che
/t͡ʃe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, che is an informal exclamation used to get someone's attention or to express surprise.
As an interjection, che is used to catch someone's attention, to express surprise or to exclaim something. Depending on the context, it can function similarly to English words like "hey", "listen" or "dude".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
che is an informal exclamation.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃe/
When do people say it?
In Argentina and Uruguay, this is a common way to address others informally. It serves as a way to signal a person's attention or to react to something unexpected.
Did you know?
- While many believe it is purely an exclamation, some linguists suggest it may stem from the Mapudungun word che, which means 'person'.
- While che is now a hallmark of Rio de la Plata Spanish, it is not used in most other Spanish-speaking countries to get someone's attention. Using it in Mexico or Spain might leave listeners confused or make them think you are imitating an Argentine.
- In Argentina, che is so central to social interaction that it can be used as a comma in conversation. It often serves as a social lubricant to soften a request or emphasize a point without having a literal meaning.
Examples in context
- Me llamo Che.My name is Che.This sentence is useful for seeing the word che used as a proper noun in a name.Tatoeba #11832256 by shekitten, translation #11832252 by shekitten
- ¡ Che! ¿Dónde encontraste esos caramelos?Hey! Where did you find those candies?
- Che, esto es increíble.Wow, this is incredible.
- ¿Cómo estás, che?How are you, buddy?
- Vení, che, vamos a tomar algo juntos.Come on, mate, let's grab a drink together.
- Che, ¿dónde está Juan?Hey, where is Juan?
- ¡ Che! ¿Viste qué buen partido hizo Rodríguez?Hey, did you see what a great game Rodríguez played?
- ¡Che, vení acá!Hey, come here!
- ¡Che, no lo puedo creer!Hey, I can't believe it!
Example conversation
Alejandro is trying to get Sofía's attention in a park.
- Alejandro¡Che, Sofía!Hey, Sofía!
- Sofía¿Qué pasa, Alejandro?What's happening, Alejandro?
- Alejandro¡Mirá qué lindo perro!Look at that cute dog!
- Sofía¡Es verdad, es hermoso!It's true, it's beautiful!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries che, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
