If you are planning a trip to Colombia or are simply curious about the country’s culture, you have probably asked: what language do they speak in Colombia?
The answer is simple: Spanish. But Colombian Spanish is far from uniform; accents, vocabulary, and even common expressions change dramatically depending on the region, each offering a unique linguistic flavor. Add to that dozens of Indigenous languages and unique Creole languages, and you’ll quickly realize that Colombian Spanish isn’t one single accent, it’s many.
For travelers, learning and understanding Colombian Spanish goes beyond memorizing words. It’s about recognizing regional accents, learning local slang, and picking up cultural cues that make interactions smoother and more authentic.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main languages, accents, and slang you’ll encounter in Colombia, helping you communicate confidently, connect with locals, and enjoy a richer travel experience.
Ready to experience Colombian Spanish beyond the classroom? Travel with Two Travel and immerse yourself in Colombia’s language and culture through authentic, locally guided experiences across the country.
What Language Is Spoken in Colombia?
Spanish is the official and primary language of Colombia, spoken by over 99% of the population. It is the language of government, education, media, business, and daily life, making it the de facto lingua franca across the country. If you’re visiting Colombia, you will use Spanish in nearly every interaction, from ordering food to hailing a taxi.
However, Colombian Spanish is far from uniform. Depending on the region, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, or more rural areas, you’ll encounter different accents, rhythms, vocabulary, and slang. These regional variations give Colombian Spanish its rich diversity and cultural flavor.
Beyond Spanish, Colombia officially recognizes more than 65 Indigenous languages and two Creole languages, reflecting its deep multicultural roots. While most travelers will only need Spanish, understanding that Colombia is multilingual adds valuable context to your journey.
Quick takeaways for travelers:
- Spanish will get you everywhere in Colombia
- English is limited outside major tourist areas
- Regional accents and slang vary widely
Explore and connect with locals in Colombia through Two Travel’s curated experiences, where language and culture come together in real-life interactions.
Where English Is Spoken in Colombia
English is mainly found in tourist-facing environments. In cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, English-speaking staff are common in hotels, hostels, guided tours, and higher-end restaurants. Younger Colombians working in tourism also often speak English.
On the islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, English is co-official alongside Spanish, and many locals speak San Andrés Creole English.
Outside these areas, however, English is not widely spoken, so even in popular destinations, relying solely on English can limit your experience. Learning basic Spanish phrases helps you navigate daily life, opens doors for more authentic interactions, and is highly appreciated by locals.
Indigenous and Creole Languages You May Encounter
Colombia is one of Latin America’s most linguistically diverse countries, with 65+ recognized Indigenous languages. Some of the most widely spoken include:
- Wayuunaiki: La Guajira
- Nasa Yuwe: Cauca
- Embera: Pacific and Andean regions
- Tikuna: Amazon basin
While travelers may rarely hear these languages in urban areas, they are common in rural regions, Indigenous territories, and cultural tours.
Colombia is also home to two unique Creole languages:
- Palenquero, spoken in San Basilio de Palenque near Cartagena, blends Spanish and African linguistic roots and is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
- San Andrés Creole English, spoken on the Caribbean islands, reflects a mix of English, Spanish, and African languages, alongside standard English usage.
Although Spanish will serve you almost everywhere, knowing about these languages adds cultural depth, helping travelers appreciate Colombia’s rich linguistic and ethnic diversity.
Traveling to Colombia without fluent Spanish? Two Travel pairs you with bilingual local guides. They will help bridge the language gap, making it easier to explore, order food, and connect with Colombians beyond tourist bubbles.
Colombian Spanish Accents You Will Hear While Traveling
Colombian Spanish is wonderfully diverse. Even though almost everyone speaks Spanish, accents, pronunciation, and vocabulary vary widely depending on the region. Geography, culture, and history have all shaped these differences; from the Andean highlands to the Caribbean coast, Pacific jungles, and eastern plains.
Here are the main accents travelers are likely to encounter, with practical slang examples to give you a taste of local flavor:
Bogotá (Rolo Accent)
The Rolo dialect is spoken in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, and is considered one of the clearest and most neutral forms of Colombian Spanish. While some people use the term “cachaco” to refer to Bogotá locals, there is a subtle cultural difference. “Rolo” refers to people from Bogotá, while “cachaco” is a related cultural term often associated with traditional Bogotano identity.
Rolo Spanish is easy to understand for learners due to its careful pronunciation. All letters are articulated clearly, including syllable-final /s/ and the /d/ in words ending in -ado, like hablado. The accent is polite and formal, with frequent use of “usted” even among family and friends. You might hear courteous phrases like “¿Podría, por favor, abrir la ventana?”, similar to a polite British request in tone.
Because of its clarity and neutrality, Rolo Spanish is used in national media, formal speeches, and official communications. When people refer to “Colombian Spanish,” they are often thinking of this dialect, making it an ideal accent for travelers to learn and understand.
