After several months traveling through Spanish-speaking countries, my good friend Robert proudly told me: “I feel more confident than ever with my Spanish. I was in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador, talked to locals, and understood everything without a problem. Now I'm heading to Chile.” I congratulated him on his progress but couldn't help warning him with a smile: “Get ready, because the Chilean accent is one of the most authentic... and also one of the most challenging.” Robert laughed, sure I was exaggerating.
However, upon his return, his expression said it all. With a mix of surprise and resignation, he confessed: “You were right. I didn't understand a thing.”
Come along! Today we'll travel to Chile to discover its unique Spanish and understand why even native Spanish speakers can feel lost. We'll learn some Chilean expressions so that, when you hear them, you won't end up like Robert. Let's go!
Cachai: the king of Chilean expressions
If you ever visit Chile, you'll notice that "Cachai" is one of those words you hear every single day. This word comes from the verb “cachar,” which in Chile means to understand or realize. Here are some examples:
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Voy a la tienda y regreso, ¿cachai? (I'm going to the store and coming back, you know?)
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Sí, caché lo que dijiste. (Yes, I understood what you said.)
Now you know! Use "cachai" in your next chat with a Chilean and impress them with your fluency.
Chilean Spanish: What makes it so complicated?
While every Spanish-speaking accent has its essence, the Chilean accent has a unique touch that makes it interesting and, at times, a bit challenging—even for native Spanish speakers! Here are some of its characteristics:
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They speak fast: If you hear a Chilean speaking at full speed, don't be alarmed. It's not that they're in a hurry; it's just their natural way of communicating: rapid words, almost without pauses. Fascinating, right?
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They omit letters: Omitting letters is common in several Spanish-speaking countries, but in Chile, it's even more noticeable. Words like “para” are shortened to “pa” and “está” becomes “ta.” Examples:
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Me voy pa la casa (I'm going home)
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Ta aburrida la fiesta (The party is boring)
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They have their own slang: Unlike words like "chela," which is used in several countries to mean beer, there are Chilean expressions so unique that you'll only understand them in Chile. For example, "pololo," which in Chile means boyfriend, but elsewhere might leave people puzzled.
With its speed and unique vocabulary, Chilean Spanish can be a challenge at first, but that's precisely what makes it special. Instead of getting frustrated, take it as a fun challenge. Embrace the opportunity and sharpen your ear by listening to it!
Exploring Chilean expressions: A unique language
Ready to learn some of the most emblematic Chilean expressions? There are several! Each contributes to making their Spanish a unique mix of speed, humor, and creativity. Pay attention!
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Pololo / polola: Boyfriend or girlfriend. Example:
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Ayer fui con mi polola al cine. (Yesterday I went to the movies with my girlfriend.)
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Weón / weóna: Be careful with this word! It can be both a harmless way to call a friend and an insult:
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For friends: ¡Weón, te felicito! Sabía que lo lograrías. (Dude, congratulations! I knew you'd make it.)
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As an insult: Esa weóna me cae mal. (I don't like that girl.)
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Al tiro: “Al tiro” means immediately or right away. Example:
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Voy al tiro. (I'm going right now.)
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Fome: Something boring. Example:
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No seas fome, ¡vamos a la fiesta! (Don't be boring, let's go to the party!)
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There you have it! What did you think of these Chilean expressions? Interesting, right? Practice them, and the next time a Chilean tells you: "No lo sé, weón, voy al tiro a la fiesta con mi polola, pero si está fome, me devuelvo, ¿cachai?" (I don't know, dude, I'm going right away to the party with my girlfriend, but if it's boring, I'll come back, you know?) you'll understand it like a native!
Tips to improve your understanding of Chilean Spanish
The Chilean accent can be a bit harder to understand than other Spanish-speaking accents, but mastering it feels like unlocking a new level in Spanish. Here are some ideas:
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Visit Chile: Of course, what better way to understand how Chileans speak than by visiting their country? If you have the opportunity, don't miss it!
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Consume Chilean content: Watch series, listen to podcasts, and follow Chilean YouTubers. Not only is it entertaining, but you'll also familiarize yourself with the Chilean accent while adding a couple of Chilean expressions to your collection.
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Listen to Chilean music: Remember that music can be an excellent ally in language learning. Here are some Chilean artists:
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Mon Laferte (pop ballads)
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Cris MJ (reggaeton)
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Los Bunkers (rock/alternative)
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Social media: Memes are a fun way to learn to speak Chilean. If you follow some Chilean accounts on your social networks, you'll not only come across typical phrases but also discover Chilean humor, which will help you better understand their way of communicating!
Chilean Spanish, an adventure worth experiencing!
And there you have it! The Chilean accent is a true treasure. With its speed and unique vocabulary, it might seem like a challenge at first, but as you've seen, those characteristics are what make it so fascinating and authentic. Don't worry if it's hard to understand at first; the more you practice and expose yourself to it, the easier it will be to get used to its rapid pace and peculiar vocabulary. Keep learning and enjoying the process! See you on the next linguistic adventure! ¿Cachai?
