Spain Spanish vs Mexican Spanish: How To Choose The Best Dialect For You

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Castilian Spanish Or Latin American Spanish? Which One Should You Learn?

Do you want to learn Spanish? Well, Spanish is a popular language that is spoken in many different countries, but do you know the difference between Latin American Spanish and Castilian Spanish?

If you're trying to learn Spanish, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is which dialect to focus on.

It can be hard to know which dialect to choose. There are so many different dialects of Spanish, with each one coming from a different region and country.

It's estimated that there are currently around 470 million Spanish speakers worldwide, in more than 20 countries, making it the fourth most-spoken language after English, Mandarin Chinese, and Hindi.

In this article, we will specifically focus on two main types of Spanish - Latin American Spanish and Castilian Spanish.

Latin American Spanish and Castilian Spanish have some similarities, but also many differences. We'll cover grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation between Spain and Mexico! 

RELATED: Why Learn Spanish? The 10 Surprising Reasons To Learn Spanish.

If you're learning Spanish, it's important to understand the differences and similarities between these two dialects. You'll learn which dialect is best for you based on your needs and preferences.

Why Are There Different Dialects Of Spanish?

One of the reasons for its widespread popularity is the fact that Spanish is relatively easy to learn, especially for native English speakers. However, one thing that can be confusing for learners is the fact that Spanish is spoken in a wide range of dialects. So, why are there different dialects of Spanish?

Spanish is the official language of Spain and 21 other countries, and it’s also spoken extensively in the Americas. Given its widespread use, it's no surprise that Spanish has developed a number of different dialects.

There are a variety of factors that have contributed to the development of different Spanish dialects. One of the most important is geography. Because Spanish is spoken in so many different countries, each region has developed its own unique form of the language.

Other factors that have influenced the development of different dialects include the history of the country, its culture, and the languages that are spoken there. The language is always changing and evolving, therefore there is no "correct" way to speak Spanish - it varies depending on where you’re located.

For learners of Spanish, it can be helpful to understand the different dialects. This can make it easier to choose the right dialect for your needs. The different types of Spanish can be classified in a number of ways.

One common way is to divide them into two main groups: Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish. Each of these has its own unique features, which reflect the diverse experiences of Spanish speakers around the globe.

European Spanish, also known as Castilian Spanish, is the official language of Spain, as well as a number of other regional dialects and is spoken by about 60% of all Spanish speakers. It’s also the form of Spanish that is taught in schools and used in the media. 

Spanish first originated in the region that is now known as Spain. Spanish is a Romance language that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, which means that it is descended from Latin.

Spanish began to spread to other parts of the world in the 1500s, when Spain colonized much of what is now Latin America. As a result, the Spanish spoken in Latin America is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain.

Latin American Spanish, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of dialects that are spoken in the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It’s also the official language of Andorra and Equatorial Guinea. 

It is estimated that about 40% of all Spanish speakers use a Latin American Spanish dialect as their first language.

Latin American Spanish is similar to Castilian Spanish in many ways, but there are also some important differences. For example, Latin American Spanish has a much greater influence from indigenous languages, while Castilian Spanish has been more influenced by French and Italian.

However, both dialects are mutually intelligible - which means that you can understand each other - but they still have their own unique features. These dialects can vary significantly from one another, and many speakers of Latin American Spanish may not understand Castilian Spanish.

Some linguists also recognize a third group of Spanish dialects, known as Andalusian Spanish. Andalusian Spanish is spoken in the southern region of Spain, and includes a number of dialects that are quite different from Castilian Spanish.

However, most Andalusian dialects are mutually intelligible with Castilian Spanish, and so they are usually grouped together with other Latin American Spanish dialects.

What Is The Correct Term For The Different Types Of Spanish?

There is no "correct" way to identify the many types of Spanish. In general, the words "Castilian" and "Latin American" are used to distinguish between the two major groups of dialects. However, these terms can be seen as controversial by some people.

Some people believe that the word "Castilian" should only be used to refer to the Spanish spoken in Spain, since this is the language's original form. Others argue that the term "Latin American" is too general and should be replaced with more specific terms such as "Mexican Spanish" or "Argentine Spanish".