Medellín (Paisa Accent)
The Paisa dialect is spoken mainly in Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío. It’s one of Colombia’s most recognizable accents, known for its friendly, musical, and lively sound. Paisas speak Spanish relatively fast and soft, often giving conversations a melodious, singsong rhythm that outsiders may find charming but sometimes hard to follow.
A hallmark of the Paisa accent is voseo, using “vos” instead of “tú” for the second person singular informal pronoun. For example, instead of saying “¿Qué quieres comer?” (What do you want to eat?), a Paisa might say “¿Qué querés comer?”. You will (almost) never hear “tú” but they frequently use “usted,” even with friends and family, giving everyday speech a polite and respectful tone.
Another distinguishing feature is the phrasal intonation that often stretches the ends of sentences, adding a musical quality to speech.
There is also a softening of the /s/ sound, which can sound slightly like /sh/.Paisa Spanish also includes many local expressions and slang, making it a vibrant and expressive regional accent.
Cartagena & Caribbean Coast (Costeño Accent)
The Costeño dialect is spoken along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, including cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and La Guajira. It’s known for its fast pace, lively rhythm, and musical intonation, reflecting the region’s coastal culture and African, Indigenous, and Caribbean influences.
One of the most distinctive features is the aspiration of the /s/ at the end of syllables, which often turns it into a soft “h” sound. For example, “costa” (coast) sounds like “co[h]ta” and “más o menos” (more or less) becomes “má[h] o meno[h].” The “d” at the end of -ado words is frequently dropped, so “pescado” (fish) becomes “pesca’o” and “pelado” (boy/guy) becomes “pela’o.” Other letters may be softened or omitted, making words like “Cartagena” sound like “Ca’tagena” and “verdad” (truth) like “ve’dá.”
The Costeño accent includes sub-dialects, and while outsiders may hear them as similar, locals can distinguish the subtle differences. This accent is vibrant, expressive, and a hallmark of Caribbean Colombian identity.
Discover the rhythm of Caribbean Spanish with Two Travel in Cartagena and the coast, where local guides help you tune your ear to Costeño accents while exploring beaches, old towns, and island getaways.
Cali (Valluno or Caleño Accent)
The Valluno dialect, also called Caleño, is spoken in the Cauca River Valley, including the city of Cali. This accent is known for being lively, energetic, and highly expressive, reflecting the vibrant culture and music of the region.
Like the Paisa accent, the Caleño dialect features voseo, using “vos” instead of “tú” in informal speech. For example, instead of “¿Qué quieres hacer?” (What do you want to do?), a Caleño might say “¿Qué querés hacer?” The accent also incorporates local slang and expressions that are rarely heard elsewhere in Colombia, giving it a distinct flavor.
Another notable characteristic is jejeo, where the /s/ sound between vowels softens to an /h/. For example, “necesitar” may sound like “nehesitár,” and “los hombres” becomes “lohombres.” Additionally, the /n/ at the end of words often changes to /m/, so “pan” (bread) sounds like “pam” and “tren” (train) like “trem.”
Overall, Caleño Spanish is fast, melodic, and full of personality, making it immediately recognizable and expressive.
Amazon & Indigenous Regions
- Insular (San Andrés, Providencia, Santa Catalina): The Insular dialect is spoken in Colombia’s Caribbean islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. It blends Caribbean Spanish with English influences due to British colonization and proximity to English-speaking Caribbean islands. Many locals also speak San Andrés Creole English, a unique mix of English, Spanish, and African languages. The dialect is melodic and rhythmic, with vocabulary and pronunciation that can differ from mainland Spanish. While Spanish is widely understood, English and Creole are commonly used in daily life, especially in tourism and local commerce.
- Santandereano (Northeast: Santander & Norte de Santander): Santandereano is marked by “ustedeo”, using “usted” in nearly all situations, formal or informal. The accent has a staccato rhythm, which can sound abrupt or “rough” to outsiders. Words are pronounced clearly and deliberately, and traditional expressions like “usted” convey politeness and respect, reflecting the region’s conservative and proud cultural identity.
- Chocoano (Pacific Coast): Spoken along the Pacific coast, Chocoano Spanish reflects strong African influences in rhythm and intonation. Final /s/ is often softened or pronounced as [h], so “estos señores” becomes “e’to señore.” This dialect is lively, musical, and expressive, reflecting the Afro-Colombian culture of the region.
- Cundiboyacense (Central Highlands: Cundinamarca & Boyacá): Cundiboyacense Spanish is characterized by courteous, formal expressions like “sumercé” (from “su merced”), a polite address with historical roots from colonial times. The accent is slower and clear, distinct from Bogotá’s slightly more neutral Rolo dialect, and preserves traditional vocabulary and pronunciation patterns.
