When working in the Dominican Republic, it’s essential to understand Dominican Spanish phrases commonly used in the workplace. The way Dominicans communicate at work is often filled with slang and informal expressions that can be confusing for foreigners.
If you are planning to work in the country or simply want to expand your knowledge of Dominican Spanish phrases, this guide will help you understand the most commonly used expressions in a professional setting. Learning these phrases will improve your interactions with colleagues, make you sound more natural, and help you integrate better into Dominican work culture.
Below is a list of useful Dominican Spanish phrases frequently heard in work environments, along with English translations and examples to provide better context.
Common Dominican Spanish Phrases for Work
1. Dar carpeta (To nag or insist too much)
This phrase is used when someone insists too much on a topic or keeps bothering about something.
- Ejemplo: “El jefe me está dando carpeta con ese informe, y todavía no tengo toda la información.”
- “The boss keeps nagging me about that report, and I still don’t have all the information.”
2. Tirar pa’lante (To push forward)
It means to keep going with effort and determination, no matter the obstacles.
- Ejemplo: “Aunque hay dificultades en la empresa, tenemos que tirar pa’lante.”
- “Even though there are difficulties in the company, we have to push forward.”
3. Estar en olla (To be broke)
A colloquial way of saying that someone has no money.
- Ejemplo: “No puedo salir con ustedes después del trabajo, estoy en olla.”
- “I can’t go out with you all after work, I’m broke.”
4. Ser un lambón (To be a suck-up)
Used to describe someone who excessively flatters their superiors to gain benefits.
- Ejemplo: “Ese empleado consiguió el puesto porque es un lambón con el jefe.”
- “That employee got the position because he’s a suck-up to the boss.”
5. Chivo sin ley (Someone who doesn’t follow the rules)
Said about a person who acts without respecting rules or following guidelines.
- Ejemplo: “Carlos no sigue el horario, está como un chivo sin ley.”
- “Carlos doesn’t follow the schedule, He is all over the place “
6. Meter mano (To work hard)
It means to work with effort and commitment.
- Ejemplo: “Vamos a meter mano para terminar este proyecto a tiempo.”
- “Let’s work hard to finish this project on time.”
7. Joder la paciencia (To annoy or bother too much)
Used when someone is being too demanding or irritating.
- Ejemplo: “Ese cliente me está jodiendo la paciencia con tantas exigencias.”
- “That client is driving me crazy with so many demands.”
8. Cogerlo suave (To take it easy)
It means to take things calmly, without getting too stressed.
- Ejemplo: “Oye, cógelo suave, que el trabajo no se va a acabar.”
- “Hey, take it easy; the work isn’t going anywhere.”
9. Hacer coro (To hang out or socialize)
Refers to integrating into a group or socializing at work.
- Ejemplo: “Él nunca hace coro con los compañeros de la oficina.”
- “He never hangs out with his office colleagues.”
10. Coger aire (To take a short break)
Taking a brief break from work.
- Ejemplo: “Déjame coger aire y ya vuelvo.”
- “Let me take a break, I’ll be right back.”
11. Buscarse un lío (To get into trouble)
When someone gets themselves into problems.
- Ejemplo: “Si sigues llegando tarde, te vas a buscar un lío con el gerente.”
- “If you keep arriving late, you’re going to get into trouble with the manager.”
12. Salirse del coro (To separate from the group)
When a person does not follow the team’s dynamic or distances themselves from a group.
- Ejemplo: “Si no participas en la reunión, te vas a salir del coro.”
- “If you don’t participate in the meeting, you’ll be out of the loop.”
13. Jugar pa’ la liga (To be serious about something)
It means to take work seriously or aim for better opportunities.
- Ejemplo: “Él no está en relajo, está jugando pa’ la liga.”
- “He’s not fooling around; he’s aiming for the big leagues.”
14. Estar en coche (To have an easy job or situation)
When a person has a comfortable or stress-free job.
- Ejemplo: “Tú sí estás en coche con ese horario flexible.”
- “You’re really in a good spot with that flexible schedule.”
15. Hacer la paca (To make a lot of money)
It means earning a significant amount of money, either in a job or a business.
- Ejemplo: “Con esa venta grande, hice la paca este mes.”
- “With that big sale, I made a lot of money this month.”
16. En la faena (Busy working)
A phrase used to refer to being actively working or engaged in a task.
- Ejemplo: “No puedo hablar ahora, estoy en la faena con unos clientes.”
- “I can’t talk right now, I’m busy working with some clients.”
17. Bregar con gente (To deal with people)
Used to describe the challenge of working with many people, especially in customer service jobs.
- Ejemplo: “El día ha estado fuerte, he tenido que bregar con gente todo el tiempo.”
- “Today has been tough; I’ve been dealing with people all day.”
18. Montar un negocio (To start a business)
A common expression when someone decides to become an entrepreneur.
- Ejemplo: “Me cansé de este trabajo y voy a montar un negocio por mi cuenta.”
- “I got tired of this job, so I’m starting my own business.”
By learning these Dominican Spanish phrases, you’ll better understand workplace conversations and cultural interactions. Whether you’re working in the Dominican Republic or just interested in Dominican Spanish phrases, these expressions will help you connect with locals and navigate daily work situations more effectively.
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