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European vs. Latin

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A comparison of European Spanish and Latin American Spanish vocabulary, including examples, explanations, and key differences across regions.

Understanding the vocabulary differences between European Spanish (Español de España) and Latin American Spanish (Español de América Latina) is essential for effective communication across the Spanish-speaking world. While both forms share the same roots, regional variations reflect unique cultural influences and everyday usage.

Everyday Objects

Common household and personal items often have different names depending on the region.
  1. car keys: las llaves del coche (Spain) vs. las llaves del carro (Latin America)
  2. cell phone: el móvil (Spain) vs. el celular (Latin America)
  3. computer: el ordenador (Spain) vs. la computadora (Latin America)
  4. glasses: las gafas (Spain) vs. los anteojos (Latin America)
  5. juice: zumo (Spain) vs. jugo (Latin America)
  6. popcorn: palomitas (Spain) vs. pochoclo/canguil/palomitas (varies in Latin America)
  7. pen: el bolígrafo (Spain) vs. el bolígrafo/pluma (Latin America)
  8. train: el tren (both), but subway is el metro in both, though usage varies
  9. t-shirt: la camiseta (both, but styles may have regional names)
  10. juice box: brik de zumo (Spain) vs. cartón de jugo (Latin America)

En España, 'glasses' se dice ___.


How do you say 'glasses' in European Spanish?


gafas
In Spain, glasses are called 'gafas', whereas in Latin America they are often 'anteojos'.

Food and Eating

Meal-related vocabulary shows clear regional preferences and traditional dishes.
  1. potato chips: patatas fritas (Spain) vs. papas fritas or papitas (Latin America)
  2. corn: maíz (both), but corn on the cob is elote (Latin America) vs. less common term in Spain
  3. watermelon: sandía (both)
  4. sweets/candies: chuches/golosinas (Spain) vs. dulces (Latin America)
  5. snack: tentempié or bocadillo (Spain) vs. botana or antojito (Latin America)
  6. breakfast: desayuno (both), but typical foods differ regionally
  7. lunch: comida (general meal in Spain) vs. almuerzo (Latin America, varies)
  8. dinner: cena (both)
  9. grape: uva (both)
  10. strawberry: fresa (both)

En España, 'sweets/candies' se llaman ___.


What is the word for 'sweets/candies' in Spain?


chuches
'Chuches' is a colloquial term for sweets in Spain; Latin America generally uses 'dulces'.

Transportation

Words related to travel and commuting often differ or carry distinct connotations.
  1. car: coche (Spain) vs. carro / auto (Latin America)
  2. bus: autobús or bus (both), but sometimes colectivo or micro (Latin America)
  3. subway: metro (both)
  4. gasoline: gasolina (both, but sometimes nafta in Argentina)
  5. ticket: billete (Spain) vs. boleto (Latin America)
  6. driver's license: carné de conducir (Spain) vs. licencia de conducir (Latin America)
  7. parking lot: aparcamiento (Spain) vs. estacionamiento (Latin America)
  8. traffic jam: atasco (Spain) vs. trancón/embotellamiento (Latin America)
  9. bicycle: bicicleta (both)
  10. toll booth: peaje (both)

Clothing

Clothing terms can reveal cultural styles and shopping habits.
  1. sweater: jersey (Spain) vs. suéter (Latin America)
  2. pants: pantalones (both), but underwear is calzoncillos (Spain) vs. calzones (Latin America)
  3. shoes: zapatos (both)
  4. sneakers: zapatillas (Spain) vs. tenis / zapatillas (Latin America)
  5. coat: abrigo (both)
  6. scarf: bufanda (both)
  7. hat: sombrero / gorra (both, styles differ)
  8. skirt: falda (both)
  9. dress: vestido (both)
  10. tie: corbata (both)

Household Terms

Vocabulary around the home reflects daily life and chores.
  1. apartment: piso or apartamento (Spain) vs. departamento or apartamento (Latin America)
  2. house: casa (both)
  3. bedroom: dormitorio / habitación (both)
  4. bathroom: baño / servicio (both)
  5. kitchen: cocina (both)
  6. living room: salón / sala (Spain uses salón, Latin America often sala)
  7. light bulb: bombilla (both)
  8. door: puerta (both)
  9. window: ventana (both)
  10. closet: armario (Spain) vs. ropero / clóset (Latin America)

Common Expressions

Everyday phrases used in greetings, thanks, and farewells can vary.
  1. How are you?: ¿Cómo estás? (both), but ¿Qué tal? is more common in Spain
  2. What's up?: ¿Qué pasa? (Spain), ¿Qué hubo? / ¿Qué onda? (Latin America)
  3. Thank you: gracias (both)
  4. You're welcome: de nada (both), no hay de qué (both, more formal)
  5. See you later: hasta luego (both)
  6. Good morning: buenos días (both)
  7. Excuse me: perdona / perdón (both)
  8. Sorry: lo siento (both)
  9. Cheers!: ¡Salud! (both)
  10. I don’t understand: no entiendo (both), no comprendo is more formal

'¡Salud!' es una expresión que significa ___.


What does '¡Salud!' mean in Spanish-speaking cultures?


Cheers!
'¡Salud!' is used as a toast meaning 'Cheers!'. It can also mean 'Health!' but is primarily a celebratory phrase.

Conclusion

European Spanish and Latin American Spanish share a foundation but differ in vocabulary, especially for everyday objects, food, travel, clothing, home life, and common expressions. Understanding these differences enhances cross-cultural communication and helps learners navigate diverse Spanish-speaking environments with confidence.
Next Up: Slang

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025

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