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chela means beer — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 7, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chela

noun • /[CHEH-lah]/

beer

Example:

Vamos por una chela.

Let’s go for a beer.

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🧠 What does chela mean?

Chela is a common slang term for "beer" in Mexico. It's a casual and friendly way to refer to your favorite cerveza, perfect for relaxed settings with friends. While understood in some other Latin American countries, it's quintessentially Mexican.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¿Te gustaría una chela bien fría?
    Would you like a nice cold beer?
  • Vamos por unas chelas después del trabajo.
    Let's go for some beers after work.
  • Me muero por una chela.
    I'm dying for a beer.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'beer' in Spanish?
The standard word for 'beer' in Spanish is 'cerveza'.
How do you pronounce 'chela' in Spanish?
It's pronounced CHEH-lah, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'chela' in a sentence?
You can use 'chela' just like you'd use 'beer' in English. For example, 'Quiero una chela' (I want a beer) or '¿Nos tomamos unas chelas?' (Shall we have some beers?).
What is the English translation of 'chela'?
'Chela' translates to 'beer' in English.
Does 'chela' change for gender or number?
No, 'chela' stays the same, whether you're talking about one beer or many. You can specify quantity using words like 'una' (one), 'dos' (two), 'unas' (some), etc.
Is 'chela' common in everyday Spanish?
It's very common in Mexico, especially in informal settings. While understood elsewhere in Latin America, it's not as frequently used.
Does 'chela' have slang or double meanings?
While 'chela' itself means 'beer', it's already a slang term. It doesn't really have other slang or double meanings beyond that.
Is 'chela' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Chela' is rarely, if ever, used in Spain. Stick to 'cerveza' there.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chela"

Synonyms: cerveza, birra (another slang term, more common in South America)

💡 Did You Know?

While its origin is uncertain, some believe 'chela' might come from a shortening of 'Michelada', a popular Mexican beer cocktail.

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