Spanish word

chola

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʃola/

Meaning

  • feminine nounindigenous woman

Example

La chola vende artesanías en el mercado.

The indigenous woman sells handicrafts at the market.

Illustration for chola (indigenous woman)

More examples

¿Conoces a la chola que participa en las celebraciones del pueblo?

Do you know the chola who participates in the village celebrations?

Core concept

Andean indigenous or mestizo woman in layered skirt and bowler hat.

Common phrases

  • traje de chola

    chola outfit

  • mujer chola tradicional

    traditional chola woman

Similar words

indígena: Member of an indigenous community with ancestral ties to the land and its traditions.
mestiza: Woman of mixed indigenous and European ancestry who identifies with both heritages.
cholita: Andean woman addressed with warmth or respect, typically wearing a skirt and bowler hat.

Definition in Spanish

Término femenino que designa a una mujer indígena o mestiza de las regiones andinas; su uso puede ser neutro, afectuoso o peyorativo según el contexto.

Word origin

Derived from the masculine cholo, the term appears in Andean Spanish since colonial times to denote indigenous or mestizo women.

Usage tips

  • In the Andes the word can be neutral, affectionate, or insulting depending on speaker and context and it is not the same as US 'cholo' slang.

Related words

  • cholitacholitanoun

Word lists with this word