LANGUAGE

In Buenos Aires most locals speak Spanish and other language. As Buenos Aires is very international, many people also speak English and it is unlikely that you will be in a situation where you won't be able to communicate with someone. 

Hola (oh  lah) - Hello.

¿Cómo está? (coh moh es tah) or ¿Que tal? – How are you?

Por favor (por  fah vohr) – Please.

Gracias (grah cee ahs) – Thank you.

Encantado or Mucho gusto (moo choh goos toh) – Nice to meet you.

¿Hablas inglés? (ahblah een glays)? – Do you speak English?

Yo no hablo español (yoh no ahblo espan yohl) – I don’t speak Spanish.

Yo quiero, yo no quiero (yoh kee ayr oh,  yoh noh kee ayr oh) – I want, I don’t want.

¿Dónde está? (dohn des tah)  – Where is it?

¿Cuánto cuesta? (cwahn toh cways tah)? – How much does it cost?

¿Qué hora es? (kay orah ess)? –  What time is it?

Yo tengo, yo no tengo (yoh  tayn goh, yoh noh tayn goh) – I have, I don’t have.

Yo entiendo (yoh  ayn tee ayn doh) – I understand.

Yo no entiendo (yoh noh ayn tee ayn doh) – I don’t understand.

A la derecha ( a  lah day ray chah) – To the Right.

A la izquierda (ah  lah eez kee ayr dah) – To the Left.

En la esquina (a lah ays kee nah) – At the corner.

The rioplatense accent is common in the city of Buenos Aires. Here the people use the form “vos” instead of the “tú” form, and the Spanish double L and the “y” is pronounced like “sh” instead of the “y” sound heard in other Latin American countries.

Local terms to know:

🗣️ Everyday Expressions

• Che – Hey / Used to get someone’s attention.

• ¿Qué onda? – What’s up? / How’s it going?

• ¿Todo bien? – All good? (Common greeting)

• Dale – OK / Sure / Go ahead.

• Re (muy) – Super / Very (“re lindo”, “re fácil”).

• Boludo/a – Dude / Mate (friendly) OR idiot (depending on tone).

• ¡Qué quilombo! – What a mess! / Chaos.

• De una – Definitely / For sure.

🚕 Directions & City Life

• Colectivo – Bus.

• Subte – Subway / Metro.

• Bondi – Slang for bus.

• Calle / Cuadra – Street / Block.

• Plata / Guita – Money.

• Laburo – Work / Job.

• Macro / Microcentro – Downtown area.

🍽️ Food & Eating Out

• Parrilla – Steakhouse / BBQ.

• Asado – Argentine BBQ.

• Choripán – Chorizo sandwich.

• Facturas – Argentine pastries.

• Licuado – Fresh fruit smoothie.

• Picada – Snack platter with cheese, olives, ham, etc.

• Morfi – Slang for food.

• Sobremesa – Chatting at the table after eating.

🧉 Culture & Daily Life

• Mate – Traditional herbal drink (shared socially).

• Porteño/a – Someone from Buenos Aires City.

• Chamuyar – To flirt or persuade with smooth talk.

• Merienda – Afternoon snack (coffee + something sweet).

• Hincha – Football fan.

• Pibe / Piba – Kid / Guy / Girl.

• Mina – Girl (slang, informal).

🤑 Money & Shopping

• ¿Hay promo? – Is there a discount?

• Precios cuidados / oferta – Special price / sale.

• Changuito – Shopping cart.

🤙 Slang & Fun Words

• Posta – Really / For real.

• Mala onda / Buena onda – Bad vibe / Good vibe.

• Joda – Party OR joke (depending on context).

• Fiaca – Laziness / "I don't feel like it."

• Gros@ – Someone who is great / awesome.

• Re copado – Really cool.

⚽️ Football Essentials

• Cancha – Stadium / Field.

• Hincha – Supporter.

• Clásico – Big rivalry match (e.g., Boca vs. River).

• Golazo – Amazing goal.