Essential Spanish Phrases for the North Coast

The corner store that is the heart of every Dominican neighborhood. Part convenience store, part bar, part social club. They sell everything from cold beer to phone chargers to rice by the pound. There's always music playing and neighbors hanging out front. Stop at a colmado for the cheapest cold Presidente on the coast.

A bus. Could be a full-size public bus, a minivan, or anything in between. The guaguas that run between Sosúa, Cabarete, and Puerto Plata are cheap (RD$50-100) and frequent. Just stand on the side of the main road and wave one down. They'll stop anywhere.

A motorcycle taxi. The fastest and cheapest way to get around town. Drivers hang out on corners and will take you anywhere nearby for RD$50-150. Agree on the price before you get on. Hold on tight and pray they have a helmet for you (they usually don't).

"A little bit." Used constantly. "Un chin de azúcar" (a little sugar), "Espera un chin" (wait a moment). You'll hear this ten times a day.

Literally "thing" but used to mean... everything. It's the Dominican equivalent of "stuff" or "thing." "Pasa esa vaina" (pass that thing). "¿Qué vaina es esa?" (What's that?). The most Dominican word there is.

"Calm" or "chill." Used as reassurance: "Tranquilo, todo está bien" (Relax, everything is fine). Also describes a place or situation that's peaceful. Adopt this as your North Coast mantra.

Literally "tell me let me see" — used as a casual greeting like "what's up" or "talk to me." Often shortened to just "dime." A very Dominican way to answer the phone or greet a friend.

"Cool" or "nice." "Eso está jevi" (That's cool). "Chulo" also means handsome/beautiful and is used as a general compliment. If someone calls you chulo/chula, take it as a win.