In this guide we include some of the most used expressions by Chileans, their definition and tone to be able to start a conversation like a Chilean.
- Al tiro: Means immediately, right now. "Voy al tiro" is equivalent to "I'm going right away".
- Cachai: Expression used at the end of a sentence to confirm if the other person understands. Similar to "¿me entiendes?" or "¿ ¿sabes?".
- Po / Poh: A particle with no literal meaning, but very common in Chilean speech. It is used to emphasize, for example: "Sí, po" or "No, poh".
- Pololo/a / Pololear: "Pololo" or "polola" is the boyfriend or girlfriend. "Pololear" means to have a loving relationship without being married.
- Fome: Something boring, unfunny or uninteresting. "The movie was fome".
- Bacán: Something very good, great or that causes enthusiasm. "Your idea is cool.
- Carrete / Carretear: Party or social gathering. "Carretear" is to go out partying or having a good time with friends.
- Cuático/a: Someone or something exaggerated, complicated or intense. "You got cuático for nothing".
- Andar pato: To be without money. "I can't go out, I'm walking duck this month".
- Weón / Weona: Word widely used in Chile; it can mean "friend", "guy" or "fool", depending on the context and tone.
Chilean Spanish is as diverse as its people. If you want to keep discovering more words, idioms and phrases that are part of the Chilean identity, we invite you to visit our website, where you will find a complete list to keep learning and connecting with this unique way of speaking.
