When working in the Dominican Republic, it's essential to understand Dominican Spanish phrases commonly used in the workplace.

The way Dominicans communicate at work is often filled with slang and informal expressions that can be confusing for foreigners. If you are planning to work in the country or simply want to expand your knowledge of Dominican Spanish phrases, this guide will help you understand the most commonly used expressions in a professional setting. Learning these phrases will improve your interactions with colleagues, make you sound more natural, and help you integrate better into Dominican work culture.

Below is a list of useful Dominican Spanish phrases frequently heard in work environments, along with English translations and examples to provide better context.

Common Dominican Spanish Phrases for Work

1- Dar carpeta (To nag or insist too much)

Ejemplo: El jefe me esta dando carpeta con ese informe, y todavía no tengo toda la información.

The boss keeps nagging me about that report, and I still don't have all the information.

2- Tirar pa'lante (To push forward)

Ejemplo: Aunque hay dificultades en la empresa, tenemos que tirar pa'lante.

Even though there are difficulties in the company, we have to push forward.

3- Estar en olla (To be broke)

Ejemplo: No puedo salir con ustedes después del trabajo, estoy en olla.

I can't go out with you all after work, I'm broke.

4- Ser un lambón (To be a suck-up)

Ejemplo: Ese empleado consiguió el puesto porque es un lambón con el jefe.

That employee got the position because he's a suck-up to the boss.

5- Chivo sin ley (Someone who doesn't follow the rules)

Ejemplo: Carlos no sigue el horario, está como chivo sin ley.

Carlos doesn’t follow the schedule here; He is a lawless mess.

6- Meter mano (To work hard)

Ejemplo: Vamos a meter mano para terminar este proyecto a tiempo.

Let's work hard to finish this project on time.

7- Joder la paciencia (To annoy or bother too much)

Ejemplo: Ese cliente me está jodiendo la paciencia con tantas exigencias.

That client is driving me crazy with so many demands.

8- Cogerlo suave (To take it easy)

Ejemplo: Oye, cógelo suave, que el trabajo no se va a acabar.

Hey, take it easy; the work isn't going anywhere.

9- Hacer coro (To hang out or socialize)

Ejemplo: El nunca hace coro con los compañeros de la oficina.

He never hangs out with his office colleagues.

10- Coger aire (To take a short break)

Ejemplo: Déjame coger aire y ya vuelvo.

Let me take a break, I'll be right back.

11- Buscarse un lío (To get into trouble)

Ejemplo: Si sigues llegando tarde, te vas a buscar un lío con el gerente.

If you keep arriving late, you're going to get into trouble with the manager.

12- Salirse del coro (To separate from the group)

Ejemplo: Si no participas en la reunión, te vas a salir del coro.

If you don't participate in the meeting, you'll be out of the loop.

13- Jugar pa' la liga (To be serious about something)

Ejemplo: El no está en relajo, está jugando pa' la liga.

He's not fooling around; he's aiming for the big leagues.

14- Estar en coche (To have an easy job or situation)

Ejemplo: Tu si estás en coche con ese horario flexible.

You're really in a good spot with that flexible schedule.

15- Hacer la paca (To make a lot of money)

Ejemplo: Con esa venta grande, hice la paca este mes.

With that big sale, I made a lot of money this month.

16- En la faena (Busy working)

Ejemplo: No puedo hablar ahora, estoy en la faena con unos clientes.

I can't talk right now, I'm busy working with some clients.

17- Bregar con gente (To deal with people)

Ejemplo: El día ha estado fuerte, he tenido que bregar con gente todo el tiempo.

Today has been tough; I've been dealing with people all day.

18- Montar un negocio (To start a business)

Ejemplo: Me cansé de este trabajo y voy a montar un negocio por mi cuenta.

I got tired of this job, so I'm starting my own business

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