Word of the Day: GUAGUA

If someone in Tenerife tells you to “take the guagua,” no — it’s not baby talk. It’s how you get around.

🔹 What It Means:
Guagua means bus in the Canary Islands. Yes, really. And it’s as fun to say as it is to ride (unless it’s full).

🔹 Where It Comes From:
Some say it came from the English “wagon.” Others think it’s from Caribbean Spanish. Doesn’t matter — here, it’s 100% Canarian.

🔹 How People Use It:

🚌 Taking public transport:
“Vamos en guagua a la playa.”
(We’re bussing it to the beach.)

🗺️ Tourist tips:
“Coge la guagua 467 hasta Adeje.”
(Take the 467 bus to Adeje.)

🌅 Local rhythm:
“La guagua pasa cada 20 minutos.”
(It comes when it wants, more or less.)

🔹 Real-Life Examples You Might Hear in Costa Adeje:

• “La guagua es más barata que el taxi.”
  (Spoiler: It is.)
• “Ayer perdí la guagua por un minuto.”
  (The heartbreak is real.)

🔹 Why Canarians Love It:
Because it’s part of island life — and no one wants to walk uphill in July.

🔹 Sound Like a Local:
Say it like you’re proud of it: WAH-WAH. It’s not a baby sound — it’s a movement.

✅ Quick Reference:

Expression	Meaning
Voy en guagua.	I’m taking the bus.
Coge la guagua.	Catch the bus.
La guagua tarda.	The bus is late.

🚏 Use “guagua” and you’ll instantly earn a Canarian wink of approval. Even from the driver.