Habla Como un Limeño

Speak Like a Local

We're going to share a few helpful phrases to help you fit right into Peru— not like "¿Dónde está el baño?" (though that's good to know too). These are the words and phrases you'll actually hear on the streets of Lima, in the Sacred Valley markets, and at our celebration. Get ready to sound chevere!

Master these, and the locals might just adopt you.

Essential Peruvian Slang

These are the words you'll hear everywhere in Peru. Use them and you'll get smiles, not tourist prices.

⭐ Most Important
¡Qué chevere!
keh CHEH-veh-reh
How cool! / That's awesome!
This is THE word. Use it for everything—good food, beautiful views, meeting new people. It's Peru's "awesome" and you'll hear it constantly.
Super Useful
Bacán
bah-KAHN
Cool / Awesome
Another way to say something is cool. "¡Qué bacán!" means "How cool!" Perfect for when chevere isn't enough.
Everyday Slang
Pata
PAH-tah
Friend / Buddy
Literally means "paw" but Peruvians use it like "dude" or "buddy." "Mi pata" = "my friend." Super casual and friendly.
Very Peruvian
Causa
KAW-sah
Dude / Bro / Friend
Another word for friend, very casual. "¿Qué tal, causa?" = "What's up, dude?" Also a delicious Peruvian potato dish!
Common Expression
Al toque
ahl TOH-keh
Right away / Immediately
"Lo hago al toque" = "I'll do it right away." You'll hear this from taxi drivers and waiters. Spoiler: it doesn't always mean immediately.
Everyday Life
Jato
HAH-toh
House / Home
"Vamos a mi jato" = "Let's go to my place." Very informal, you'll hear this from locals inviting you over.

Food & Dining

Peru is a food lover's paradise. These phrases will help you navigate menus and order like a pro.

Ordering Food
Provecho
proh-VEH-choh
Enjoy your meal
Say this when someone is eating, or when someone says it to you, reply "Gracias, igualmente" (Thanks, you too). It's polite and very common.
Must Know
¿Está rico?
es-TAH REE-koh
Is it delicious?
Use "rico/rica" for delicious. "¡Qué rico!" = "How delicious!" You'll be saying this a lot with Peruvian food.
Local Favorite
Ceviche
seh-VEE-cheh
Peru's national dish
Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and aji peppers. Order it for lunch (never dinner—tradition says the fish is freshest at lunch).
Drink
Pisco Sour
PEES-koh sowr
Peru's national cocktail
Made with Pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters. Sweet, tart, and dangerously smooth. You'll love it.
Street Food
Anticuchos
ahn-tee-KOO-chohs
Grilled meat skewers
Usually made with beef heart (yes, really) marinated in spices. Don't knock it till you try it—they're incredible.
Asking Questions
¿Qué me recomiendas?
keh meh reh-koh-mee-EHN-dahs
What do you recommend?
Perfect question for restaurants. Peruvians love talking about their food, and they'll steer you to the best dishes.

Polite & Practical

These will get you through any situation with grace and charm.

Gratitude
Mil gracias
meel GRAH-see-ahs
A thousand thanks
More emphatic than just "gracias." Shows genuine appreciation. Peruvians are warm people, and they appreciate the extra effort.
Super Polite
Con permiso
kohn pehr-MEE-soh
Excuse me (when passing)
Use this when you need to get through a crowd or leave the table. Very polite and universally understood.
Essential
Disculpa / Disculpe
dees-KOOL-pah / dees-KOOL-peh
Excuse me / Sorry
"Disculpa" is informal (with friends), "Disculpe" is formal (with strangers, elders). Use to get someone's attention or apologize.
Bargaining
¿Cuánto cuesta?
KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah
How much does it cost?
Essential for markets. Follow up with "¿Me haces un descuento?" (Can you give me a discount?) if you're feeling bold.
Getting Around
¿Dónde queda...?
DOHN-deh KEH-dah
Where is...?
Better than "¿Dónde está?" when asking for locations of places. "¿Dónde queda el mercado?" = "Where is the market?"
When Lost
Estoy perdido/a
ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh/dah
I'm lost
Men say "perdido," women say "perdida." Don't worry—Peruvians are incredibly helpful with directions.

