10 Latin American Words That Are Impossible to Translate

“Chido” from Mexico

Imagine something so cool, that the word "cool" just doesn’t cut it; you need something more. That’s “chido.” Whether it’s a killer party, an epic movie, or just a fantastic day, “chido” is the go-to word for Mexicans. We need a word like that in English, right?

“Guagua” from Chile, Ecuador and Peru

If you’ve ever met a baby that made you feel like the word “cute” wasn’t enough to describe them, “guagua” would be the Latin American term for that. It’s used in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru to describe exactly that, an extremely adorable baby, the kind of bundle of joy you can’t help but gush over. Next time you see a cute baby, just think “guagua.”

“Pana” from Venezuela

You know that friend who’s always there for you, the one you can rely on no matter what? In Venezuela, that’s your “pana.” It’s more than a friend; it’s a buddy, a pal, your go-to person, and you go way back. Sure, it’s used casually, like Americans use “bro,” but not anyone is a “pana.”

“Chévere” from Venezuela and Colombia

This word is a bit like “chido” but with its own flair. “Chévere” means something’s cool, great, or nice. It’s the perfect word for anything that just feels right. It’s a common response to “How are you?” and it’s also used as a confirmation, as in, “Okay, cool” or rather “Ok, chévere.”

“Jíbaro” from Puerto Rico

This one’s a bit tricky. “Jíbaro” is used in Puerto Rico to refer to a rural person, often someone who lives in the mountains. This term carries a sense of pride and tradition. It’s about being tough, self-reliant, and connected to the land, so it’s quite a compliment!

“Fome” from Chile

When something is incredibly boring, the kind of boring that makes you want to fall asleep standing up, Chileans call it “fome.” It’s the perfect word for a dull movie, or a tedious meeting, or anything that makes your brain kind of turn off.

“¡Aguas!” from Mexico

Literally means “waters,” but in Mexico, it’s a warning—something like “Watch out!” It’s the kind of quick warning you give someone who’s about to step into trouble either physically by, say, picking a fight, or mentally or emotionally by, say, starting a relationship with a person who’s bad news.

“Buena onda” from Argentina

If someone’s got a great vibe, they would be called “buena onda” in Argentina. It’s about having good energy, a positive attitude, and just making everyone around feel good. You can call people you love to be around “buena onda,” and it’s a great compliment.

“Despapaye” from Mexico

Life gets messy, and sometimes, it’s a delightful chaos. That’s what “despapaye” means—a big, fun, disorganized mess. Think of a party that’s gotten out of control but in the best way, that would be a “despapaye,” and we love those!

“Mijo/Mija” from Mexico

These terms are endearing combinations of “my” and “son/daughter” but they’re used affectionately for almost anyone who’s younger than you. It’s like saying “sweetie” or “honey.” It’s the word Mexican parents and grandparents use the most when they’re addressing their kids or grandkids.

There you have it! 10 Latin American words with no English translations that you can use in casual conversation. Next time you’re chatting with friends, you can whip some of these out. Language is all about having fun and connecting with others, after all.