Basic Glossary of Dominican Words
Dominican Spanish has its own rhythm. Sometimes we speak fast, cut words, invent expressions, and use tone to say more than it seems.
This glossary is a simple guide to start understanding Dominican words heard on the street, at home, in the colmado, in a social gathering, or in a conversation between friends.
Klk
Meaning: What’s up?, How are you?, What's happening?
Used as an informal greeting.
Example:
“Klk, everything good?”
Dímelo
Meaning: Tell me, what's up, how are you?
Also used as a greeting.
Example:
“Dímelo, mi hermano.”
Manito
Meaning: friend, brother, close person.
It's an affectionate way to address someone.
Example:
“Thanks, manito.”
Pana
Meaning: friend.
Very common in informal conversations.
Example:
“I'm going with a friend of mine.”
Jevi
Meaning: good, cool, pleasant.
Used when something is liked or is good.
Example:
“That place is cool.”
Chévere
Meaning: good, great, pleasant.
Example:
“Everything is great.”
Vaina
Meaning: thing, problem, situation, or matter.
It is one of the most used words in the Dominican Republic.
Example:
“Pass me that thing.”
Chin
Meaning: a little bit.
Example:
“Give me a little water.”
Tiguere
Meaning: clever, cunning, or street-smart person.
Can be positive or negative, depending on the tone.
Example:
“That guy is a tiguere.”
Coro
Meaning: group of friends, plan, or get-together.
Example:
“Let's go to a social gathering.”
Dominican Spanish 101: Quick Guide to Real Slang, Local Expressions & Everyday Dominican Speech for Travelers and Spanish Learners
Colmado
Meaning: neighborhood store.
It can also be a meeting point.
Example:
“I'm going to the colmado.”
Guagua
Meaning: bus or public transport.
Example:
“I'm taking the bus.”
Concho
Meaning: public car or route taxi.
Example:
“I took a concho to get there.”
Motoconcho
Meaning: motorcycle taxi.
Example:
“I went by motoconcho.”
Boche
Meaning: scolding.
Example:
“I got a scolding.”
Jumo
Meaning: drunkenness.
Example:
“He got drunk last night.”
Ñapa
Meaning: something extra given for free.
Example:
“Give me a little extra.”
Montro
Meaning: someone very good at something.
It's a form of praise.
Example:
“You're a master.”
Desacatao
Meaning: audacious, intense, or out of control.
Example:
“That boy is out of control.”
Yala
Meaning: expression of surprise.
Example:
“Wow! Did that really happen?”
Qué lo qué
Meaning: What's up, how are you?
It's a full way of saying “klk.”
Example:
“What's up, my people?”
Mi loco
Meaning: friend, pal, close person.
Used informally.
Example:
“Tell me, my man.”
Mi hermano
Meaning: friend or trusted person.
Does not always mean blood brother.
Example:
“Thanks, my brother.”
Vacano
Meaning: good, nice, excellent.
Example:
“That car is cool.”
Aperísimo
Meaning: very good, excellent.
Example:
“The activity was amazing.”
De una
Meaning: sure, quickly, no problem.
Example:
“See you there.”
“Sure thing.”
En olla
Meaning: broke or in a bad economic situation.
Example:
“I'm broke right now.”
Ta’ to
Meaning: it's fine, okay.
Quick way to say “everything is fine.”
Example:
“See you at 8.”
“Okay.”
Dale
Meaning: okay, alright, go ahead.
Example:
“Alright, see you now.”
Suave
Meaning: calm, no problem.
Example:
“We're good.”
Un lío
Meaning: problem or complicated situation.
Example:
“That was a mess.”
Muchacho
Meaning: young person, child, or person in general.
Also used to get someone's attention.
Example:
“Hey, come here.”
Jarto
Meaning: full of food or fed up with something.
Example:
“I'm full.”
“I'm fed up with waiting.”
Gozar
Meaning: to enjoy, to have a good time.
Example:
“Last night we had a lot of fun.”
Relajo
Meaning: joke, mess, or lack of seriousness.
Example:
“Don't take that as a joke.”
Chercha
Meaning: fun, banter, or relaxed atmosphere.
Example:
“That was a fun time.”
Pariguayo
Meaning: naive, slow, or someone who doesn't seize an opportunity.
Often used teasingly.
Example:
“Don't be a fool.”
Comparón
Meaning: someone who boasts too much.
Example:
“That guy is very boastful.”
Bultero
Meaning: someone who talks a lot, exaggerates, or pretends.
Example:
“Don't pay attention to him, he's a show-off.”
Lambón
Meaning: flattering or self-serving person.
Example:
“He's always brown-nosing.”
Chivo
Meaning: something suspicious or strange.
Example:
“That's fishy.”
Tigueraje
Meaning: cunning, street-smart, or resourceful attitude.
Example:
“That's street smarts.”
Fiebrú
Meaning: a very enthusiastic or intense fan of something.
Example:
“He's obsessed with cars.”
Aplatanao
Meaning: slow, relaxed, or unhurried.
Example:
“Today I'm taking it easy.”
Dar carpeta
Meaning: to bother, insist, or cause trouble.
Example:
“Stop causing trouble.”
Coger lucha
Meaning: to struggle or make things complicated.
Example:
“Today I struggled a lot.”
Dar muela
Meaning: to talk a lot to convince or flirt.
Example:
“That guy sweet-talks a lot.”
Estar quillao
Meaning: to be annoyed or angry.
Example:
“He's mad at me.”
Estar en eso
Meaning: to be on it or working on something.
Example:
“I'm on it.”
Ahora vengo
Meaning: I'll be back soon.
In the Dominican Republic, it can mean soon, later, or who knows when.
Example:
“I'm going to the colmado, I'll be right back.”
Why do these words matter?
Because Dominican Spanish cannot be understood by simply translating word for word. Many expressions depend on tone, familiarity, and context.
Learning these words helps to better understand real conversations in the Dominican Republic, especially if you are a traveler, foreigner, Dominican in the diaspora, or simply want to connect more with the culture.
