Cuban dancers can be heard using “jaleo” (calls, shouts, exclamations) that are common in Afro-Cuban music and dance, especially rumba, son, and timba.
They’re not literal words to translate directly (for example, agua actually translates as water) — they’re more like vocal exclamations used to cheer, energize, and connect in the dance.
Here’s a little “cheat sheet” of Cuban dance/music shouts (jaleos) you’ll hear a lot in timba, salsa, and rumba — and what they mean in practice:
- ¡Aguaaa! (AH-gwahhh)
– Most universal. Means “Yes!”, “That’s fire!”, “Keep flowing!”.
– Used when the groove is on point. - ¡Esooo! (EH-soh)
– Literally “That!”. Means “That’s it!”, “Nailed it!”.
– Often directed at a dancer or musician after a sharp move/lick. - ¡Ay, nema! (Eye NAY-mah)
– Cuban slang. “Nema” = bro, dude.
– Like shouting “Oh yeah, brother!”. - ¡Dale! (DAH-leh)
– Means “Go on!”, “Let’s go!”.
– Pushes energy forward. Very Cuban everyday word. - ¡Asere! (Ah-SEH-reh)
– Cuban street word for “mate/dude”.
– Shouted to hype friends or fellow dancers. - ¡Ricooo! (REE-kohhh)
– Literally “delicious”. Means “That feels sooo good!”.
– Used for smooth moves or tasty rhythms. - ¡Sabroso! (Sah-BROH-soh)
– “Tasty!”, “Groovy!”.
– Classic way to praise music or dancing that feels just right. - ¡Se fue! (Seh FWAY)
– “It took off!”.
– Used when the vibe explodes — a musical break, dancer hits hard. - ¡Que viva! (Keh VEE-vah)
– “Long live!”.
– A celebratory cheer, like toasting a dancer, singer, or the crowd. - ¡Candelaaa! (Kan-DEH-lahhh)
– Literally “fire!”.
– Means the energy is burning hot, wild, and exciting.
If you’re not sure what to yell, go with ¡Aguaaa!, ¡Esooo!, or ¡Dale! — they always fit.
1. Timing is everything
- Don’t just yell randomly — listen for high points in the music (a break, a drum solo, a sudden build-up) or when a dancer does something impressive.
- Example: someone nails a sharp body roll → you clap and shout “¡Aguaaa!”.
2. Keep it short & sharp
- These are quick exclamations, not long sentences.
- Stretch them out a bit for effect:
- Aguaaaa!
- Ayyy nema!
- Ricoooo!
3. Match the vibe
- High-energy section → go for ¡Dale! or ¡Se fue!
- Smooth/flowy section → try ¡Sabroso! or ¡Rico!
- When you want to hype your partner or friends → ¡Asere! / ¡Ay, nema!
4. Use sparingly
- A few well-placed shouts per song is perfect.
- Too many, and it can feel like you’re trying too hard.