Meaning
To be relaxed and calm, without stress or worries; taking it easy.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'estar de chill' competes with 'estar de tranqui.' Younger people (Gen Z) prefer 'chill,' while Millennials might stick to 'tranqui.' Mexico was the epicenter of the 'Es de chill 🤙' meme. It is often used with a very specific intonation, stretching the word 'chiiiiill'. Argentines might use 'estar de chill' but are also likely to say 'estar de bue' or 'estar tranca' (short for tranquilo). In Colombia, 'estar relajado' or 'estar parchado' are traditional equivalents, but 'chill' has entered the urban vocabulary via Reggaeton music.
The Shaka Sign
If you want to sound 100% authentic when saying 'es de chill,' make the 🤙 sign. It's part of the 'visual grammar' of the phrase.
Age Gap
Don't use this with your Spanish grandmother. She will likely think you are talking about 'chile' (peppers) or just be confused.
Meaning
To be relaxed and calm, without stress or worries; taking it easy.
The Shaka Sign
If you want to sound 100% authentic when saying 'es de chill,' make the 🤙 sign. It's part of the 'visual grammar' of the phrase.
Age Gap
Don't use this with your Spanish grandmother. She will likely think you are talking about 'chile' (peppers) or just be confused.
Spanglish Acceptance
While some linguistic purists dislike it, 'chill' is widely accepted in urban music (Reggaeton/Trap) and social media.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'estar' and the phrase.
Después de trabajar 10 horas, yo solo quiero ___ ___ ___ en mi cama.
After 'querer,' we use the infinitive form.
Which phrase is used to say 'It's just a joke'?
If you prank a friend, you should say:
'Es de chill' defines the situation/joke, not your state.
What is the most natural response for a teenager?
Amigo: '¿Quieres ir a correr 10 kilómetros ahora?' Tú: '¿Ahora? Ni de coña, prefiero...'
In a casual dialogue between friends, 'estar de chill' is the most modern and natural slang choice.
Match the phrase to the context.
1. 'Es de chill' 2. 'Estar de chill'
'Es' for the joke, 'Estar' for the state of being.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to be 'De Chill'
Activities
- • Gaming
- • Netflix
- • Reading
Places
- • Beach
- • Sofa
- • Park
Social
- • With friends
- • After a joke
- • Texting
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDespués de trabajar 10 horas, yo solo quiero ___ ___ ___ en mi cama.
After 'querer,' we use the infinitive form.
If you prank a friend, you should say:
'Es de chill' defines the situation/joke, not your state.
Amigo: '¿Quieres ir a correr 10 kilómetros ahora?' Tú: '¿Ahora? Ni de coña, prefiero...'
In a casual dialogue between friends, 'estar de chill' is the most modern and natural slang choice.
1. 'Es de chill' 2. 'Estar de chill'
'Es' for the joke, 'Estar' for the state of being.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, thanks to social media, but it's most common in Spain and Mexico.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with your colleagues. Otherwise, use 'estar tranquilo'.
'Chill' is more modern and youthful; 'relax' is slightly older and more common among people in their 30s and 40s.
No, it is an invariable loanword. It never changes form.
Spanish uses 'de' to indicate a state or activity (e.g., 'de compras', 'de viaje').
Not inherently, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'What's up, bro?'
Yes, 'estoy chill' is also used, but 'estar de chill' is the more common idiomatic structure.
It's a way to excuse a prank or a mean comment by saying 'it's just a joke, don't be mad.'
Yes, some people use 'chillear' as a verb, but 'estar de chill' is more frequent.
You say 'Quiero estar de chill.'
Related Phrases
Estar de tranqui
synonymTo be taking it easy.
Vibrar alto
similarTo have positive energy.
Estar de coña
similarTo be joking.
No te rayes
builds onDon't worry/Don't overthink.
Estar estresado
contrastTo be stressed.
