L​ike with any language and culture, using a uniquely Spanish phrase or expression will go a long way to earning you respect from the local inhabitants. Spaniards are proud of their language, and much of their social bonding comes from the way they use such phrases. Although I can’t make you fluent in Spanish in one article, I can give you a few expressions to help you steal a laugh or an impressed smirk from those around you.

Here are my eight favorite phrases that set Spaniards apart (warning: this may contain expletives).

1​. Vale

P​ronounced like the English word “ballet”, this word is omnipresent in Spain. It translates literally as “okay”, but it’s so much more than that. As with many expressions in Spanish, it’s not the meaning but the spirit with which it’s said, gives it context. You may hear it as a solo word, but more often than not it’s spat out in a stream of passionate repetition.

I​n order to truly understand this word in all its uses, one must think in a Spanish way. Spaniards are a very direct and communicative people. And though it might sound strange or unnecessary to us, when one says “vale, vale, vale, vale, vale,” it’s showing the other person that they are attentive and that they understand and empathize with what the other is saying.

A​nd besides… it’s super fun to try to say it four or five times you in one second like they do!

2​. TÍo/tÍa

“T​Ío” literally translates to “uncle” and “tÍa” to “aunt”, and in North and South America, it’s used in the same way we would use “uncle”. However, in Spain, the word “tÍo” is used more akin to the English colloquialism “bro”. This word mirrors the Spanish closeness and community, as everyone in Spain is a “tÍo/tÍa”, even if you’ve only just met.

Funnily enough, given the influence American/British culture has had on Spain this decade, “hip” Spaniards are beginning to jokingly replace “tÍo” with the actual English word “bro”. But as an expatriate, using “tÍo” is a great way to make someone feel comfortable with you or share a laugh with you.

D​isclaimer: This is casual. Do not say this to your boss or an elderly Spaniard.

3. Es que

S​paniards love, love, love explaining themselves. “Es que” translates to English as “it’s (be)cause,”. Just like we do in English with “cause”, Spanish speakers — and Spaniards even more than the rest of the Spanish speaking world — leave out the “por” from “porque”.

I​n general, if you ask a Spaniard a simple question, he or she will give you the “why” as a bonus. This is because Spanish people love being helpful, but they also love being clear. If there’s any doubt, they will clarify the meaning using “es que…” followed by whatever extra information might be lacking.

S​panish humor is self-aware and self-criticizing, and it’s a common joke amongst Spaniards to make fun of how much they use the “es que” phrase. Feel free to overuse it yourself lightheartedly, they will certainly appreciate the humor!

4​. Pues

“P​ues” is what I call the Spanish “holy grail” of filler words. Best compared to “well”, in English, Spaniards will often give a “puesssss, es queeeee” before continuing their conversation. It’s a way for them to gather their thoughts while mid-conversation.

T​his can be super useful for you as well. As a foreign speaker, you will certainly need some time to think and translate in your head. Using “pues” as a filler word is a great way for you to keep the conversation natural while you find the right palabras.

5. O sea

“O sea” doesn’t translate too well to English, but Spaniards use it all the time. “O sea” literally means “or it is”, but a better comparison is the English filler words “I mean”.

Y​ou will often hear Spaniards say this when they feel stumped about what they want to say (especially when they speak English), or if they feel they misspoke and want to re-phrase a sentence.

A​gain, these are filler words, and though they might not mean much in reality, using them does go a long way in making your conversation feel authentically Spanish.

Like “pues”, this can transfer to South/North America as well!

6​. Venga

“V​enga” roughly translates to “come on” and is universally used in the Spanish-speaking world; but, like other words, Spaniards say it with more gusto.

W​hereas for us, saying “come on” to a stranger feels a bit strong or direct, in Spain it’s normal for one to use such imperatives casually. It can be used negatively, but most certainly in an encouraging way too. As scary as it might seem, feel free to use “venga” with people you meet if you are trying to encourage them to join you. For example, if you are trying to get them to follow you to a bar, don’t hesitate to push them a bit with a “venga!” or two.

7. Joder

Now, I’d avoid saying this near any cathedrals or churches, because we’re getting into the fun stuff here. One thing that might be strange to you at first, if you come from the USA or the UK, is how proud the Spanish are of their cursing arsenal. They love swearing, so much so that it’s even commonplace in work settings. Most Spaniards start swearing at around age eight, and swearing like sailors by age eleven or twelve. It’s culturally normal there, and if you are going to travel there, you must accept this is how they are.

And… if you want to blend in, you better start sailing yourself!

“Joder” translates pretty directly to “fuck”, but Spaniards give this word a certain flavor that we simply don’t do with “fuck”. When a Spaniard uses this, no matter the context, they use it with passion and flare, using a hard Arabic “ha” sound for the “j” and often giving the “r” a long, grisly roll. If you want to get some prearrival practice, watch a scene or two of La Casa de Papel and you’re bound to get a good “joder” or ten.

A​lso, as “joder” is technically a verb as well, you can use it flexibly. One common way to conjugate it is “estoy jodido”, meaning “I’m fucked”. Another common one is “no me jodas”, meaning “don’t fuck with me.”

P​s: if you are worried about sounding weird using their swear words, don’t. They LOVE hearing us English speakers try to say Spanish swear words.

8. Jilipollas.

“Jilipollas” is a lovely blend of “dumb ass” and “asshole.” It’s used a little more sparingly than “joder”, as “jilipollas” needs a worthy recipient. But when a situation arises where such word is apt, Spaniards take a genuine pleasure in both using and hearing it. As a foreign speaker, if you nail this word, you are guaranteed to earn a hard laugh and some respect from those around you.

If you enjoyed reading this article, or if it was helpful to you, please share it with anyone else who might find it useful. Safe travels, y disfruta las expressiones nuevas!