Mexican Phrases

Question 1

Buenas

Answer 1

Bueno días or buenas tardes

Question 2

Okay

Answer 2

Pronounced “okei” with the ee sound at the end

Question 3

Bye

Answer 3

Hasta luego or bye(used just as much

Question 4

To say excuse me

Answer 4

Comper(shirt for con permiso)

Question 5

When someone says “comper” to you respond with _____.

Answer 5

Propio (go ahead)

Question 6

Ordering tacos…

Answer 6

¡Me da 3 de “bistec” con todo, por favor!”
- claro. ¿Y de tomar qué le
damos?
Una coca por favor.

Question 7

When someone cuts in line ahead of you, say..,

Answer 7

“Yo estoy firmado, eh?”

If they’re cutting fat ahead of you, say “¡Se cuelan!” to embarrass them.

Question 8

Whenever shopping and you want a bargain.,,

Answer 8

¿Disculpe, cuánto cuesta?
          - 80 pesos.
¿Y si me llevo dos?
          - okei, le doy dos por 150
Me lo llevo!(“I’ll take it!”)

Question 9

Shopping for produce, say to the vendor…

Answer 9

¿Me da el pilón? (Can i get a little extra?), said with a smile

Question 10

True Mexican stereotypes:

Answer 10

1. Put lime on everything
2. Not saying a direct “No.” instead say “Para la próxima.”(next time)
3. When offered something you don’t really want right then say “Ahorita, gracias” said with a negative waving of the hand means not now.
4. Coca-Cola = Agua Sagrada
   (Holy Water)
   “Una Coca-Cola bien fría
   (An ice-cold Coke)
5. Paying 5 pesos for a public toilet. When the establishment doesn’t give you enough toilet paper say “ ¿Me dad un poco más, por favor?” Most Mexican gas stations don’t offer free toilets.
6. Not pumping your own gas. Be sure to tip the attendant that pumps your gas, cleans your windows, and checks your tire pressure.
7. Public displays of affection. You’re not allowed to drink alcohol in the park but you can make out in public.
8. Vendors never have change. ¿Si tendrá cambio de _______?” (and show them the bill). Don’t Tun out of change!
9. DON’T get ice with your drinks. It’s likely contaminated.

Question 11

Order drinks without the ice. It could be contaminated.

Answer 11

Drink bottled water.

Question 12

Don’t flush anything into public toilets.

Answer 12

Public toilets, outside of hotels etc… will have a bucket next to the toilet to put soiled paper in. Small pipes don’t accommodate paper.