Spanish Travel Vocabulary + Peruvian Words

Peruvian Words

1. Chela

Throughout most of the Spanish-speaking world, the word used for beer would be cervezain
fact, cerveza is so common that its often one of the few Spanish words that English-speaking
tourists learn! If youre stopped for lunch or out for a night on the town during your Machu
Picchu adventure and you want a beer, asking for a cerveza certainly isnt wrong. However, if
you want to blend in or impress a Peruvian companion, chela is probably the way to go. It might
also help you to decipher the promotional signs placed outside of bars and restaurants throughout
Cuzco and other Peruvian towns and cities.

3. Chifa

This Peruvian word has two slightly-different but related meanings: it could be a Chinese
restaurant or it could just mean Chinese food in general. At this point, you might be wondering
why exactly its important to know how to say Chinese food in Peruvian Spanish. Its a valid
questionbut itll make much clearer sense as soon as you arrive to Peru. Chinese food is
incredibly popular in the country, and most large cities, including Cuzco, are full of great places
to eat it. Chinese food in Peru is a bit different from in other places around the worldits
really more of a Chinese-Peruvian fusionand its quite delicious. Thats why we recommend
that you stop at a chifa at some point during your Machu Picchu adventure!

The streets of Cuzco are full of chifas serving delicious Chinese-Peruvian fusion.

3. Bacn!

This is a simple expression that is similar to exclaiming cool! in English. It is very much a
slang word, but that being said its not offensive in the least. Bacn! is a fine word to use if you
want to surprise a Peruvian guidehe or she will most likely be surprised (and quite impressed)
that you know it. Simply put, this is one of our favorite Peruvian words.

4. Micro

This word is used for a passenger buskind of an elongated van used to shuffle people (and
especially tourists) around. As theres a decent chance that you might end up on a micro at one
point or another during your Machu Picchu adventure, it could very well be a useful word for
you to know.

5. Choro

Unfortunately, this Peruvian word and the one following it are slightly less funbut equally
important to know and understand. Choro is the Peruvian word for thief, and it is often used to
describe any number of unsavory characters such as pickpockets that hang around in popular
tourist areas such as markets in Cuzco. Though the vast majority of Peruvians are fine,
upstanding people who go out of their way to welcome foreign tourists, you should always
exercise caution, especially in crowds. If by chance you think you hear the word choro being
thrown around, pay attention and keep your guard upyou wouldnt want any petty theft putting
a damper on your Machu Picchu adventure.

Traditional Peruvian markets like this one are great for exploring, but always make sure to
exercise appropriate caution!

6. Brichero/Brichera

These two words are the male and female equivalents for the same thinga person who goes out
on the town in order to meet a foreigner and take advantage of him/her in some way. Of course,
if you meet a Peruvian companion and youre having a good time, you shouldnt automatically
assume that this was part of some master plan. However, if you find that a new Peruvian
acquaintance seems to be paying you an unwarranted amount of attention, you may want to ask
yourself if he or she falls into the brichero/brichera category.

Peruvian Phrases:

http://xpatnation.com/27-spanish-phrases-that-are-unique-to-peruvians/

Peruvian Slang Words

a su madre a common expression of surprise, often shortened to just asu! Despite the
presence of the word mother, the expression is not rude (but dont go experimenting
with mother expressions you could get in trouble).
achorado an aggresive or low living person (sometimes used to refer to
undesirable types from slum areas).
al toque right away, straight away. Bear in mind that right away, like maana, could
mean a few hours or a few weeks in Peru.
arrecho (a) to be horny, turned on (estar arrecho).
asado angry, irritated. Literally roast or roasting, so a visual expression.

bacn cool
bamba fake, imitation. You might hear this in Peruvian markets, where fake goods and
fake money are both in circulation.
blanca cocaine. Literally white.
brcoli a homosexual man. Originates from cabro (below): cabro, cabrcoli, brcoli.
brder friend, amigo (from the English brother)

cabro a homosexual or effeminate man.

calabaza stupid, empty headed.
calato naked.
causa a close friend.
cocho (a) an old person.
 cojudo (a) an idiot, dumbass.
conchudo shameless, rascal.
costilla girlfriend. Literally rib, a reference to the creation of Eve from Adams rib.

chamba work, employment.

chancha a collection of money between friends, normally to pay for beer. A whip-round
(read more about drinking beer in Peru).
chato short, used to describe a person (often used as a nickname).
charapa the charapa (Podocnemis expansa) is a species of turtle found in the Peruvian
Amazon region. The term charapa is used to refer to Peruvians from the jungle regions
(generally derogatory, offensive if used in an aggressive or mocking manner).
chongo whorehouse, brothel.
chela a beer. The standard invitation is to go drink un par de chelas (a couple of
beers); this normally turns into eight or more and you may find yourself cheleando all
night long (find out which Peruvian beer is the best).
chvere cool, great, awesome (like bacn)
chibolo a young person, generally in their teens.
chibolero a man who dates girls much younger than himself.
choche (also chochera) friend.
choro a thief.
chupar to drink alcohol. Literally to suck, like sucking on a beer.
churro an attractive or handsome man.

