Paraguayan slang terms are phrases and terms commonly used among locals in Paraguay.
Before traveling to the country, having a basic understanding of common phrases, quick hits, and old stand-by sayings will make communication much easier on the ground.
For English speakers, learning some slang words is useful for daily communication in markets, bars, and restaurants.
Even though it is more common to see slang in spoken language it does appear in the written language in Paraguayan Spanish on occasion, among younger generations. These slang terms are unique from what you’d hear spoken in Argentina, Venezuela, and elsewhere in Latin America.
If you’re traveling to other countries throughout South America, check out our Spanish slang guides, a collection of basic slang for different Spanish-speaking countries.
This is how Paraguayans refer to the local Guarani language.
For example:
La mayoría de los paraguayos hablan español y jopará. — The majority of Paraguayans speak Spanish and Jopará.
Hot weather. You’ll hear this used as a descriptor, or simply as an expression such as the example below.
For example:
Haku! — It’s really hot!
A type of bread made from mandioca starch and Paraguay’s cheese.
For example:
La chipa está muy buena. — This bread is really good.
This term means it’s all good, chill out, relax, don’t worry, or everything is going to work out. Equivalent to “hakuna matata” in Lion King.
For example:
Se nos hace tarde… ¡Tranquilopa! — We are running late… Don’t worry!
Cold herbal drink, considered the national beverage.
For example:
¿Te gustó el terere? — Did you like the terere?
Gossip or rumor, used in casual conversation among friends and family.
For example:
Se corrió el chisme de que llegaron los gringos. — There was a rumor that the Americans arrived.
A friendly way of saying Hello! People may say this to you straight away, or they might not use the term until they’ve gotten to know you a little bit. Either way, you can adopt it into your vocabulary straightaway.
For example:
¿Qué tal? ¿Un café? — Hello! Coffee?
Farewell in guarani. This word is very common among people who know each other well, such as friends and family.
For example:
¡Ahata-ayu! — Good bye, I am going to leave and return.
This is how Paraguayans casually say “My friend.” They say it directly to a person, or when discussing that person with someone else.
For example:
Listo, chera’a. — Ready, my friend.
A hard-working person, guapo is for him and guapa is for her. If someone calls you a “guapo” in Paraguay, you’re on their good side!
For example:
Mi hermano es guapo. — My brother is hard worker.
Expand your Spanish vocabulary beyond slang terms before your trip to Paraguay, and have a better trip for the effort. Learn more about how to talk like a true local by starting with our Spanish Survival Crash Course.
Each day for six days, we’ll send e-books and audio lessons directly to your inbox to help you get a basic foundation for the language, FREE!
Let's connect you with a hand-picked native-speaking tutor today.