Spanish Mistakes Foreigners Make in Colombia

Speaking Spanish in Colombia is a great way to connect with local people, but direct translations from English can sometimes create funny or confusing situations. Here are some common mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Saying “Estoy caliente”

In English, I’m hot usually means that you feel warm. However, “Estoy caliente” can have a sexual meaning in Spanish.

Say this instead:

Tengo calor.I’m hot.

2. Confusing “embarazada” with “embarrassed”

The words look similar, but they have very different meanings. Embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed.

Incorrect:

Estoy embarazada por mi error.I’m pregnant because of my mistake.

Correct:

Estoy avergonzado/a por mi error.I’m embarrassed by my mistake.

3. Using “coger” without context

In Colombia, coger commonly means to take, to grab, or to catch. You can say:

Voy a coger un taxi.I’m going to take a taxi.

However, this verb has a vulgar meaning in some other Latin American countries. In Colombia, it is generally normal, but tomar is a safe alternative:

Voy a tomar un taxi.

4. Saying “¿Qué?” too directly

¿Qué? is grammatically correct, but it may sound abrupt when you do not understand someone. Colombians often use softer expressions:

¿Cómo?Sorry?

¿Me puedes repetir, por favor?Can you repeat that, please?

5. Translating “actually” as “actualmente”

Actualmente means currently, not actually.

Incorrect:

Actualmente, no me gusta el café.Currently, I don’t like coffee.

For actually, use en realidad:

En realidad, no me gusta el café.Actually, I don’t like coffee.

6. Forgetting the Colombian “qué pena”

In Colombia, qué pena is used constantly. It can mean I’m sorry, excuse me, or I feel embarrassed, depending on the situation.

Qué pena, ¿me puedes ayudar?Excuse me, can you help me?

Qué pena por llegar tarde.Sorry for arriving late.

Mistakes are a natural part of learning Spanish. The important thing is to listen, ask questions, and keep practicing. Colombians usually appreciate the effort—and may even teach you a new expression along the way.