If you learn Spanish from books or apps, you might be surprised when you hear people speaking in Spain. Locals use a lot of informal words and expressions that do not always appear in textbooks. Learning some common Spanish slang will help you understand real conversations and sound more natural.
Below you’ll find some of the most common slang and informal expressions used in Spain, with simple explanations and practical examples.
Common Spanish Slang and Informal Expressions
Guay
Meaning: cool, great. This is one of the most common informal words in Spain.
Example:
La película está guay.
The movie is cool.
Tío / Tía
Meaning: guy, mate, person. Used very often when talking to friends. It does not mean uncle or aunt in this context.
Example:
Ese tío es muy simpático.
That guy is very nice.
Currar
Meaning: to work. Very common in daily conversations instead of trabajar.
Example:
Trabajo mucho, pero hoy no curro.
I work a lot, but today I am not working.
Pasta
Meaning: money. Informal way to talk about money.
Example:
No tengo pasta para salir hoy.
I don’t have money to go out today.
Molar
Meaning: to like (a lot). Stronger and more informal than ‘gustar’.
Example:
Me mola este sitio.
I really like this place.
Flipar
Meaning: to be surprised, amazed. Often used when something is shocking or impressive.
Example:
Flipé con el concierto.
I was amazed by the concert.
Qué fuerte
Meaning: unbelievable, shocking. Used to react to surprising news.
Example:
Qué fuerte lo que pasó ayer.
What happened yesterday is unbelievable.
Very Common expressions used in Spanish language
Pasarlo bien
Meaning: to have a good time. Very common expression in Spain.
Example:
Lo pasamos muy bien en la fiesta.
We had a great time at the party.
Vale
Meaning: okay, alright. Used in many situations, you’ll hear it in most conversations.
Example:
Vale, nos vemos luego.
Okay, see you later.
Ni idea
Meaning: no idea. Used when you really do not know something.
Example:
Ni idea de dónde está.
No idea where it is.
No pasa nada
Meaning: it’s fine, no problem. Used to calm situations or respond politely.
Example:
No pasa nada, llegamos tarde.
It’s fine, we arrived late.
Majo / Maja
Meaning: nice, kind, friendly. Very common in Spain, especially to describe people.
Example:
El camarero es muy majo.
The waiter is very nice.
Estar hecho polvo
Meaning: to be exhausted. Used when you are very tired.
Example:
Estoy hecho polvo después del trabajo.
I’m exhausted after work.
Dar igual
Meaning: it doesn’t matter. It is a very informal expression, to avoid in professional situations.
Example:
Me da igual la hora.
It doesn’t matter to me what time it is.
En plan
Meaning: like, kind of. Very common filler expression, especially among young people.
Example:
Estaba en plan cansado y me fui.
I was kind of tired and I left.
If you want to keep improving your Spanish, expand your vocabulary with this guide of everyday sentences.