Reactions & Emotions

Express yourself like a true Peruvian with these colorful reactions.

Excitement
¡Qué padre!
keh PAH-dreh
How cool! / Amazing!
Similar to "chevere" but with more emphasis. Use it when something really impresses you.
Surprise
¡No me digas!
noh meh DEE-gahs
No way! / You don't say!
Perfect reaction when someone tells you something surprising. Shows you're engaged in the conversation.
Agreement
Ya pues
yah PWEHS
Yeah, okay / Alright then
VERY Peruvian. Used to agree or show understanding. "Ya pues, vamos" = "Alright then, let's go."
Confusion
¿Cómo así?
KOH-moh ah-SEE
How come? / What do you mean?
Use when something doesn't make sense. More polite than "¿Qué?" and shows you're trying to understand.
Dismissal
Ni modo
nee MOH-doh
Oh well / Never mind / Can't be helped
When things don't go as planned. "Ni modo, hay que seguir" = "Oh well, we must carry on."
Excitement
¡Qué lindo!
keh LEEN-doh
How beautiful! / How nice!
Perfect for the Sacred Valley views, alpacas, or anything adorable. You'll use this a lot in Peru.

At the Celebration

Essential phrases for toasts, dancing, and celebrating at our wedding!

Toasting
¡Salud!
sah-LOOD
Cheers! / To your health!
The toast you'll hear all night. Say it with eye contact— it's bad luck not to look at someone when clinking glasses!
Celebration
¡Felicidades!
feh-lee-see-DAH-dehs
Congratulations!
Perfect for the happy couple. "¡Felicidades a los novios!" = "Congratulations to the newlyweds!"
Dancing
¿Bailamos?
bai-LAH-mohs
Shall we dance?
Ask someone to dance with style. Response: "¡Claro!" (Of course!) or "¡Con mucho gusto!" (With pleasure!)
Compliment
Te ves bien
teh vehs bee-EHN
You look good
Compliment someone on their outfit or appearance. More casual than "Te ves hermoso/a" (You look beautiful).
Party Time
¡Que siga la fiesta!
keh SEE-gah lah fee-EHS-tah
Let the party continue!
When the energy needs a boost or when you want the music to keep going. Say it loud and proud!
Making Friends
Mucho gusto
MOO-choh GOOS-toh
Nice to meet you / Pleasure
Use when meeting someone new. Response: "Igualmente" (Likewise) or "El gusto es mío" (The pleasure is mine).

Altitude Survival Phrases

Because we'll be at 9,500+ feet, and you might need these!

Essential
Mate de coca, por favor
MAH-teh deh KOH-kah, pohr fah-VOHR
Coca tea, please
Your best friend against altitude sickness. It's legal, traditional, and actually works. Drink it often!
Feeling Off
Tengo soroche
TEHN-goh soh-ROH-cheh
I have altitude sickness
"Soroche" is the Peruvian word for altitude sickness. Say this and locals will immediately bring you coca tea and water.
Taking It Easy
Poco a poco
POH-koh ah POH-koh
Little by little / Take it slow
The mantra for altitude acclimatization. Walk slowly, eat lightly, drink lots of water. "Poco a poco, se llega lejos."
Asking for Help
Necesito agua
neh-seh-SEE-toh AH-gwah
I need water
Stay hydrated at altitude! This phrase will be your friend. "Agua sin gas" = still water, "Agua con gas" = sparkling water.
Rest Time
Necesito descansar
neh-seh-SEE-toh dehs-kahn-SAHR
I need to rest
Don't push yourself at altitude. Taking breaks is smart, not weak. Listen to your body!
Medication
¿Dónde hay una farmacia?
DOHN-deh ai OO-nah fahr-MAH-see-ah
Where is there a pharmacy?
Pharmacies in Peru can help with altitude sickness medication (Sorojchi pills). They're available over the counter.