Many see Cuba as a dream vacation spot, and it’s natural to want to travel there. The island feels alive with its music, rhythm, beautiful sights, and more. Understanding how people speak is the first step toward truly connecting with the local culture. While Spanish is Cuba’s official language, Cuban Spanish has its own rhythm, pronunciation, and unique expressions shaped by history.
Here at Remitly, we believe that even learning a bit of Cuban Spanish can transform your experience. This guide walks you through what to listen for, learn, and use during your journey to Cuba.
What is the official language of Cuba?
We already mentioned that Spanish is Cuba’s official language. But that doesn’t mean it sounds exactly the same as Spanish you’ll hear in other countries. Cuban Spanish has evolved over the years, just as Spanish has changed and updated across different Spanish-speaking countries.
It has its own unique dialect and a flavor that makes it relatively unique. A lot of this revolves around pronunciation. If you’re used to Latin American Spanish, you’ll likely notice distinct characteristics like pronunciation shifts, dropped consonants, and faster rhythm.
For example, final “s” sounds are often dropped or softened (“estas” becomes “ehtah”). The letter “d” in the middle of words can disappear or turn into a soft “th” sound. And ‘r’ and ‘i’ sounds are sometimes swapped, especially close to Havana.
Then there are the colloquialisms used in Cuban Spanish. These are always unique to specific countries, regardless of language. Cuban Spanish is spoken at a brisk, melodic pace. These traits all reflect the island’s unique identity and cultural expression.
Are other languages spoken in Cuba?
While Spanish is the most common, it’s not the only language spoken. The language, like the country overall, has been influenced by multiple other countries. This is seen especially with the languages used and the country’s traditions.
Let’s take a look at some of the more prominent influences.
Indigenous languages and their lasting legacy
The Taíno people were Cuba’s original inhabitants. These Indigenous people naturally had a significant impact on the language and culture of the original settlers. Taíno words like hamaca (hammock) and barbacoa (barbecue) are part of everyday speech.
Originally, Arawakan languages were predominant, with settlers bringing Spanish with them. Most of these languages aren’t spoken fluently today, but they still have an impact.
The remnants of African influence
Thousands of enslaved Africans were brought to Cuba during the colonial era. They mainly came from Central and West Africa, bringing their own culture and languages, significantly impacting the time’s culture and language.
These enslaved persons left a strong mark on the country, though this has faded quite a bit since colonial times. Their influences are mainly seen through the Santería religion and its musical influences, as well in the rhythmic nature of how Cubans speak Spanish.
Haitian Creole and English influences
Cuba has had close ties with Haiti for decades, dating back to when Haitian immigrants fleeing the revolution came to Cuba in the 19th century. The local population accepted them, and their influence—and Creole remnants—can still be felt to this day.
While this has waned in the decades since, eastern Cuba still boasts a notable influence. The closer you get to Guantánamo, the more you should feel this. Some of this plays a role in the language in Cuba. But, it can also be seen across the Cuban culture in specific areas.
Then there’s the impact English has had on the country. As much as Cuba may be a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t mean the English language has had too much influence. It has a bit of a presence in heavily touristed areas like Havana and Varadero, but it’s not spoken too well beyond that.
Each of these influences has added to Cuba’s cultural richness. The impact on Cuban Spanish is just the tip of the iceberg of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Visiting the country helps travelers absorb this more and more.
Tips for understanding and speaking Cuban Spanish
Cuban Spanish might sound a little confusing when you first hear it. That’s why a few travel communication phrases in Cuba are worth it. Preparing for the country’s fast, relatively rhythmic speech patterns is a great start.
If you’re not well-versed in Spanish, keep a few phrases in mind going forward.
Must-know phrases
Some Spanish phrases can be essential when you’re visiting Cuba. Here are some useful phrases:
- Hola: Hello
- Gracias: Thank you
- Por favor: Please
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?
- No hablo español muy bien: I don’t speak Spanish very well.
- Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?