It's up to you whether you use these terms or not. In this article, we will use the terms "Castilian" and "Latin American" to refer to the two main groups of Spanish dialects.

Where Is Latin American Spanish Spoken?

Latin American Spanish is spoken in a number of countries in Central and South America, as well as in the Caribbean. The dialects can vary quite a bit from country to country, but they all share some similarities.

Latin American Spanish is spoken in many different countries throughout the Americas. In North America, it's spoken in Mexico and in some parts of the United States.

In Central America, it's spoken in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

In South America, it's spoken in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Additionally, Latin American Spanish is also spoken on the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. As you can see, Latin American Spanish is quite widespread throughout the Americas! It's also the official language of Andorra and Equatorial Guinea.

Why Are There Differences Between Castilian Spanish And Latin American Spanish?

When learning Spanish, it's important to be aware of the differing levels of formality between countries. In Spain, the use of formal language is more common than in Latin America. This is because Latin American Spanish has been influenced by indigenous languages, which tend to be less formal.

For example, in Mexico it's perfectly normal to use informality when talking to friends, family, and even strangers. However, in Spain it's considered bad manners to use informality unless you know the person well. It's more common to be formal and use more polite language. 

This difference can be confusing for learners of Spanish. It's important to remember that, in general, Castilian Spanish is more formal than Latin American Spanish.

So Why Is Latin American Spanish And Castilian Spanish Mutually Intelligible?

Despite the fact that these dialects developed in different parts of the world, they share a common root in Latin. This means that they have similar grammar structures, vocabularies and pronunciations. However, there are also some differences between the two dialects. Just be aware of these differences so you can adapt your language accordingly.

What Are There Differences Between Castilian Spanish And Latin American Spanish?

Pronunciation

There are some pronunciation differences between Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish. In general, Latin American Spanish is spoken with a softer accent than Castilian Spanish.

In Latin American Spanish, the letter "j" is pronounced like the letter "h". For example, the word "jamón" (ham) is pronounced "ha-món". In Castilian Spanish, the letter "j" is pronounced like the letter "ch". For example, the word "jamón" is pronounced "cha-món".

In Latin American Spanish, the letter "v" is pronounced like the letter "b". For example, the word "vaso" (glass) is pronounced "ba-so". In Castilian Spanish, the letter "v" is pronounced like the letter "v". For example, the word "vaso" is pronounced "va-so".

Another example is the letter "ñ". In Latin American Spanish, this letter is pronounced like the letter "n". For example, the word "mañana" (morning) is pronounced "ma-na". In Castilian Spanish, the letter "ñ" is pronounced like the letter "ny". For example, the word "mañana" is pronounced "ma-nya".

Finally, the way the vowels are pronounced is different in each dialect. In Mexico, the vowels are generally pronounced closer to the way they are pronounced in English. However, in Spain, the vowels are usually pronounced further back in the mouth.

Pronunciation of z and c

Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish have different pronunciations for the letters "z" and "c".

In Castilian Spanish, the letters "z" and "c" are pronounced as a "th" sound, whereas in Latin American Spanish, they're pronounced like the letter "s". For example, in Castilian Spanish the word "zapato" (shoe) is pronounced "tha-pa-to", however in Latin American Spanish it's pronounced as "sa-pa-to".

Another example is the word "casa" (house), which is pronounced "tha-sa" in Castilian Spanish and "ca-sa" in Latin American Spanish.

Pronounce Ll like ‘sh’

In Latin American Spanish, the letter "Ll" is pronounced like the letter "sh". For example, the word "llave" (key) is pronounced "sha-ve". In Castilian Spanish, the letter "Ll" is pronounced like the letter "y". For example, the word "llave" is pronounced "ya-ve".

Final Sounds

In Latin American Spanish, words are often pronounced without the final sounds, whereas in Castilian Spanish, words are often pronounced with the final sounds. For example, in Mexico the word "mesa" (table) is pronounced "me-sa", however in Spain it’s pronounced "me-za".