doble filo bisexual. Literally double edged.

fercho chauffer, driver (an example of syllable reversal in Peruvian slang: chofer
becomes fercho).
figureti a poser, show-off.
flaco (a) boyfriend or girlfriend (lit. skinny).
florear to lie, flatter or exaggerate, usually with the aim of getting something (a floro
would be a type of lie)
fuiste gone, the moment has passed, missed opportunity. Ya fuiste!
fumn pot smoker.

germa a girl or girlfriend.

grone black, or a black-skinned person. An example of Peruvian slang where the order
of the syllables has been reversed: negro = grone. You may see this used in graffiti,
where Zona Grone means Black Zone, an Alianza Lima football fan tag.

huachimn watchman (from the English word). A huachimn in Peru is a private

security guard, often one who patrols a specific street or block at night.
huasca the state of being drunk, wasted, or otherwise shitfaced (Cmo vas a manejar
si ests huasca?). Not to be confused with Huascar, which is an Inca ruler, the name of
Miguel Graus ship, and a bar in Tarapoto)
 jale a persons attractiveness or sex-appeal. Literally a persons pull: the ability to
draw in the opposite sex.
jama food (jamear to eat).
jato house.
jugador(a) a player, womaniser, promiscuous person.

lechero a lucky or fortunate person.

luca one Peruvian Nuevo Sol (mil lucas = 1,000 soles).

mamacita hot or sexy woman. Literally little mama, its not the most romantic
expression, more an Oh boy, check out that mamacita! kind of thing.
maoso a slime bag, a person who is over familiar with women (often in a physical,
touchy-feely way).
mircoles literally Wednesday, but used instead of mierda (shit).
misio poor, broke.
monse stupid, dim-witted, slow.

paja cool, awesome (like chvere).

pajear to masturbate (a pajero would therefore be a you know).
papaya used to refer to the female sexual organ.
pata guy. Used informally to refer to almost anyone. If there is a possessive involved
(such as mi pata, tu pata) it refers to a friend (my friend, your friend).
pendejo (a) a sly, sharp, but generally untrustworthy person.
pichanga an informal football kick-around amongst friends.
pia bad luck.
pituco a wealthy person (typically implies a rich, arrogant, snobbish person). Read
more about pitucos at Streets of Lima.
por las puras to do something for nothing, no reason, a waste of time.
profe short for professor, often used by Peruvian street vendors, shoe-shine guys etc
to get the attention of well-dressed, business-like people walking down the street. Its
friendly and not disrespectful.
pucha used instead of the much stronger puta (bitch or whore), as an expression
of disgust, distaste, surprise, relief etc, not literally (and not in reference to a particular
person). The origin of the word is disputed (see comments below).

roche shame. Que roche! (What a shame!)

suzuki dirty. A play on sucio, the Spanish word for dirty.

tombo a policeman.
tonear to party, to dance (tono a party)

yapa the extra (when you finish a glass of fruit juice, the vendor may top it up with the
yapa, or extra, that remains in the jug).
General

yes s

no no

thank you gracias

youre welcome de nada

okay est bien

please por favor

Excuse me (to get attention) Perdn! Por favor!

Excuse me (to get through a crowd) Permiso!

Excuse me (sorry) Perdneme

Wait a minute! Un momento!

Can you help me? Me puede ayudar?

Do you speak English? (formal) Habla ingls?

Please speak more slowly Hable ms despacio, por favor

Could you repeat that please Podra repetrmelo, por favor?

I (dont) understand (No) entiendo

Show me the word in the book Mustreme la palabra en el libro

Im sorry Lo siento/Perdone

I dont know No lo se

No problem No hay problema

Where is...? Dnde est...?

I am looking for... Estoy buscando

Thats it Ese es

Here it is Aqu est

There it is All est

Lets go Vmonos

At what time? A qu hora?

late tarde

early temprano

yesterday ayer

today hoy

tomorrow maana

Hello Hola!

good morning buenos das

good afternoon buenas tardes

welcome bienvenido

How are you? (formal/informal) Cmo est?/Qu tal?

Very well Muy bien

And you? (formal/informal) Y usted?/Y t?

What is your name? Como se llama?

My name is... Me llamo...

Mr/Miss/Mrs Seor/Seorita/Seora

Pleased to meet you Mucho gusto!

I am British/American Soy britnico(a)/norteamericano(a)

See you tomorrow Hasta maana

See you soon Hasta pronto

See you later Hasta luego

goodbye adis

good night buenas noches

Arrival and departure

airport aeropuerto

airline lnea area

flight vuelo

arrivals llegadas

departures salidas

connection conexin

customs and immigration aduana y migraciones

travel/tour agency agencia de viajes/de turismo

ticket boleto pasaje

I would like to purchase a ticket for Quisiera comprar un boleto (pasaje) para

When is the next/last flight/departure for? Cundo es el prximo/ltimo vuelo/para?

How long is the flight? Cunto tiempo dura el vuelo?

What time do I have to be at the airport? A qu hora tengo que estar en el aeropuerto?

Is the tax included? Se incluye el impuesto?

