If you’re thinking about studying Spanish, you might have heard that there are different types of Spanish spoken in different countries. One of the most common questions is about the difference between Spanish spoken in Spain and in other Latin American countries, like Argentina. I’ve decided to write this article to break down the differences and similarities between these two dialects of Spanish, and give you a better idea of which one is a better fit for you. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get into it.

Spanish is one and is many

Spanish, also known as Castilian, is spoken in many countries (21 to be precise), and it can vary depending on the region. Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish spoken in Argentina are both considered standard forms of the language, but there are some differences in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation that we’ll address in this post:.

Pronunciation

One of the main differences between Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish spoken in Argentina is pronunciation. Spanish spoken in Spain tends to have a more “lisped” sound, particularly when it comes to the letter “s,” while Spanish spoken in Argentina is characterized by a more “hard” or “aspirated” sound.

The sounds of the letters “y” and “ll” are also different between Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish spoken in Argentina. In Spain the letters “y” and “ll” are pronounced as a sound similar to the English “yes”, while in Argentina they are pronounced more like a /sh/. This is known as “yeísmo” and it is an important feature of Rioplatense Spanish, which (in case you’ve just landed here) is spoken in Argentina, Uruguay and some areas of Paraguay.

Vocabulary

Another difference is in the vocabulary and expressions. Spanish spoken in Argentina has a lot of Italian influence, so you may find words and phrases that are not common in Spain. Additionally, Spanish spoken in Argentina tends to use more slang and colloquial language than Spanish spoken in Spain.

If you’re interested in learning more about the specifics, I’ve got you covered in these three articles. I’ve delved into the differences in vocabulary between Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish spoken in Argentina, so you can have a better idea of what to expect:

• NOUNS
• VERBS
• ADJECTIVES

Grammar

Grammatically, there are also some variations, such as the use of voseo, which is the use of the pronoun “VOS” and its corresponding verb conjugation, instead of “TÚ”.

Despite these differences, the two varieties of Spanish are mutually intelligible and are considered standard forms of the language. It’s also worth noting that even though there may be some variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar between different varieties of Spanish, these differences should not be a source of concern for you. Spanish is a widely spoken language and speakers of different varieties of Spanish can still communicate effectively with one another.

Key takeaway

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which variety of Spanish to focus on, as you will be able to communicate with Spanish speakers from different countries regardless.

And if you’re leaning towards learning the Argentine Spanish, come join me and let’s dive into it together! Check out the LESSONS MENU

Happy Spanish learning!

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