Similarly, the word "silla" (chair) is pronounced "si-ya" in Mexico and "si-lla" in Spain.

The word "perro" (dog) is pronounced "pe-rro" in Mexico and "pe-rre" in Spain.

Grammar

The main differences in grammar between the two dialects is that Latin American Spanish uses the voseo form, whereas Castilian Spanish does not. Voseo is used to refer to someone using the pronoun "vos", as opposed to "tú" or "usted".

For example, in Latin American Spanish you might say "¿Cómo estás vos?" (How are you?), whereas in Castilian Spanish you would say "¿Cómo estás tú?"

In Castilian Spanish, the verb "to be" is "ser", while in Latin American Spanish it is "estar". There are also some differences in how verbs are conjugated.

In Castilian Spanish, the present tense conjugation of regular verbs ends in "-ez", whereas in Latin American Spanish it ends in "-ís".

Vocabulary

There are some differences in vocabulary between Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish.

For example, the word "carro" (car) is used in Latin American Spanish, while the word "coche" is used in Castilian Spanish. In Spain, the word "embajada" is used to refer to an embassy, whereas in Mexico the word "cónsul" is used.

Words for food can vary depending on the region. In Spain, the word "jamón" (ham) is commonly used, while in Mexico the word "jamoncillo" is used. Another example is the word for "computer", which is "computadora" in Mexico and "ordenador" in Spain.

There are some words that are used in one country and not the other. For example, the word "fiesta" (party) is commonly used in Mexico, but not in Spain. A couple of other examples are words like "cerveza" (beer), which is only used in Spain. "Abuelo" (grandfather) is used in Mexico, but not in Spain. On the other hand, the word "tío" (uncle) is used in Spain, but not in Mexico.

Then there are some words that are used more often in one country than the other. For example, in Spain the word "amigo" (friend) is used more often than in Latin America. In Latin America, the word "camarada" (companion) is used more often.

Additionally, some words have different meanings in the two dialects. For example, the word "chocar" can mean "to crash (a car)" in Castilian Spanish, but "to coincidentally meet someone" in Latin American Spanish.

Vosotros vs. Ustedes

Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish have different pronouns for "you", which can be a little confusing for English speakers.

In Castilian Spanish, the pronoun "vosotros" (refers to a group of people) is used as the informal plural pronoun, while "ustedes" is used as the formal plural pronoun.

So, if you were speaking to friends in Spain, you would say "¿Cómo estáis vosotros?", and if you were speaking to someone formally, you would say "¿Cómo están ustedes?".

In Latin American Spanish, the informal plural pronoun "vosotros" is not used. Instead, the formal plural pronoun "ustedes" is used for both formal and informal situations.

For example, in Latin American Spanish you would say "¿Cómo están ustedes?", regardless of whether you are speaking to friends or family.

Another example - you might say "Vosotros estáis aquí" (You are here) in Castilian Spanish, whereas in Latin American Spanish you would say "Ustedes están aquí".

Tú/Usted/Vos

There are also different pronouns for "you" in Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish. Tú (informal), Usted (formal), or Vos (informal).

In Castilian Spanish, the pronoun "tú" is used as the informal singular pronoun, while "usted" is used as the formal singular pronoun. So, if you were speaking to a friend, you would say "¿Cómo estás tú?", and if you were speaking to someone formally, you would say "¿Cómo está usted?".

In Latin American Spanish, the pronoun "vos" is used as the informal singular pronoun instead of "tú". So, if you were speaking to a friend in Latin America, you would say "¿Cómo estás vos?", and if you were speaking to someone formally, you would say "¿Cómo está usted?".

It's important to note that the pronoun "vos" is not used in Spain.

Verb Tenses

There are some differences in how verbs are conjugated in the two dialects. In Castilian Spanish, the present tense conjugation of regular verbs ends in "-ez", whereas in Latin American Spanish it ends in "-ís".

For example, the verb "hablar" (to speak) is conjugated as "habláis" in Latin American Spanish, but as "habláis" in Castilian Spanish. Additionally, the preterite and imperfect tenses are conjugated differently in the two dialects.

