Updated on August 2, 2024
Spain Spanish vs. Mexican Spanish
Spain colonized much of current-day Latin America. Over centuries, Spanish across the Americas has changed, evolved, and incorporated local influences. Meanwhile, Spain’s version of Castilian Spanish changed to incorporate new foods, ways of cooking, and culture. Let’s explore the many differences in Spanish in Spain vs. Mexico.
Yes and no. Think of the difference between a British English speaker and an American English speaker. English speakers hear differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar. Spain Spanish and Mexican Spanish also have differences in this way. Can a Spanish person understand a Mexican person and vice versa? Of course! Just as an American can understand a British person. As a traveler or a Spanish-language learner it’s important to be familiar with these adjustments.
Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish are distinct dialects with noticeable pronunciation differences. One key difference is ceceo (/the-theo/). This means that the sounds ‘c,’ ‘z,’ and ‘ce’ are pronounced as a soft ‘th’ in Spain but as a regular ‘s’ in Mexico. Try out the examples below:
Spain: ¿Quieres una cerveza? /ther-ve-tha/ Do you want a beer?
Mexico: ¿Quieres una cerveza? /ser-ve-sa/ Do you want a beer?
Spain: Chorizo /cho-ree-tho/ Sausage
Mexico: Chorizo /cho-ree-so/ Sausage.
In Mexico, there is no distinction between the Ci, Ce, Z, and S sounds. They all sound like s /s/. This is known as the seseo /se-seo/.
Spain: Gracias. /gra-thee-as/ Thank you.
Mexico: Gracias. /gra-see-as/ Thank you.
In both Spain and Mexico, the words with Ca, Co, Cu will still be pronounced as a /k/
Spain: Comer. /komer/ To eat.
Mexico: Comer. /komer/ To eat.
Spain: Conocer. /ko-no-ther/ To know.
Mexico: Conocer. /ko-no-ser/ To know.
Notice how with conocer one word contains both sounds in Spain. Both accents and pronunciation are correct. It’s up to you to decide which one you prefer and stick to it.
Spanish learners will know the difference between “tú” and “usted” forms: “tú” is informal “you” while “usted” is formal. This is used all over the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, however, there is informal plural “you” (vosotros) and formal plural “you” (ustedes). In Mexico and Latin America, only “ustedes” is used.
Spain: ¿Vais a la fiesta? Are you (all) going to the party?
Mexico: ¿Van a la fiesta? Are you (all) going to the party?
Spain: ¿Tenéis hambre? Are you (all) hungry?
Mexico: ¿Tienen hambre? Are you (all) hungry?
It’s a bit easier to learn Mexican Spanish in this way, because you don’t have to memorize another conjugation form. “Vosotros” is never used in Mexico or Latin America. Although you can live a long and happy life in Spanish without ever using “vosotros”, it’s important to recognize when it’s used.
The biggest difference between Spanish in Spain and Mexican Spanish is words and vocabulary. Everyday objects, especially food items, can have completely different words in Spain vs. Mexico. Slang also differs a lot.
Spain: Maíz
Mexico: Elote
English: Corn
Spain: Maní
Mexico: Cacahuate
English: Peanut
Spain: Zumo
Mexico: Jugo
English: Juice
Spain: Bocadillo
Mexico: Torta
English: Sandwich
Spain: Tarta
Mexico: Pay
English: Pie
Spain: Autobús
Mexico: Camión
English: Bus
Spain: Bolígrafo
Mexico: Pluma
English: Pen
Spain: Móvil
Mexico: Celular
English: Cell phone
Spain: Piso
Mexico: Departamento
English: Apartment
Spain: Piscina
Mexico: Alberca
English: Swimming pool
Spain: ¡Está mola!
Mexico: ¡Está chido!
English: That’s cool!
The list goes on, but as a traveler or learner of Spanish, there’s no need to worry. Most native speakers will understand both words from exposure to international media entertainment.
If you are learning Spanish, it’s best to choose what accent and vocabulary you will use based on your needs. If you’re staying or traveling in Latin America, learn Mexican Spanish. The accent will sound standard and there’s no need for “vosotros”. But if you’re moving to Spain, work on that ceceo because ¡está mola!
Lingoda can help you on your Spanish language journey with native speakers from across Latin America and Spain. Register for a free 7-day trial today!
