chévere
casual
In Cuba "cool" is often chévere or bárbaro. Both are casual and friendly, and either can be said alone as a reaction. It is also called buenísimo.
Meaning: great, excellent (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chévere | casual |
| buenísimo | casual |
| bárbaro | casual, Cuba |
You can use them as an answer, as in ¡Qué chévere! (how cool) or Está bárbaro (it is great).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word chévere is also used in Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, so it is understood well beyond Cuba.
Did you know?
- The word bárbaro also means "barbarian" in standard Spanish, yet in Cuban speech it is simply praise.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué chévere tu idea!How cool is your idea!
- Esa música está bárbara.That music is great.
- Fue un día buenísimo.It was a great day.
Example conversation
Raúl shows his friend Ale a new bicycle in Havana.
- RaúlMira, compré una bicicleta.Look, I bought a bicycle.
- Ale¡Qué chévere!How cool!
- RaúlVamos a probarla.Let us try it.
