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buena onda means cool — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 28, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

buena onda

adjective • /[BWE-na ON-da]/

cool

Example:

Tu amiga es buena onda.

Your friend is cool.

🧠 What does buena onda mean?

Buena onda is a popular Mexican slang expression used to describe someone or something as cool, nice, pleasant, or having a good vibe. It conveys a sense of positive energy and likeability. When referring to a person, it suggests they are friendly, agreeable, and easy to get along with. When referring to a situation or thing, it implies it is enjoyable, positive, or well-intentioned.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tu nuevo amigo es muy buena onda, me cae muy bien.
    Your new friend is really cool; I like him a lot.
  • La fiesta estuvo de buena onda, todos se divirtieron mucho.
    The party was cool; everyone had a great time.
  • Fue una idea muy buena onda de su parte ayudarnos.
    It was a very nice idea of theirs to help us.
  • Este lugar tiene muy buena onda, me encanta la atmósfera.
    This place has a really cool vibe; I love the atmosphere.

💡 Did You Know?

The literal translation of 'buena onda' is 'good wave'. This imagery likely relates to positive vibrations or a good flow of energy.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "buena onda"

Synonyms: chévere, genial, simpático, agradable, chido
Opposites: mala onda, mala gente, desagradable

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'cool' in Spanish?
While 'cool' can be translated in many ways depending on context, in Mexican slang, 'buena onda' is a common and effective translation for describing people or situations positively.
How do you pronounce 'buena onda' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is approximately 'BWEH-nah OHN-dah'. The 'b' in 'buena' is soft, similar to a 'v' sound when not at the beginning of a word, and the 'o' in 'onda' is a clear, open sound.
How do you use 'buena onda' in a sentence?
'Buena onda' is typically used as an adjective. It can follow the verb 'ser' (to be) or directly describe a noun. For example, 'Él es buena onda' (He is cool) or 'Es un gesto de buena onda' (It's a nice gesture).
What is the English translation of 'buena onda'?
The most common English translations are 'cool', 'nice', 'pleasant', or 'good vibe'.
Does 'buena onda' change for gender or number?
As a fixed expression in slang, 'buena onda' generally does not change for gender or number. It functions as an invariable adjective phrase.
Is 'buena onda' common in everyday Spanish?
'Buena onda' is very common in everyday spoken Spanish, particularly in Mexico and some other parts of Latin America. It is widely understood and used in informal settings.
Does 'buena onda' have slang or double meanings?
While 'buena onda' itself is slang, its meaning is quite direct and positive. It does not typically have negative or hidden double meanings. It consistently refers to something or someone having a good, positive quality.
Is 'buena onda' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Buena onda' is primarily a term used in Mexico and other Latin American countries. While its meaning might be understood in Spain, it is not as commonly used in everyday conversation there. Spanish speakers in Spain might use other expressions like 'guay' or 'chulo' for 'cool'.

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