chela
slang, Mexico, Peru, Chile
The standard word is cerveza, and slang names include chela in Mexico, Peru and Chile and birra in Spain and Argentina. In Spain una caña is a small draft beer. It is also called caña.
Meaning: beer, informal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chela | slang, Mexico, Peru, Chile |
| cerveza | neutral |
| birra | slang, Spain, Argentina |
| caña | Spain, small draft beer |
Ordering is simple: Una chela, por favor in Mexico or Una birra in Argentina. In Spain you ask for una caña at the bar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Each slang word fits its region, so chela may confuse people in Spain. Cerveza works everywhere.
How does it change in a sentence?
Chela, birra, caña and cerveza are all feminine.
Did you know?
- Birra comes from the Italian word for beer and is common in Argentina, influenced by Italian immigration.
Examples in context
- Dos chelas bien frías, por favor.Two very cold beers, please.
- Vamos por unas birras.Let us get some beers.
- Ponme una caña.Give me a small beer.
Example conversation
Friends Mateo and Elisa order at a bar in Buenos Aires.
- MateoDisculpá, ¿nos traés dos birras?Excuse me, could you bring us two beers?
- MozoEnseguida. ¿Grandes?Right away. Large ones?
- ElisaSí, grandes.Yes, large.