- Opita (Tolima & Huila): The Opita dialect has a slow, melodic tempo influenced by Indigenous languages. Speakers may use “usted” or the rural variation “vusted.” Hiatuses often become diphthongs, so “pelear” sounds like “peliar,” and speech is drawn out, gentle, and rhythmic.
- Llanero (Eastern Plains: Meta, Casanare, Arauca, Vichada): Llanero Spanish incorporates many Indigenous words and softens plural endings, so “los padrinos” may sound like “lo[h] padrino.” Words may be compounded creatively, like “pativoltiao” (from “pata” + “volteado”). The accent is open, melodic, and closely tied to the rural plains lifestyle.
- Pastuso (Southwest: Nariño): Pastuso Spanish is influenced by Quechua and Indigenous languages, with words like “achachay” (cold) and “cuiche” (rainbow). The /r/ is often assibilated, producing a hissing sound, and vowels are weakened to emphasize consonants. The accent is distinct, closer to Ecuadorian Spanish than to other Colombian varieties, and reflects the region’s highland culture.
Two Travel can help you reach Colombia’s lesser-known regions safely and meaningfully, pairing you with local experts who introduce you to regional cultures, accents, and traditions.
Everyday Spanish Slang You Will Hear in Colombia
Colombian Spanish is full of friendly, colorful slang that you’ll hear everywhere; from local markets and taxis to restaurants, bars, and tour guides. Learning a few common expressions can make interactions smoother, help you connect with locals, and make your travel experience more authentic.
Some of the mostly used used general Colombian slang include:
- ¿Qué más?: “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”
Example: ¿Qué más, parcero? ¿Todo bien? (What’s up, friend? All good?) - Bacán / Chévere: “Cool” or “Awesome”
Example: El tour por las islas fue bacán. (The island tour was awesome.) - Parcero / Parce: “Buddy” or “Mate” (common in Medellín, understood nationwide)
Example: Gracias, parce, nos vemos luego. (Thanks, mate, see you later.) - Listo: “Okay” or “Deal” or “Ready”
Example: ¿Nos vemos a las 9?, Listo. (See you at 9?, Okay.) - De una: “For sure” or “Let’s do it”
Example: ¿Vamos a la playa?, De una. (Shall we go to the beach?, For sure.) - Pilas: “Be careful” or “Pay attention”
Example: Pilas con el celular en la calle. (Be careful with your phone on the street.)
You will also encounter the following regional-specific expressions;
- Paisa (Medellín & Antioquia): Hágale – “Go ahead / Let’s do it / Sure”
Example: ¿Vamos a almorzar?, Hágale. (Shall we go eat?, Sure.) - Caleño (Cali & Cauca Valley): Ñero – “Friend / Buddy” (informal, casual)
Example: ¡Qué más, ñero! (Hey, buddy!) - Cartagena & Caribbean Coast: Vaina – “Thing / Stuff” (used in many contexts)
Example: Dame esa vaina. (Give me that thing.)
These expressions are informal and widely used in everyday life. So using them naturally, even just one or two like qué más or listo, can make you sound less like a tourist and more like someone familiar with Colombian culture. Slang is also a great way to start conversations, break the ice, and show locals that you’ve taken the effort to understand their language and lifestyle.
Practice Colombian slang in real conversations with Two Travel’s local guides. We will help you use expressions naturally (and avoid awkward mix-ups) while exploring Colombia like a local.
Tips for Learners and Travelers in Colombia
Whether you’re learning Spanish or traveling in Colombia, understanding how language works in context will make your experience smoother, more enjoyable, and culturally authentic. Here are some practical tips:
- Listen to regional speakers: Colombian Spanish varies widely by region. For clarity, listen to people from Bogotá, their Rolo accent is neutral and precise. For a musical, friendly rhythm, pay attention to speakers from Medellín (Paisa accent). On the coast, such as Cartagena or Barranquilla, the speech is fast, rhythmic, and expressive. Listening to different accents will help you recognize regional differences and prepare you for real-life conversations.
- Learn slang in context: Slang is a big part of daily life in Colombia. Words like parce (buddy), chévere (cool), or de una (for sure) can open doors socially and make interactions feel natural. Context matters: some expressions are playful, others are casual and only used among friends. Using slang correctly shows you understand the culture, but misusing it can be awkward.
- Avoid literal translation: Many Colombian phrases don’t translate word-for-word. For instance, ¿Qué hubo? literally means “What was there?” but actually means “What’s up?” Similarly, ¡Qué bacán! doesn’t mean “What a bacteria!”, it means “How cool!” Understanding idiomatic expressions will help you sound more natural and avoid confusion.
- Practice politeness and “usted”: In many regions, especially Bogotá or Santander, using “usted” instead of “tú” is common, even with acquaintances. Being aware of this politeness norm shows respect and helps you connect more easily with locals.
