caramba
mild
In Dominican Spanish a mild "damn" is caramba or diablo. Carajo is stronger and vulgar, so avoid it in polite company.
Meaning: mild exclamation of surprise or annoyance (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| caramba | mild |
| carajo | strong, vulgar |
| diablo | mild |
The exclamation can stand alone: ¡Diablo, se me olvidó! (damn, I forgot).
Which one should you use?
Use caramba when you are surprised or annoyed in a harmless way. Carajo belongs to rude speech.
Did you know?
- In Dominican Spanish a car tire is a goma, a word shared with Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Examples in context
- ¡Caramba, se me olvidó!Damn, I forgot!
- ¡Diablo, qué calor!Damn, it is so hot!
- ¡Carajo, perdí el autobús!Damn, I missed the bus!
Example conversation
Ramón and Juan notice a flat tire in Santo Domingo.
- Ramón¡Caramba, se pinchó la goma!Damn, the tire is flat!
- JuanTengo una de repuesto.I have a spare.
- RamónMenos mal.Thank goodness.
