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chiripa means luck — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 22, 2026

😆 Funny Words

chiripa

noun • /[chi-REE-pa]/

luck

Example:

Ganó el juego por pura chiripa.

He won the game by pure luck.

🧠 What does chiripa mean?

Chiripa refers to unexpected or surprising luck, often something that happens by chance or without any prior planning or effort. It implies a stroke of good fortune that comes out of the blue, particularly in a situation where success was not anticipated. This word is often used in a lighthearted or colloquial manner to describe fortunate coincidences.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ganó la lotería por pura chiripa.
    He won the lottery by sheer luck.
  • Encontró las llaves perdidas por chiripa.
    She found the lost keys by chance.
  • El equipo marcó el gol de la victoria en el último minuto, fue una chiripa.
    The team scored the winning goal in the last minute; it was a stroke of luck.
  • No esperaba aprobar el examen, pero me salió de chiripa.
    I didn't expect to pass the exam, but I got lucky.
  • Pensó que iba a perder su vuelo, pero llegó por chiripa a tiempo.
    He thought he was going to miss his flight, but he luckily made it on time.

💡 Did You Know?

The origin of the word 'chiripa' is uncertain, but it is believed to have connections to obscure or dialectal terms, adding to its playful and somewhat mysterious nature.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chiripa"

Synonyms: suerte, casualidad, azar
Opposites: desgracia, mala suerte, infortunio

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'luck' in Spanish?
While 'suerte' is the most common translation for luck, 'chiripa' refers to a specific kind of unexpected or surprising luck.
How do you pronounce 'chiripa' in Spanish?
Chiripa is pronounced chee-REE-pah, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'chiripa' in a sentence?
Chiripa is typically used to describe good fortune that happens unexpectedly. For example, 'Ganó la lotería por pura chiripa' (He won the lottery by sheer luck).
What is the English translation of 'chiripa'?
The most fitting English translation for chiripa is 'luck,' specifically referring to unexpected or chance luck.
Does 'chiripa' change for gender or number?
No, 'chiripa' is a feminine noun and remains in its singular form regardless of the number of fortunate events or people involved. It does not change for gender or number.
Is 'chiripa' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chiripa' is quite common in colloquial and informal Spanish, especially when speaking about fortunate coincidences or unexpected good luck. It adds a colorful and informal touch to conversations.
Does 'chiripa' have slang or double meanings?
While 'chiripa' itself is not considered vulgar slang, it is a very informal word used to describe a lucky break or a fortunate accident. It does not have significant double meanings beyond this concept of unexpected luck.
Is 'chiripa' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'chiripa' is generally understood across both Spain and Latin America with the same meaning of unexpected luck. It is a widely recognized colloquial term.

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