In Castilian Spanish, the preterite tense is conjugated as "-í", while in Latin American Spanish it is conjugated as "-iste".

For example, the verb "comer" (to eat) is conjugated as "comí" in Castilian Spanish, but as "comiste" in Latin American Spanish.

The imperfect tense is conjugated differently in the two dialects as well. In Castilian Spanish, it is conjugated as "-ía", while in Latin American Spanish it is conjugated as "-ías". 

For example, the verb "comer" (to eat) is conjugated as "comía" in Castilian Spanish, but as "comías" in Latin American Spanish.

Imperative vs. Subjunctive

There are two moods in Spanish - the imperative and the subjunctive.

The imperative is used to give orders or commands. For example, "sit down!" or "be quiet!".

The subjunctive is used to express doubt, uncertainty or wishes. For example, "I doubt that he will come" or "I wish I could go".

In Mexico, the imperative is used more often than the subjunctive. In Spain, the subjunctive is used more often than the imperative.

Direct vs. Indirect Object Pronouns

There are two types of object pronouns - direct and indirect. Direct and indirect object pronouns are used to replace nouns in Spanish.

Direct object pronouns are used to represent the recipient of an action. For example, "I gave him the book".

Indirect object pronouns are used to represent the person or thing that receives the direct object. For example, "I gave the book to him".

In Mexico, indirect object pronouns are used more often than direct object pronouns. In Spain, direct object pronouns are used more often than indirect object pronouns.

Expressions

There are a few expressions that are unique to Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish.

In Spain, the expression "estar en Babia" is used to describe when someone is daydreaming or lost in thought.

In Mexico, the expression "darse una vuelta" is used to describe when someone takes a walk.

Idiomatic Expressions

The idiomatic expressions of Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish are also quite different. For example, the phrase "hacer las paces" (to make peace) is commonly used in Mexico, but not in Spain.

On the other hand, the phrase "irse por las ramas" (to go off on a tangent) is commonly used in Spain, but not in Mexico.

Idioms/Slang

Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish both have their own idioms and slang. However, there are some idioms that are specifically used in Castilian Spanish, while others are used in Latin American Spanish.

Here are a few examples of idioms in Castilian Spanish:

Tener ganas de vomitar - To feel like vomiting

Estar hecho/a polvo - To be exhausted

No tener pelos en la lengua - To be very frank

Estar en la luna - To be out of it, to be spacey

Me da igual - I don't care

No hay color - There's no comparison

Tener un pelín de nariz - To have a big nose

Echar una mano - Is used to describe when someone needs help

And here are a few examples of idioms in Latin American Spanish:

Ser un peliculero/a - To be a movie buff

Tomar el pelo - To pull someone's leg

Echar el cuento - To tell a story

Dar una mano - Is used to describe when someone helps another person

Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish slang is quite different. Castilian Spanish slang is more formal than Latin American Spanish slang.

Here are a few examples of slang in Castilian Spanish:

Guay - cool

Tío/a - dude

Vale - okay

Estar de caña - to be really tired

And here are a few examples of slang in Latin American Spanish:

Chévere/Chido - cool

Cuate/Colega - buddy

Está bien/No pasa nada - okay

Estar cansado/a - to be really tired

Slang & Modern Terminology May Cause Confusion

Spanish dialects can be tricky to learn because of the use of slang and modern terminology. Spanish dialects are constantly evolving, and with that comes the introduction of new slang terms and expressions. These can often be a roadblock to understand for those who are not familiar with them. Additionally, modern terminology can also be confusing, as the meanings of words may change over time.

For example, the word "llamar" (to call) now also means "to text" in some Spanish dialects.

In Mexico, the expression "darse una vuelta" is used to describe when someone takes a walk. However, in Spain this expression means "to have sex".

In Mexico, the word "vosotros" is used when talking to a group of people. However, in Spain this word is only used when talking to a group of men.

Should I Learn Mexican Spanish Or Spain Spanish?