Ready to embark on your Colombian getaway: Two Travel supports travelers with on-the-ground guidance, helping you navigate language differences confidently while focusing on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about communication.
FAQs About What Language is Spoken in Colombia
What is the official language of Colombia?
Spanish is the official language of Colombia and is spoken by over 99% of the population. It is the language of government, education, business, media, and daily life.
When traveling in Colombia, you will use Spanish in nearly all interactions, from ordering food to taking taxis or speaking with local guides. While regional accents and slang can vary significantly, standard Spanish is understood nationwide.
How different is Colombian Spanish from Spanish in Spain or Mexico?
Colombian Spanish is generally considered clear and neutral, particularly the Rolo accent of Bogotá. Compared to Spanish in Spain, it lacks certain pronunciations like the “th” sound for c and z, making it easier for learners. Compared to Mexican Spanish, Colombian Spanish tends to be more melodic and regionally diverse, with a slower, polite tone in Bogotá and faster, musical intonations along the Caribbean coast.
Different regions in Colombia also use distinct pronouns: for example, the Paisa and Caleño accents use voseo, meaning “vos” replaces “tú” in informal speech.
Are there other languages spoken in Colombia?
Yes. Colombia is a highly multilingual country, recognizing more than 65 Indigenous languages and two Creole languages. Indigenous languages such as Wayuunaiki (La Guajira), Nasa Yuwe (Cauca), Embera (Pacific and Andean regions), and Tikuna (Amazon basin) are widely spoken in their respective regions.
The country also has two notable Creole languages:
- Palenquero, spoken in San Basilio de Palenque near Cartagena, which combines Spanish and African linguistic roots.
- San Andrés Creole English, spoken on the Caribbean islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, which blends English, Spanish, and African languages.
While most travelers will rarely encounter these languages in urban areas, knowing about them adds cultural context and appreciation for Colombia’s diversity.
Do Colombians speak English?
English is limited outside tourist-heavy areas. In major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, English is commonly spoken in hotels, guided tours, and higher-end restaurants. Young Colombians working in tourism often speak English as well.
On the Caribbean islands, especially San Andrés and Providencia, English is co-official alongside Spanish, and many locals speak San Andrés Creole English. Outside these areas, English is not widely used, so learning basic Spanish phrases is highly recommended to navigate daily life and interact with locals.
What are the main Colombian Spanish accents?
Colombian Spanish is far from uniform. Some of the most recognizable accents include:
- Rolo (Bogotá): Clear, neutral, polite, and widely understood across the country.
- Paisa (Medellín & Antioquia region): Friendly, musical, uses vos, and is soft with local slang.
- Costeño (Caribbean coast: Cartagena, Barranquilla): Fast, rhythmic, with dropped or softened syllables (e.g., “pescado” to “pesca’o”).
- Caleño (Cali & Cauca River Valley): Energetic, melodic, with voseo and expressive local slang.
- Santandereano, Opita, Llanero, Pastuso, Chocoano, Cundiboyacense: Each region has unique pronunciation patterns, vocabulary, and cultural influences.
Learning to recognize these accents helps travelers understand locals better and enriches the cultural experience.
What are common Colombian Spanish slang words?
Slang is widely used in Colombia and varies by region. Here are some essential expressions:
- ¿Qué más?: “What ‘s up?” (friendly greeting)
- Bacán or Chévere: “Cool” or “Awesome”
- Parcero or Parce: “Buddy” or “Friend”
- Listo: “Okay” or “Ready”
- De una: “For sure” or “Let’s do it”
- Pilas: “Be careful” or “Pay attention”
Using slang appropriately can help travelers feel more connected and respected by locals, but context matters, some expressions are informal or playful.
How can I learn to understand Colombian Spanish quickly?
- Listen to regional speakers: Bogotá’s Rolo accent is clear, Paisa Spanish is melodic and fast, and Costeño is rhythmic and coastal.
- Learn key slang and idioms: Words like “chévere,” “parce,” and “de una” will help you communicate naturally.
- Practice politeness: In many regions, using “usted” instead of “tú” shows respect.
- Avoid literal translations: Many phrases, like “¿Qué hubo?” (What’s up?), do not translate directly into English.
Still have questions about language, culture, or travel logistics in Colombia? Two Travel’s local team helps you plan smoother trips with insider knowledge you won’t find in guidebooks.
Embrace Colombian Spanish on Your Journey
Spanish is the official language of Colombia, but its rich variety of accents, regional slang, and Indigenous and Creole languages makes every conversation unique. From Bogotá’s clear Rolo Spanish to the musical Paisa and lively Costeño accents, understanding these differences will enhance your travel experience.
Start practicing with Two Travel today and discover how mastering Colombian Spanish opens doors to culture, friendships, and unforgettable experiences across the country.
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