Words and Phrases To Know

As when visiting any region of the world, you may want to know a few things about our culture and language when visiting San Antonio.

Mariachi: (mah-ree-AH-chee, with the "r" rolled) Refers to a traditional Mexican style of music, or the musician who plays this music. Mariachis can be found at any corner of San Antonio, wearing traditional costume and playing violin, guitar, and trumpet instruments. They're known to be highly entertaining, and are usually quite talented. It is common for mariachis to wander around restaurants asking customers for song requests. Be aware that most of these groups will entertain you on a payment-per-song basis. Whether you pay or a nearby table pays, you should definitely try to experience mariachi music in action. Want some good songs to request? Here's a few with links to video clips: El Son De La Negra, Jarabe Tapatio (the "Mexican Hat Dance"), Mariachi Loco, Cielito Lindo, Solamente Una Vez, Las Mañanitas, (the song we sing on birthdays and anniversaries), La Cucaracha, and of course: La Bamba.

Queso flameado: (KEH-so flah-meh-AH-do) Literally means cheese on fire. If you see this on your menu, you're up for an appetizer, and you're not lactose intolerant, order it! Queso flameado is spicy chili mixed with cheese and set and served aflame so it's hot when you eat it.

al Carbon: (all Car-BONE, with the "r" rolled) Means your meat will be charcoal-grilled

Paseo del Rio: Riverwalk

Un grito: (oo-n grEE-toe, with the "r" rolled) A loud cry or shout, which you'll usually hear mariachis doing during a song. Listeners also do this, sort of like an "amen" to a preacher or a "woohoo!" during an upbeat song. It can also mean the listeners can relate to or appreciate a sad song. You can hear a lot of them during this performance of "El Son De La Negra."

Alamo City or River City: nicknames for San Antonio. No native calls the city "San Antone." Why should we? Pronounced properly, our name is Spanish for Saint Anthony (of Padua).

Gracias or Muchas Gracias: (GRAH-see-ah-s/MOO-cha-s) Literally meaning "graces" or "many graces," this is how you say "thank you" or "thank you very much" in Spanish.

If you encounter any other strange words or phrases while you plan, don't be afraid to ask!