Slang

1. Déu-n'hi-do!

   Wow, that's really something

   Usage

   The signature Catalan interjection, hard to translate — admiration, surprise or mild disbelief. Safe with anyone

2. Som-hi!

   Let's go!

   Usage

   The cue to set off or get started. Cheerful and fine with friends or colleagues

3. Que fort!

   No way! / that's intense

   Usage

   A surprised reaction to good or bad news. For conversation with friends

4. Quina passada!

   That's amazing!

   Usage

   The standard way to praise a view, a dish or a performance. Safe with anyone

5. Au va!

   Come on!

   Usage

   Both a doubtful "come off it" and an urging "come on". For friends — said sharply it sounds dismissive

6. Apa!

   Right then! / off we go

   Usage

   A cue to get moving or wrap up a chat — "Apa, adéu!" for goodbye. Harmless with anyone

7. Ep!

   Hey! / whoa

   Usage

   A short call to get attention or warn of danger. Not rude, but use "Perdoni" to call a server

8. Bon rotllo

   Good vibes

   Usage

   Describes a place or group that feels good — "Hi ha bon rotllo". For talk among friends

9. Tinc mandra

   I can't be bothered

   Usage

   "Mandra" is laziness. Say it about yourself; aimed at someone else it is an accusation

10. Fer campana

    To skip school

    Usage

    Literally "to ring the bell" — the classic student expression. Safest as a story about your own school days

11. Plegar

    To knock off work

    Usage

    "A quina hora plegues?" asks when you finish. A distinctly Catalan usage, fine with colleagues

12. Tocar el dos

    To clear off

    Usage

    To leave a place. Joke about yourself with it; aimed at someone else it means "get out"

13. Fer una becaina

    To take a nap

    Usage

    "Becaina" is a short doze — the everyday Catalan word, rather than the Spanish "siesta". Safe with anyone

14. Estic fet pols

    I'm shattered

    Usage

    Literally "turned to dust"; women say "feta pols". For friends — with a doctor use "Estic cansat/cansada"

15. Fer el préssec

    To make a fool of yourself

    Usage

    Literally "to do the peach". Safe as a joke about your own blunder; aimed at someone else it mocks them

16. Quedem?

    Shall we meet up?

    Usage

    "Quedar" is to arrange to meet. Fine in a message to a friend or someone you just met

17. Anar de tapes

    To go out for tapas

    Usage

    Hopping between bars eating a little at each. Fine as an invitation to anyone

18. Cap problema

    No problem

    Usage

    A relaxed reply to a request; "cap" means "not any" in a negative. Safe with anyone

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