Pro tip:Knowing “dar papaya” isn't just slang — it's the single most important safety concept in Medellín.
Parce
/ ParceroDude, buddy, friend
/ˈpaɾ.se/ — /paɾˈse.ɾo/Usage: The #1 word to know. "Qué más, parce?" = "What's up, dude?" Using this immediately earns you respect.
Qué más?
What's up? / How's it going?
/ke ˈmas/Usage: The standard greeting. It is not literal, so just say it back.
Chimba
Cool, awesome, amazing
/ˈtʃim.ba/Usage: "Qué chimba, parce" = "How awesome, dude!" The most-used positive slang in Medellín. Use it liberally — but only in casual contexts, not formal situations.
Mijo
/ MijaSon/daughter (but used as "dear/honey")
/ˈmi.xo/ — /ˈmi.xa/Usage: Shopkeepers and abuelas will call you this. It's affectionate.
Listo
Okay, ready, done
/ˈlis.to/Usage: "Listo, nos vemos" = "Alright, see you." Used constantly in every context.
A la orden
At your service
/a la ˈoɾ.den/Usage: Shopkeepers say this when you walk in. Reply with "Gracias" and a smile.
Dar papaya
To ask for trouble (lit: "give papaya")
/daɾ paˈpa.ʝa/Usage: "No des papaya" = "Don't make yourself a target." Keep your phone in your pocket on the metro.
Rumbear
To party / go out dancing
/rum.beˈaɾ/Usage: "Vamos a rumbear este finde" = "Let's go party this weekend."
Medallo
Local nickname for Medellín
/meˈda.ʝo/Usage: Used with affection. If someone says "qué calor en Medallo," they mean Medellín is hot today, not that they are being formal.
Pues
Well, so, then
/pwes/Usage: A filler word like "well", used constantly. "Pues sí" = "Well, yes."
🔊Colombian Spanish pronunciation · Male & female voices
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Essential Phrases
The ten most useful phrases for your first week. Say them out loud — practice makes perfect.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¡Qué más, parce! | What's up, dude! |
| No des papaya | Don't make yourself a target |
| Listo, nos vemos | Alright, see you |
| A la orden | At your service |
| Una recarga de 8 mil, por favor | A top-up of 8k, please |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? |
| La cuenta, por favor | The check, please |
| ¡Qué chimba! | How awesome! |
| Me regalas... | Can I have... (lit: you gift me) |
| Vamos a rumbear | Let's go party |
Numbers & Counting
Master the numbers you will use every day — from the price of an arepa (5,000 COP) to your metro fare (2,500 COP).
/ˈse.ɾo//ˈu.no//dos//tɾes//ˈkwa.tɾo//ˈθiŋ.ko//sejs//ˈsje.te//ˈo.tʃo//ˈnwe.βe//djeθ//ˈbejn.te//ˈtɾejn.ta//θiŋˈkwen.ta//θjen//mil/Your First Phrase
Walk into any spot, say “¡Qué más, parce!” with a smile, and watch the reaction. You're no longer a tourist.
Practice these phrases out loud. The locals will appreciate the effort more than the perfection.
Beyond the words:Understanding “dar papaya” is key to staying safe — read our safety guide for the full context. And when you're ready to practice “rumbear” for real, find your neighborhood and head out.
Ready to Explore?
Now that you know the basics, find your people and explore El Poblado through your traveler type.