One of the wonders of this world is the infinite number of languages that are spoken. One of the key differences that you will notice each time you visit a foreign land is the native language that is spoken there. The same goes for Panama as well, as only fourteen percent of the population speak English there, so it is best that you brush up on some basic Spanish words.
What Are The Languages Spoken In Panama?
The official language of Panama is Spanish, but most of the population knows some English as well. You can consider it a second language. In addition to these two, twelve other languages are spoken there. As Panama is also home to indigenous groups, each of the seven native groups speaks a different tongue.
Though they speak Spanish, it varies slightly from the one spoken in Spain. Hence, people often term it as Panamanian Spanish. This type of Spanish is common in Central American coastal countries like Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. In Panama City, people speak Spanish mixed with English called ‘Spanglish’. English is used nowadays as a medium of instruction in some schools and as a second language as well.
In addition to English, Panamanian Spanish is influenced by native languages like the Kuna and Ngabere languages.
Castilian Spanish vs Panamanian Spanish
Castilian Spanish is the original version that is spoken in Spain. If you speak regular Spanish or picked it up as a second language, then don’t be alarmed when you hear a different version being spoken here. Spanish is widely spoken in at least thirty countries, the majority of which were former colonies of Spain. However, they each have a slightly different version due to the influence of native tongues as well.
- The main difference between the two versions of Spanish is that the people here pronounce the letters c and z as s.
- They tend to cut out the last syllable often, especially the ‘s’. For example, Vamos, which means ‘Come on’ or ‘Let’s go’, will be pronounced as ‘vamo’.
- The ‘ch’ is sometimes pronounced as ‘sh’.
Why Should You Learn Spanish?
‘When in Rome do what Romans do’. All of us have heard this phrase many times and as you will be visiting Panama, it would be great if you could master a few basic words to try and blend in with the local culture. As mentioned, only a portion of the people speak English so it is essential to learn a few phrases that will surely help you when visiting remote places or while simply ordering food. You would not want the waiter messing up your order, would you? So here are a few basic words and phrases to help you out during your stay here.
Common Words And Phrases
Buenas, Hola – These are two very common words you will keep hearing throughout your trip. They are like ‘hello’ in English and they are the most common form of greeting.
Adios, Ciao – Yes, you guessed it! These words mean ‘goodbye’.
Por Favor – It means ‘please’ and make sure you throw in this word often to be polite.
Gracias – It means ‘thank you’ and use this word often as well, especially when people help you out or at shops and restaurants.
Lo Siento – It means ‘I am sorry’. If you have offended anyone or trespassed by mistake, ‘lo siento’ is your ticket out.
Mucho Gusto – ‘Pleased to meet you’. If you are looking to build a good relationship with your landlady or tour guide, ‘mucho gusto’ will help you.
Numbers
- Uno – 1
- Dos – 2
- Tres – 3
- Cuatro – 4
- Cinco – 5
- Seis – 6
- Seite – 7
- Ocho – 8
- Nueve – 9
- Diez – 10
Food Related
Tienda, supermercado – They mean ‘store’ and ‘supermarket’ respectively and if you are looking for one, all you need to do is say these words and someone will point you in the right way.
Restaurante – it is self-explanatory and it means restaurant. Here are some common words related to food that will help you out at restaurants or stores.
Pollo – Chicken
Pan – bread
Leche – milk
Pescado – fish
Agua – water
Queso – cheese
Plato – plate
Copa – cup
Guineo – banana
Manzana – apple
Arroz – rice
Vino blanca, vivo tinto – white wine, red wine
Cerveza – beer
Jugo – juice
Direction Related
‘Izquierda’ and ‘Derecha’ – If you are trying to navigate anywhere, these two terms will save you. ‘Izquierda’ means left and ‘derecha’ means right. ‘Edificio’ – Though it means building or establishment, it also denotes ‘place’ in general. When people ask you where you want to go or you ask someone for directions, this word will be useful.
Directo – straight
Izquierda – left
Derecha – right
Gira – turn
Aqui – here
Alli – there
Calle – street
Espera – wait
Emergency Related
Let’s hope you are not in a situation where you might need these words, but it is good to know a few words here as well.
La policia – the police
Una Ambulancia – ambulance
Ayuda – help
La policia – the police
Una Ambulancia – ambulance
Ayuda – help
Some Simple Conjunctions
Once you learn the words listed above, you can simply throw in a conjunction to make a short, simple phrase. For example: ‘pollo con arroz, por favor’ – ‘chicken with rice, please’. Easy, right?!
y – and
de – of / from
con – with
En – in / on
Panamanian Slang Words - Learn A Bit Of Street Talk!
To make your Spanish sound a bit spicier, here are a few slang words that are common in Panama and would sound like gibberish in any other part of the world. Some of these words are derived from English and you can spot the similarity easily. Learn some of these words and you will start sounding like a local!
Que xopa (pronounced as sopa) – What’s up?!
Chevere – It means ‘that’s cool’ or ‘wow, great’.
Offi – It means ‘ok cool’ or ‘yes, sure’.
Pelao – Panama’s version of ‘dude’ or ‘bro’.
Ayala vida – It is used to express surprise or excitement, like ‘oh gosh!’ or ‘oh god!’
Fren – Sounds familiar, right?! Yes, it means ‘friend’.
Bucu – ‘a lot’ (It is actually derived from French!)
Wapin – Cut out letters from ‘what’s happening’ and you will have ‘wapin’! Cool, isn’t it?
Arrancase – It means ‘party hard’ and you will probably hear this often, especially on the Caribbean coast.
Juma – It means ‘drunk’ and this is what happens after you ‘arrancase’.
Parkin – It means a party among / with friends.
Dale pues – ‘go for it’; use it when you’re motivating your friend to take his tenth drink of the day!
Carrizzo – Though it means ‘reed’ in actual Spanish, in Panama, it means you are asking for a straw for your drink.
Cartucho – Though it refers to a printer in other versions, here it means a plastic bag.
Joven – Though the literal translation is ‘young person’, it is used to get someone’s attention and works as a way to say ‘excuse me’.
Hot Spots In Panama:
