Like English, Spanish has multiple dialects. No, it’s not imperative that you choose between Latin American Spanish vs. Spain Spanish to start.
But you should know the basics of how they differ. And keep in mind that Latin American Spanish has its own sub-dialects that are all unique.
In this article, I’m sharing the differences between the two overarching groups of Spanish and how to choose which you should focus on.
But before we get into it, this post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll learn a commission if you make a purchase at no cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.
Why Decide Between Latin American and Spain Spanish
As a beginner, you don’t need to settle on a Spanish dialect. However, as you advance and learn more vocabulary, it can help to decide which dialect you want to focus on.
If, like me, you live in the United States, Latin American Spanish will be more useful. On the other hand, if you live in Europe or want to travel there, you should learn Spain Spanish, or Peninsular Spanish.
The more you advance, the more you can narrow in on one specific dialect. For example, if you live near a large Mexican immigrant community, you might focus specifically on Mexican Spanish.
Despite living in the US, I’ve focused on Andalusian Spanish (southern Spain). That’s because I love Rosalía’s music, and she uses that dialect often.
Latin American vs. Spain Spanish
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most significant differences between the Spanish you’ll hear in Latin America vs. that in Spain.
Ustedes vs. Vosotros
One of the first differences you’ll probably notice is the informal plural version of “you” in Spanish. In Latin America, there’s no separate informal or formal term.
You’ll always use “ustedes” when talking to multiple people. But in Spain, you will differentiate between speaking with multiple friends vs. multiple stranges or authority figures.
Spaniards use “ustedes” in formal situations and “vosotros” in informal ones. Meanwhile, you’ll never hear “vosotros” in Latin America.
Tú vs. Usted
Along the same lines, how you use formal and informal singular “you” varies. In Spain, it’s much more common to use the informal “tú” even when speaking to strangers or elders.
Depending on the country, some Latinos use a mix of formal and informal. But in certain parts of Colombia, for example, they almost exclusively use the formal “usted.”
Seseo vs. Distincíon (and Ceceo)
Latin America and Spain also have certain pronunciation differences. The biggest one is that of how you pronounce C, S, and Z.
Throughout Latin America, there’s the use of “seseo” which means all three of the aforementioned letters sound like the English “S.”
You’ll also hear seseo in certain parts of Andalusia and the Canary Islands.
However, most of Spain uses what is called “distincíon.” That’s where the Z and the C (before I and E) sound like the English “TH” sound.
In some rural areas of Spain, you’ll also hear “ceceo” which is where even the S sounds like the English “TH.”
Note: you may have heard of the Spanish king with a lisp, but that’s a myth. Just like any other accent, these features developed over time.
Vocabulary
Think about it, we have a lot of differences between American English and British English. So it follows that the same would happen in Spanish spoken in different regions.
Here are some common examples of differing vocabulary:
| English | LatAm Spanish | Spain Spanish |
| pen | pluma | bolígrafo |
| computer | computadora | ordenador |
| to drive | manejar | conducir |
| potato | patata | papa |
| cell phone | celular | móvil |
There are many more examples of how words differ across the continents. And even within Latin America, some words change from country to country.
Use of the Past Tense
Another difference that I find very interesting is how Latinos and Spaniards use the past tense for things they did earlier in the day.
In Latin America, it’s more common to use the simple past tense: I worked = You trabajé.
Compare that to how you’d say it in Spain: I worked = He trabajado. Spaniards use the present perfect tense when referring to things they recently did.
Neither form is incorrect, and you can use the one you prefer. However, if you’re trying to stick to a dialect, make sure you use the one that’s more common in that area.
Spanglish Use
One more recent difference between Latin and Peninsular Spanish is the use of Spanglish. This is where speakers use certain English words.
It may or may not surprise you to learn this is more common in Latin America. Of course, the proximity to the US has an impact on the language.
An example of this is how some Latin speakers slay “clóset” while Spaniards may say “armario” which doesn’t come from English.
Latin American Spanish vs. Spain Spanish: Which Is Better?
Neither dialect is inherently better than the other. To help you choose which to focus on, consider your goals for learning Spanish.
If you want to speak with immigrants in the US, Latin American Spanish will serve you better. But if you prefer to travel to Europe, Spain Spanish is the way to go.
Either way, don’t let this decision keep you up at night, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s better to start learning and narrow your focus later.
Final Thoughts
Comparing Latin American Spanish vs. Spain Spanish is an important thing as you advance. That way, you can tailor your studies to meet your goals.
If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, don’t focus on the dialect too much. You can always narrow it down when you know more about what you want to learn.
Either way, head over to our Spanish flashcards to review some vocabulary.