[ad_1]
Cada vez que ríes, un clavo es removido de tu ataúd. (Each time you chortle, a nail is eliminated out of your coffin.) — Honduran proverb
Sounds just like the folks of Honduras are fairly the joyful bunch!
It’s actually true that this stunning Central American nation is commonly ignored. When you know the place to go, it’s a spot that can provide guests a lot to smile about.
So whether or not you’re planning a visit or simply wish to increase your Spanish horizons, you may brush up on some Honduran Spanish proper right here on this put up.
Let’s start!
Contents
Obtain:
This weblog put up is out there as a handy and moveable PDF that you simply
can take wherever.
Click on right here to get a duplicate. (Obtain)
An Transient Overview of Honduran Spanish
Spanish is the one official language of Honduras. This Central American nation is dwelling to greater than 9.4 million folks, the overwhelming majority of whom communicate Spanish as a local language.
Like different close by nations, Honduran language and tradition retain influences from the Mayan folks who’ve lengthy occupied the world. Indigenous languages, together with Garifuna and Miskito, are additionally nonetheless spoken there.
Hondurans use the voseo type of verb conjugation slightly than the tuteo kind most of us are conversant in. This merely implies that vos (you) takes the place of the second individual pronoun tu (you). A number of different international locations use this conjugation variance as nicely, most notably Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.
One other very notable facet of Honduran Spanish is the tendency to pronounce the letter “s” as an “h.” So the phrase semana (week) would sound like hemana as an alternative! You may watch this video on the Lifey channel to listen to extra about this.
What else are you able to anticipate to listen to in Honduras? Slang—and many it! You may take heed to Spanish instructor Elizabeth discuss this right here.
The phrase for Honduran slang is caliche. It’s additionally the time period used for slang in another international locations, like Guatemala and El Salvador.
Now let’s check out some caliche and customary Honduran Spanish phrases to actually dive into the tradition of Honduras.
Widespread Phrases and Phrases in Honduras
1. Catracho/a
Catracho or catracha is synonymous with the time period “Honduran.” The right time period for a Honduran individual is Hondureños however locals desire and use this time period.
Keep in mind, Spanish has each masculine and female types so catracho refers to a male whereas catracha references a feminine.
So a neighborhood man would possibly say, “Yo soy catracho.” (“I’m Honduran.”)
2. Eso es harina de otro costal
“That’s flour from one other sack” is the literal translation—however nobody’s speaking about baked items once they say this!
In native dialog, this phrase means “that’s one other matter.”
In search of a method out of answering a query or explaining a non-public state of affairs? Simply shrug and say, “Eso es harina de otro costal.” It ought to do the trick!
3. Pisto
Pisto is a slang time period that’s additionally utilized in a number of different spots, like Guatemala and El Salvador, to casually reference dinero (cash).
When you’re looking some high-end outlets, the value tags would possibly exceed your journey finances. In that case, they’re speaking pisto loco (loopy cash) which implies—you guessed it—some huge cash!
Right here’s one other enjoyable reality about this phrase: In Mexico, pisto is a slang time period that may discuss with beer.
4. Alero/a
“Shut pal” by no means sounded as fairly because it does whenever you use this Honduran phrase.
Calling somebody your alero (or alera for ladies) is like saying they’re your BFF. It’s a time period of endearment that signifies a cherished relationship.
Who is aware of? You might go solo to Honduras and get so cozy with the locals that you simply’ll discover somebody to name your individual alero! In spite of everything, everybody wants a greatest pal.
When you do, you may shout it to the world like this: “¡Tengo un nuevo alero!” (“I’ve a brand new greatest pal!”)
5. ¡Vaya pues!
This quick phrase actually interprets to “Go, then!”
It’s not meant to chase anybody away, although, however slightly used to point honest settlement or to finish conversations. It’s just about like saying, “Okay! Bye!”
In reality, it’s used so usually in Honduran Spanish that there’s even a tune titled “Vaya Pues.”
6. Chucho/a
The Honduran slang time period for “canine” sounds so pleasant, doesn’t it?
Positive, you’ll hear perro (canine) utilized in dialog too, but when somebody refers to their chucho you’ll know they’ve obtained a fuzzy companion.
There are different international locations that favor this phrase, too—Spain and a few Central American international locations additionally give their canines this candy moniker.
Watch out, although: In different Latin American international locations, reminiscent of Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Panama and Mexico, chucha is a slang time period for the feminine girl bits, which might be not what you wish to name your canine. Context is all the pieces!
7. Guaro
This phrase refers to an affordable alcoholic drink comprised of sugarcane. It’s considerably similar to white rum and could also be consumed by itself or in varied cocktails.
In Honduras and different Central American international locations, guaro will also be used as slang for any low cost, sturdy liquor or alcoholic beverage.
8. Pulpería
A pulpería is a small retailer or store that sells on a regular basis gadgets like meals staples, canned items, toiletries and different primary provisions.
Initially discovered solely in rural areas, these comfort shops had been a spot the place folks may purchase important items with out touring lengthy distances to bigger supermarkets.
Pulperías had been usually run by a neighborhood household and likewise served as a neighborhood gathering spot for locals to talk and socialize. In modern-day city settings, a Honduran pulpería is one thing like a New York Metropolis bodega.
9. ¡Púchica!
This delicate exclamation is the gentler model of a extra specific curse phrase. It may be used to specific shock, frustration or disappointment.
If a Honduran says, “¡Púchica!” it’s mainly like saying “Rattling!” and even “Oh, shoot!”
10. Cipote
A colloquial strategy to discuss with a baby (particularly a boy), cipote is an affectionate Honduran time period very like “child” or “baby.”
A phrase of warning: In some areas, notably Spain, this time period is a vulgar strategy to reference the male genital organ. Realizing your viewers and being conscious of context is (as all the time) very important!
11. Chineado/a
In Honduras, this time period is commonly used to imply “pampered,” a lot as a cipote could be by his dad and mom!
Once more, be aware that in different areas this phrase can imply “screwed” or discuss with somebody who’s infatuated or obsessive about another person.
Why Study Honduran Spanish?
Even should you already know Spanish nicely, you may all the time profit from studying extra!
For example, you could be planning to journey to Honduras. Realizing the way to communicate Spanish is a good begin, however studying regional phrases and expressions will assist immerse you extra totally within the tradition.
Plus, native idioms are enjoyable! Typically foolish, typically barely off-color, they inform lots about how laid-back or inviting the locals are.
Studying Honduran phrases may also assist endear you to the locals and make for extra nice conversations. Every time I journey to a brand new nation I attempt to use some native phrases as icebreakers and, consider me, the folks I meet all the time respect the trouble.
This not solely will increase your odds of creating associates but additionally facilitates world understanding and connection by way of communication.
For instance: I used to be so intrigued by the nation whereas scripting this put up that I interviewed a Honduran pal for info. Yep—I’ve by no means been to Honduras!
I’ve discovered lots simply by being inquisitive about Honduran Spanish, although. My pal taught me certainly one of his favourite expressions, handed down from his Honduran grandmother, meaning one shouldn’t hesitate to make the most of alternatives:
Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente. (A shrimp that goes to sleep is carried away by the present.)
So you probably have a possibility to be taught extra Honduran Spanish and even go to Honduras—take it.
You wouldn’t wish to be swept away just like the sleeping shrimp!
Obtain:
This weblog put up is out there as a handy and moveable PDF that you simply
can take wherever.
Click on right here to get a duplicate. (Obtain)
[ad_2]