- ¿Dónde está el baño?: Where is the bathroom?
Even if you’re not perfect in Cuban Spanish, these are a great start. Many Cubans are friendly and patient with tourists who at least try to speak the language.
Common slang in Cuban Spanish
As common as some phrases are across the Spanish-speaking world, some are unique to Cuba. It has its own slang and local phrases. You likely won’t find these in a textbook, but they’re worth knowing:
- ¿Qué bolá?: What’s up? (a common greeting in Cuba).
- Asere: Friend (although this is used similarly to how ‘dude’ is used in some English-speaking countries).
- Yuma: Foreigner (mainly referring to someone from the US).
- Está volao: It’s awesome/crazy (context is key here).
When you’re in Cuba, you’ll hear these relatively regularly. Keep them in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Quick pronunciation guide
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| ¿Qué bolá? | keh boh-LAH | What’s up? |
| Asere | ah-SEH-reh | Friend |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWEHS-tah | How much does it cost? |
| Gracias | GRAH-syahs | Thank you |
| ¿Dónde está el baño? | DON-deh es-TAH el BAH-nyo | Where is the bathroom? |
The role of language in Cuban culture
Language in Cuba—like in many other countries—is more than just a communication tool. It’s a reflection of the country’s soul, art, history, and identity, and this can be seen in many of the country’s festivities.
Music and language: an inseparable rhythm
Language is an inherent part of music, and it’s used creatively in Cuba. Cuban music uses colloquial language to tell stories and reflect social life. Son Cubano, reggaeton, and salsa are the most common of these, with each boasting a lot of creativity and poetic expression.
The lyrics in Cuban music are used as a way to extend cultural memory and comment on society at-large. They can be playful, poetic, or satirical, and are usually rich with cultural references.
While these referneces may seem insignificant to many travelers, they have much more meaning once they’re properly understood.
Literature and poetry
Cuban Spanish is used in various ways in literature and poetry. It reflects what is going on in the country during the time period. Cuban writers like José Martí and Nicolás Guillén used the language to challenge colonial power in their times.
Expressing national identity and promoting social justice, both José Martí and Nicolás Guillén used the language in creative ways, resonating with locals as well as non-Cuban Spanish speakers.
Today, street art and murals are used as a more modern way to advocate for various causes, both political and personal. Street art, specifically, is always worth seeing when you’re visiting a country. It offers a creative glimpse into the country and the language itself.
Everyday creativity
Cuban Spanish is lively and expressive. Conversations often include metaphors, playful slang, and nuanced meaning, allowing locals to enlace their roots into their everyday life. Metaphors and local slang are woven within colloquial conversation and are quite expressive, making conversations animated and filled with double meanings.
The way Spanish is used in Cuba reflects a lot of the hardship the country has been through. Cubans use the language to find joy in everyday conversations, all the way down to how they developed their currency.
Final thoughts
With Spanish being the main language in Cuba, it’ll be easy for any Spanish speakers to get by. Even with a basic comprehension, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Just keep on the lookout for local slang, which naturally differs from the slang found in other Spanish-speaking countries.
Anyone not too well-versed in Spanish would benefit from picking up a few common phrases to get by. Tourists aren’t expected to be fluent as long as they’re giving it their best attempt. As long as you’re trying—and have a translation app or phrase book on-hand—you should feel confident as you navigate the country.
FAQs
Do you need to speak Spanish to travel to Cuba?
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish when you’re in Cuba. Many travelers get by using translation apps and phrase books. But, basic comprehension of Cuban Spanish can be incredibly helpful.
How is Cuban Spanish different from standard Spanish?
While the actual languages are the same, Cuban Spanish has a faster pace, a few unique pronunciations, and more informal speech. When you’re in Cuba, you’ll also hear different local slang compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.
Are English speakers common in Cuba?
English isn’t commonly understood. While you might be able to get by in heavily touristed areas, you’ll struggle outside of them. That’s why learning Cuban Spanish, or at least having a phrase book or translation app, is recommended.