12 Panamanian Terms You Need To Know

Panama is a Spanish speaking country, with terms that crop up on a regular basis. Not necessarily all ‘slang,’ but most certainly all common, these are some of the words you will hear, probably every day, or wish you knew when trying to get from point A to point B (or a glass of red wine) in Panama.

Entonces

(in-tone-says) – You’ll hear this often in conversation, as it is the Spanish way to say, “and so.”

Vino tinto

Tranquila

(tran-kee-luh) – Something said more often than not, “tranquila” is a kind and genuine way to say of saying, “relax,” “be calm,” and “no worries.” Think of it as the Panamanian version of “hakuna matata.”

Arrancarse

(ah-ran-kah-say) – This verb simply means, “to party hard.”

Buen provecho

(bwen proh-ve-cho) – Waitstaff will tell you this upon delivering your food, as will passersby who see you eating. It is the Panamanian way of saying, “Bon appétit.”

Buenas

(bwen-ass) – A common greeting that is equivalent to a quick and polite “hello” in passing.

Saludos

(sa-loo-doss) – A common way to say “catch ya later” or “have a good one” when parting ways, be it with friends after a meal, or strangers in an elevator.

Izquierda, derecha

(eess-kee-air-da, deh-reh-cha) – These are important when trying to direct your Uber driver or asking someone else for directions. Izquierda means left, and derecha means right.

Joven

(ho-ven) – Though the literal meaning is “young person,” this word is used to address someone or grab their attention, such as a bartender or waitstaff. It is a way to say, “Excuse me!” Be careful though, as this use of the term is considered rude and unacceptable outside of Panama.

¿Que sopa?

(keh soh-pa) – This is the Panamanian way to casually say, “what’s up?” “Sopa” is sometimes spelled “xopa.”

Dale pues

(dah-lay pwez) – This is a casual, Panamanian way to say “okay” or “go for it.”

Edificio

(eddie-fee-see-oh) – this means “building” or “establishment.” Uber drivers ask “¿Que es el nombre del edificio?” when trying to find your destination. They are asking for the name of the place you are going to.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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