You have probably heard different Spanish speakers and noticed various differences in their speech, such as the accent or changes in the Spanish words.

These variations often occur depending on the geographic location or the person’s native Spanish-speaking country.

Spanish-speaking countries, especially those in Latin America and Spain, are among the regions that have vast dialectal variations in Spanish.

However, discussing the differences solely between Spain and Latin American Spanish is not entirely accurate. It is essential to consider the unique characteristics of Spanish in each Spanish-speaking country.

While dialectal variations do not impede effective communication among Spanish learners, notable differences can cause many to wonder about the diversity within the Spanish language.

For this reason, at Spanish Express, we aim to clarify these distinctions. Below, we present you with all the information you need to better understand these differences and advise you on which form of Spanish to focus on.

Learn more about the extensive variations of Spanish and immerse yourself in the enjoyable adventure of learning them!

How do they differ?

To better understand the differences among Spanish-speaking countries, it is important to consider the following points:

Grammar

Although the grammatical differences become more extensive, the ustedes and the voseo are the main ones to take into account:

Ustedes

When speaking to another person in Spanish, it is key to keep in mind the differences between the informal tú and the formal usted.

In Spain, the plural vosotros is used for informal use and ustedes for formal use. In most of Latin America, ustedes is used for both informal and formal contexts.

Example:

• Spain: ¿(Vosotros) tenéis hambre?
• Latin America: ¿(Ustedes) tienen hambre?

Voseo

The voseo is another difference to consider. In Spain, it is not used at all, whereas in Latin America, it is used in several countries.

Vos is used as a second-person singular pronoun, replacing tú in certain regions.

Countries that use voseo include Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Central America, such as Guatemala and El Salvador.

Example:

• Argentina: ¡Vos podés ir yendo! / ¡Contamos con vos!

Pronunciation

Pronunciation is perhaps the aspect where clear differences are most noticeable. Here are some key examples:

• In Latin America, both the Z and the C are generally pronounced like an S. The Z has a much more marked pronunciation in Spain, similar to the English TH.
• People in the Caribbean and some southern areas of Spain often replace the letter R with an L. This is very common in countries such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
• In several regions of Argentina and Uruguay, the LL varies its common pronunciation from Y to a combination of the SH sound.

Example:

• Spain: Zapatos / Pollo
• Argentina: (S)apatos / Po(SH)o

Vocabulary

Vocabulary differences are also significant. Here are some examples showing the diversity in vocabulary across different Spanish-speaking countries:

• Car:
  • Spain: coche
  • Mexico: carro
  • Argentina: auto
• Pen:
  • Spain: bolígrafo
  • Mexico: pluma
  • Chile: lápiz pasta
• Straw:
  • Spain: pajita
  • Mexico: popote
  • Argentina: sorbete
• Popcorn:
  • Spain: palomitas
  • Mexico: palomitas
  • Argentina: pochoclo
  • Chile: cabritas
• Cool:
  • Spain: esto mola
  • Venezuela: está chévere
  • Mexico: está chido

These examples illustrate how vocabulary can vary significantly across different Spanish-speaking countries. To learn and use Spanish effectively, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these variations and adapt to the specific region you are focusing on.

Which Spanish should I study?

Many students ask this question, and their doubts rise further when they understand the differences between Spanish and Latin American Spanish. However, the choice largely depends on the individual’s goals within the Spanish-speaking world.

If one aims to work in a Latin American country, learning Latin American Spanish is advisable. This could range from the Colombian Spanish of South America to the varieties spoken in Central America.

Conversely, if one aims to work in Spain, mastering Spanish or even the specific dialects of the Canary Islands or Peninsular Spanish is beneficial.

For those pursuing higher education, it’s essential to check if the university has a preference for either the Latin American form of Spanish or the mainland Spain version. Often, institutions are flexible with the language español as long as it meets their official language requirements.

Should personal reasons drive your interest in learning Spanish, the decision can be more about personal affinity, whether that leans towards the Rioplatense Spanish of Argentina and Uruguay, the distinctive accent of Mexico City, or even the unique linguistic landscape of the Basque Country or Catalonia.

Ultimately, the journey to learn Spanish should be influenced by accessibility and personal interest, remembering that each variation, from the largest Spanish-speaking country to regions with a local accent, enriches your understanding of this global language.

Choose your favorite Spanish and learn with Spanish Express!

Have you already decided which Spanish to learn? Then it’s time to choose from the Spanish Express courses available!

It doesn’t matter if you want to take Spanish courses from Spain or a Latin American Spanish course. Spanish Express has teachers from Spain, Argentina, Colombia, and more who can all help you reach an optimal level of Spanish with the best preparation.

Take advantage of this opportunity to sign up for online Spanish classes at Spanish Express! You can count on professional teachers who will help you improve your fluency and knowledge of the language.

In addition, this summer, you can learn Spanish at your teacher’s home! With the Spanish homestay immersion program, you can take a walk on the amazing beaches of Cádiz or enjoy the modernist Gaudí’s monuments in cosmopolitan Barcelona while learning Spanish.

With the courses that Spanish Express offers, you can communicate with the world, expand your opportunities, and improve your student and professional profile. Enjoy the rich diversity of the Spanish language as you continue your learning journey!

Are Spanish and Latin American Spanish the same?

No, they are not the same. While both are considered Spanish languages, they differ in Spanish grammar, dialect, and pronunciation. For instance, Castilian Spanish from Spain has unique sounds for “z” and “c” before “i” and “e”, unlike Latin American Spanish.

What is Latin American Spanish called?

Latin American Spanish is often called español. It includes various local dialects spoken across Latin America, from Mexico down to the Southern Cone. Each region has its distinctive features, much like English language variations.

Should I learn Spanish or Latin American Spanish?

Your choice should align with your goals and where you plan to use the language. If you’re interacting mostly with Spaniards, Castilian Spanish is preferable. Learning Latin American Spanish is more practical for those engaging with Latin Americans or traveling in Latin America, given its wide use and the diversity of native speakers.

Why do we speak Spanish in Latin America?

We speak Spanish in Latin America because of Spain’s colonization of the region hundreds of years ago. Spanish became the main language from Mexico to the Southern Cone.

Who speaks Spanish in Latin America?

Spanish is spoken by the majority of people in Latin America, including both native speakers and those in minority groups across various countries.

What is proper Spanish in Spain?

Proper Spanish in Spain, known as Castilian or “castellano,” includes the use of the present perfect tense for recent past actions, which Spaniards prefer, and distinct pronunciation rules compared to other languages.

Is the Spanish spoken in Spain the same as in Mexico?

No, the Spanish spoken in Spain is not the same as in Mexico. There are differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammatical structures, such as the use of the simple past more frequently in Mexico, while Spain uses the present perfect tense for similar contexts.

Do Latin American people speak Spanish?

Yes, Latin American people speak Spanish. It’s the primary language in most Latin American countries, influenced by King Ferdinand’s colonization. The Spanish language varies slightly in accent and vocabulary across regions but shares the same objects of communication.