European Spanish and Latin American Spanish are two major varieties of the Spanish language, each with its own unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical quirks. These differences can sometimes lead to confusion, but they also enrich the language as a whole.
Vocabulary Differences
One of the most noticeable differences is in vocabulary. Some everyday items have completely different names depending on the region.
| English | European Spanish | Latin American Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Car | coche | carro |
| Mobile phone | móvil | celular |
| Computer | ordenador | computadora |
| Juice | zumo | jugo |
| Bus | autobús / bus | camión / colectivo |
Pronunciation Differences
Pronunciation varies notably, especially with the letters c, z, and ll.
| Letter / Sound | European Spanish Pronunciation | Latin American Spanish Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| c (before e, i) / z | θ (like 'th' in "think") | s |
| ll | ʎ (similar to 'ly') or ʝ | ʝ or ʒ (like 'zh') |
| y | ʝ (like 'y' in "yes") | can be ʝ, ʒ, or ʃ depending on region |
Grammar Differences
While the core grammar is the same, there are some important regional differences.
| Feature | European Spanish | Latin American Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| You (plural) | vosotros / vosotras | ustedes |
| Past simple vs. present perfect | Frequent use of present perfect (he comido) | Past simple (comí) more common |
| Object pronouns | leísmo (using "le" for masculine direct object) in some areas | generally not used |
What is the plural 'you' in European Spanish?
vosotros / vosotras
European Spanish uses 'vosotros / vosotras' as the informal plural 'you'.
Usage Differences
Some expressions and idiomatic usages differ between the two.
| Meaning | European Spanish | Latin American Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| How are you? | ¿Qué tal? | ¿Cómo estás? |
| Car keys | las llaves del coche | las llaves del carro |
| To sleep in | dormir hasta tarde | echarse la siesta (regional) |
Car keys
las llaves del coche
European Spanish uses 'coche', so car keys are 'las llaves del coche'.
Summary
- Vocabulary: Different words for common items.
- Pronunciation: European Spanish uses the "th" sound; Latin American Spanish uses "s."
- Grammar: Use of vosotros and present perfect in Europe; ustedes and simple past in Latin America.
- Usage: Different idiomatic expressions and preferences.
Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively and appreciate the richness of the Spanish language across the world.
What is a common usage difference in greetings between the two varieties?
European Spanish commonly uses '¿Qué tal?', while Latin American Spanish uses '¿Cómo estás?'.
While both are correct, '¿Qué tal?' is more typical in Europe and '¿Cómo estás?' in Latin America.
Flashcards (1 of 14)
- English: Car
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
