What language do they speak in Cuba ?
The official language of the Republic of Cuba is Spanish, and thanks to the level of education of the population, its use is correct and rich in vocabulary and it is full of Cubanisms. In addition, a good part of the population speaks English and in the tourist sector workers also frequently speak German, French, Italian and Russian.
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Evolution of the Cuban Language
In Cuba the Spanish language has been enriched by the Indian language of the Tainos who inhabited the archipelago before the arrival of the Spanish, leaving words like batea, bohío, canoa, hammaca, tabaco, etc..
Cuban Language Today
If you already speak spanish, you must take into account that there are words that have different meanings between Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Some words have unexpected meanings.
This is the case, for example, of the word “Papaya”, which designates a fruit in Spain and other countries, whereas in Cuba it designates female genitalia. In Cuba this fruit is called “Fruta Bomba”.
On the other hand, the expression “vale”, which in Spain means “OK”, which everyone uses, is very negative in Cuba, since it is the equivalent of “that’s enough” and is therefore to be avoided.
Cuban Slang
Next, you will find a list of Cuban words that are very useful for communication:
- Carro: Car.
- Tick: Trailer.
- Máquina: American car 50’s.
- Guagua: Bus.
- Chófer: Driver.
- Hacer la botella: Hitchhiking.
- Pomo: Bottle.
- Pique: Stop.
- Entronque: Crossroads.
- Ochovía: Highway.
- Parqueo: Parking.
- Gomas: Car routes.
- Timón: Steering wheel.
- Gallegos: Spaniards
- Pepes: Foreigners.
- Quedarse botado: He stands you up.
- Carpeta: Reception.
- Vaucher: Entrance/Hall.
- Fula: Dollar.
- Tomar: Drink.
- Pájaro/pajarillo: Gay.
- Trusa: Bathing suit.
- Cholo: Pants/jeans.
- Bohío: Cottage.
- Fajarse: Fighting.
- Guajiro: Peasant.
- Jinetera: Prostitute.
- Jinetero: Thieves / pick pockets.
- Bola: Gossip.
- Pelota: Baseball.
- Pila: Faucet.
- Baterías: Batteries.
- Paladar: Catering service
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