What is included in the price? Qu est incluido en el precio?

departure tax el impuesto de salida

I would like a seat in first class/business class/tourist class Quisiera un asiento en primera
clase/ejecutivo/clase de turista

I need to change my ticket Necesito cambiar mi boleto

lost-luggage office oficina de reclamos

on time a tiempo

late atrasado

Money and banking

money dinero

credit card tarjeta de crdito

bank banco

cash machine/atm cajero automtico

currency exchange bureau casa de cambio

Id like to change some dollars/pounds into soles Quisiera cambiar unos dlares/libras
esterlinas por soles

Id like to change some travelers cheques Quisiera cambiar unos cheques de viajero

What is the exchange rate? Cul es la tasa de cambio?

How much commission do you charge? Cul es la comisin?

Transport

luggage, bag(s) equipaje, valija(s)

bus colectivo (urban), micro (long distance)

bus stop parada (de colectivo/micro)

bus terminal terminal de pasajeros

first class primera clase

second class segunda clase

tourist class clase de turista

one-way ticket boleto de ida

round-trip, return ticket boleto de ida y vuelta

What time does the bus/boat/ferry [leave/return?] A qu hora [sale/regresa] el autobs/la
lancha/el ferry?

Which is the stop closest to? Cul es la parada ms cerca de...?

Is this seat taken? Est ocupado este asiento?

Could you please advise me when

we reach/the stop for? Por favor, puede avisarme cuando llegamos a/a la parada para?

Is this the stop for? Es sta la parada para?

Next stop please La prxima parada, por favor

subway metro/subterrneo

train station estacin de tren

platform el andn

sleeping car coche cama

taxi taxi

car coche/automvil

car rental alquiler de coche

dock for small boats/large boats embarcadero/muelle

ferry ferry

sailboat velero

yacht yate

ship barco

Accommodation

Do you have a vacant room? Tiene una habitacin disponible?

I have a reservation Tengo una reserva

Id like Quisiera
a single/double (with double bed)/

a room with twin beds una habitacin individual (sencilla)/una habitacin matrimonial/una
habitacin doble

for one night/two nights por una noche/dos noches

with a sea view con vista al mar

Does the room have a private bathroom or shared bathroom? Tiene la habitacin bao
privado o bao compartido?

Does it have hot water? Tiene agua caliente?

Could you show me another room,

please? Puede mostrarme otra habitacin, por favor?

What time do you close (lock) the doors? A qu hora se cierran las puertas?

I would like to change rooms Quisiera cambiar la habitacin

How much is it? Cunto cuesta?/Cunto sale?

Do you accept credit cards/travelers checks/dollars?

Se aceptan tarjetas de crdito/ cheques de viajeros/dlares?

What time is breakfast/

lunch/dinner? A qu hora es el desayuno/el almuerzo/la cena?

Please wake me at Por favor despertarme a

Come in! Pase!/Adelante!

Id like to pay the bill now, please Quisiera cancelar la cuenta ahora, por favor

Emergencies

Help! Socorro! Auxilio!

Stop! Pare!

Watch out! Cuidado! Ojo!

Ive had an accident He tenido un accidente/Sufr un accidente

Call a doctor Llame a un mdico

Call an ambulance Llame una ambulancia

Call the Llame a

police la polica (for minor accidents)

transit police la polica de trnsito (for traffic accidents)

the fire brigade los bomberos

This is an emergency, where is a telephone? Esto es una emergencia. Dnde hay un telfono?

Where is the nearest hospital? Dnde queda el hospital ms cercano?

I want to report an assault/a robbery Quisiera reportar un asalto/un robo

Thank you very much for your help Muchsimas gracias por su ayuda

Health
shift duty pharmacy farmacia de turno

hospital/clinic hospital/clnica

I need a doctor/dentist Necesito un mdico/dentista (odontlogo)

I dont feel well Me siento mal

I am sick Estoy enfermo(a)

It hurts here Duele aqu

I have a headache/stomachache/cramps Tengo dolor de cabeza/de estmago/de vientre

I feel dizzy Me siento mareado(a)

Do you have (something for)? Tiene (algo para)?

cold resfro

flu gripe

cough tos
sore throat dolor de gargantua

diarrhea diarrea

constipation estreimiento

fever fiebre

heartburn acidez

aspirin aspirina

antiseptic cream crema antisptica

insect/mosquito bites picaduras de insectos/mosquitos

insect repellent repelente contra insectos

sun block bloqueador solar

toothpaste pasta de dientes

toilet paper papel higinico

tampons tampones

condoms condones

Eating out

Id like to book a table Quisiera reservar una mesa, por favor

Do you have a table for? Tiene una mesa para?

breakfast desayuno

lunch almuerzo

dinner cena

Im a vegetarian Soy vegetariano(a)

May we have the menu? Puede traernos la carta/el men?

wine list la carta de vinos

What would you recommend? Qu recomienda?

fixed-price menu el men fijo

special of the day plato del da/sugerencia del chef

waiter mozo

What would you like to drink? Qu quiere tomar?

a bottle of... una botella de...

a glass of... un vaso/una copa de...

Is service included? Incluye el servicio?