Now that you know the basics of these two dialects, it's time to choose the best one for you. Should you learn Latin American Spanish or Castilian Spanish? Well, it depends on what you want to use it for.

There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision. Are you planning to travel to Mexico or Spain? Or are you interested in learning Spanish for business or academic purposes?

One of the most important is your location. If you’re going to be traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, it’s best to learn the dialect spoken there.

If you plan on traveling to Mexico or one of the other Latin American countries where Spanish is spoken, then you will need to learn Latin American Spanish. On the other hand, if you're traveling to Spain or another European country where Spanish is spoken, then you will need to focus on learning Castilian Spanish.

If you’re planning on doing business in a Spanish-speaking country, it might be better to learn Castilian Spanish. It’s the dialect that most business transactions are conducted in and is considered to be more formal.

However, there are some words that are used only in Castilian Spanish, so you might need a translator if you’re planning on doing business in Mexico or another Latin American country.

Another important factor to consider is your level of Spanish. If you're a beginner, then you may want to start with Latin American Spanish as it is simpler and less formal.

However, if you're already proficient in Spanish, then you may want to focus on learning Castilian Spanish so that you can be better understood by native speakers.

The truth is, both dialects are valid forms of Spanish and you can learn either one without any problems. No matter which dialect you choose to learn, the most important thing is to start learning! The more you study and practice, the better your chances of becoming fluent in Spanish.

So, what are you waiting for? ¡Empecemos! (Let's get started!)

Learn Spanish With Pimsleur

Using the natural language learning method, you will quickly gain an understanding of how Spanish works. Pimsleur's unique approach begins with a core focus on speaking and listening, which helps you to quickly develop conversational skills. From there, you'll learn to read and write Spanish using a variety of engaging exercises.

The program is based on the premise that the quickest, easiest way to learn a new language is to start speaking it immediately in practical, everyday situations - without first having to memorize complex grammar rules or vocabulary lists. 

RELATED: Pimsleur Review: How To Learn Any Language With This Super Easy Method.

Pimsleur also uses a unique teaching method called the Pimsleur Method. This method encourages you to speak and think in Spanish from the very beginning. The Pimsleur program is based on the principle of gradual acquisition. This means that you will gradually build up your Spanish skills by learning a little bit at a time.

The program starts by teaching you the basic building blocks of the language. You will then be able to put these building blocks together to form sentences and have simple conversations.

You'll learn Spanish words and phrases, and then you'll be asked to use them in conversation. This helps you to build up your fluency quickly. Each lesson builds on the last, so you'll always have something to review. 

And unlike other language learning programs, Pimsleur's unique Immersion Method allows you to gradually increase your speed and comprehension until you're speaking and understanding Spanish like a native.

The lessons are easy to follow and can be completed in just 30 minutes a day, and provides a flexible way to fit learning into your busy schedule.

Plus, you can listen to the lessons anywhere, whether you're in the car, at the gym, or even doing the dishes. And because Pimsleur's courses are designed for self-study, you can learn at your own pace and review lessons as often as you like. 

Conclusion

So, why are there different dialects of Spanish? The answer to this question is complex and has to do with many factors, including geography, history, culture, and politics.

But one thing is for sure – the more you understand about the various dialects of Spanish and how they differ from each other, the better prepared you will be to learn one (or more) of them, and communicate effectively with native speakers from all regions where Spanish is spoken. 

So, which dialect of Spanish should you learn? Well, it depends on where you want to be able to use your language skills. If you're interested in traveling or doing business in Mexico or any other Latin American countries, then Latin American Spanish would be the best choice for you. However, if you're planning on traveling or doing business in Spain, then Castilian Spanish would be a better option.

Whichever dialect you choose, just remember that all Spanish speakers will be able to understand each other, so don't worry too much about making the perfect choice. Just pick the dialect that's best for you and your needs.

¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

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Question:

So, here’s the question: Were there any similarities and/or differences that surprised you about Castilian Spanish vs Latin American Spanish? If so, what were they? And which dialect of Spanish are you planning on learning? Let us know in the comments section down below!

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Hey, I’m Mara.

I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.

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