Colombian Spanish for Travelers: 40 phrases that actually help (including slang)

These 40 Spanish phrases will make your trip to Colombia much easier

Colombia is considered one of the most pleasant countries in Latin America to speak Spanish: clear, relatively easy to understand, and often very friendly in tone. Still, many travelers quickly realize that a few standard textbook phrases are not always enough.

Because in everyday situations, it’s less about perfect Spanish—and more about reacting appropriately, communicating politely, and understanding small nuances.

That’s exactly what this guide is for: 40 Spanish phrases that will truly help you in Colombia—complemented by some typical expressions you’ll hear across the country and can even use yourself.

Why a few Spanish phrases make such a big difference in Colombia

In many regions of Colombia—especially outside major tourist centers—little English is spoken. At the same time, Colombians are known for their openness and willingness to help.

This means:

• Even a few phrases can open conversations

• Situations become easier and more relaxed

• Traveling feels much more personal

  
  

Especially on independently planned trips, transfers, or in smaller accommodations, this often makes a noticeable difference.

The most important basics (politeness comes first)

One key point upfront: in Colombia, a polite tone often matters more than perfect grammar.

These basics are essential:

• Hola, buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches – Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening

• Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you

• ¿Cómo está? – How are you?

• Gracias, muy amable – Thank you, very kind

• Con gusto – You’re welcome

• Qué pena – Excuse me / sorry (“Qué pena” is particularly typical and used very frequently in daily life—often softer and friendlier than a direct “perdón.”)

When your Spanish reaches its limits

These phrases are extremely valuable in practice:

• No hablo mucho español – I don’t speak much Spanish

• ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor? – Could you speak more slowly, please?

• ¿Puede repetir eso? – Could you repeat that?

• No entendí – I didn’t understand

• ¿Cómo se dice esto en español? – How do you say this in Spanish?

• Estoy aprendiendo español – I’m learning Spanish

Briefly mentioning that you’re learning is almost always received positively.

Getting around the city

• ¿Dónde queda…? – Where is …?

• ¿Está lejos o cerca? – Is it far or close?

• ¿Cómo llego a…? – How do I get there?

• ¿Me puede mostrar en el mapa? – Can you show it on the map?

• ¿Cuánto tiempo demora? – How long does it take?

  
  

Transport & transfers

• ¿Me lleva a esta dirección? – Can you take me to this address?

• ¿Cuánto cuesta aproximadamente? – How much does it cost approximately?

• ¿Acepta tarjeta o solo efectivo? – Do you accept card or only cash?

• Por favor, déjeme aquí – Please stop here

• ¿Es seguro caminar por aquí? – Is it safe to walk here?

Especially for transfers and orientation, clear and simple Spanish pays off quickly.

At the restaurant

• ¿Qué me recomienda? – What do you recommend? (This works especially well in Colombia—you’ll often get more honest suggestions than from the menu.)

• Quisiera esto, por favor – I’d like this, please

• ¿Qué lleva este plato? – What’s in this dish?

• Sin picante, por favor – No spice, please

• La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please

• ¿Incluye el servicio? – Is service included?
  

Accommodation & organization

• Tengo una reserva a nombre de… – I have a reservation under the name…

• ¿A qué hora es el check-in? – What time is check-in?

• ¿Hay wifi? – Is there Wi-Fi?

• ¿Me puede guardar el equipaje? – Can you store my luggage?

• ¿Me puede pedir un taxi? – Can you call me a taxi?

Small talk & real connections

• Es mi primera vez en Colombia – It’s my first time in Colombia

• Me gusta mucho Colombia – I really like Colombia

• La gente aquí es muy amable – The people here are very friendly

• Qué lugar tan bonito – What a beautiful place

Simple phrases like these make conversations much more personal.

Colombian slang you can actually use

Colombia has many regional language variations. For travelers, it’s best to focus on expressions that are widely understood across the country and not too specific.

• Chévere → cool, great | ¡Qué chévere! – How cool!

• De una → sure, right away, gladly | ¿Vamos mañana? – De una.

• Bacano → really good | La comida estuvo bacana.

• Parce / parcero → buddy / friend (better to use only once the situation is relaxed)

• ¿Cómo así? → What do you mean? (Very helpful if you don’t fully understand something.)

  
  

What you should rather avoid

Not all slang is useful for travelers:

• Strongly regional expressions

• Very informal or crude terms

• Words from series or social media without context

In practice, clear and friendly language almost always works better.

How to sound more natural (without pretending)

Many people try to sound “local” as quickly as possible. In Colombia, something else usually works better:

• Speak slowly

• Use a friendly tone

• Keep sentences simple

• Add a few local words selectively

This combination feels authentic—without sounding forced.

A practical note from travel planning

Many of our travelers start with little or very basic Spanish—and quickly notice how much easier everyday situations become. Especially on individually organized trips, transfers, or in smaller accommodations, it helps enormously to be able to handle at least the most important situations linguistically.

You don’t need perfect Spanish to experience Colombia. But the right phrases at the right time will make your trip much more relaxed—and often more meaningful.

If you focus on a few key expressions and combine them with a feel for the local tone, you’ll quickly notice: Colombia responds to it—openly, directly, and with surprising warmth.

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