Understanding Spanish. The Differences Between Spain and Mexico

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, boasting a rich history and significant global presence. With over 460 million native speakers, it is the second most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese. Including second language speakers, Spanish ranks third globally, following English and Mandarin. The language's reach extends far beyond Spain, as it is the official language of 20 countries primarily in America, with a growing presence in regions like Africa and Asia due to historical colonization and immigration. 

The economic significance of Spanish cannot be overlooked. It plays a crucial role in international business and trade, especially in Latin America and Spain, and is a popular language for tourism, with many Spanish-speaking countries serving as attractive destinations. Furthermore, Spanish literature has produced iconic authors like Miguel de Cervantes and Gabriel García Márquez, while its music genres—ranging from flamenco to salsa—have enjoyed global popularity. 

As a vital language in international relations, Spanish is one of the official languages of the United Nations. It is widely studied around the world, reflecting its importance in diplomacy and education. With increasing globalization and demographic shifts, particularly in the United States, the prominence of Spanish is expected to grow, making it an essential language for communication and cultural exchange. 

In this blog, we will explore the differences between Spanish as spoken in Spain and in Latin American countries, with a focus on Mexico. Understanding these differences is crucial for language learners, as they impact pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. By embracing the diversity of Spanish, learners can enhance their communication skills and deepen their appreciation for the rich tapestry of Spanish-speaking cultures. 

Pronunciation and Grammar Differences 

When learning Spanish, one of the most noticeable aspects is the variation in pronunciation and grammar between Spain and Latin American countries, particularly Mexico. These differences not only shape the way Spanish sounds but also influence the learner's experience and understanding of the language. 

Pronunciation Differences 

Vowel Sounds 

In Spain, vowels are typically pronounced more openly and distinctly, which can create a clearer sound for learners. In contrast, many Latin American regions tend to pronounce vowels in a more closed and rounded manner. This distinction can impact how learners perceive and produce vowel sounds, often leading to variations in accent. 

"S" Sound 

In Spain, the "S" is usually pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound, which is consistent and sharp. However, in various Latin American dialects, the "S" can take on a voiced "z" sound, particularly in the intervocalic position (between vowels). This shift can alter the way words are articulated, affecting both clarity and comprehension for learners. 

"LL" Sound 

The pronunciation of the "LL" also varies significantly. In Spain, it is commonly pronounced as a "y" sound, while in many parts of Latin America, it is pronounced as a "j" sound, especially in regions like Argentina. This can create confusion for learners who may be accustomed to one pronunciation over the other. 

"Ñ" Sound 

While the "Ñ" is pronounced as a distinct palatal nasal sound in Spain, some Latin American regions may articulate it more like a "ni" sound. This subtle difference highlights the importance of exposure to various pronunciations during the learning process. 

Grammar Differences 

Verb Conjugations 

While the use of the subjunctive mood is consistent across Spain and Mexico in formal and informal settings (e.g., "Espero que vayas al cine mañana."), a key difference lies in the use of the "vosotros" form in Spain. In Spain, vosotros is commonly used for the informal plural “you,” whereas in Mexico and most of Latin America, ustedes is used in both formal and informal contexts. 

Example from Spain: 

"Vosotros vais al cine." (You all are going to the movies.) 

In Spain, "vosotros" is used to address a group of people informally, and the verb conjugation changes accordingly. 

Example from Mexico: 

"Ustedes van al cine." (You all are going to the movies.) 

In Mexico, "ustedes" is used in both formal and informal situations, without the distinction seen in Spain. 

This difference can affect how learners approach conjugating verbs in the second-person plural and understanding regional differences in informal speech. 

Vocabulary Influences 

Vocabulary differences between Spain and Mexico can also cause confusion for learners. Spain’s Spanish has absorbed many words from Arabic due to historical influences, while Mexico’s Spanish has been shaped by indigenous languages such as Nahuatl and Mayan, as well as by English. 

Example from Spain: 

"Voy a aparcar el coche." (I’m going to park the car.) 

In Spain, "aparcar" is the common verb for “to park,” and "coche" is used for “car.” 

Example from Mexico: 

"Voy a estacionar el carro." (I’m going to park the car.) 

In Mexico, "estacionar" is more commonly used for “to park,” and "carro" is preferred over "coche." 

This shows how learners might encounter completely different vocabulary for the same concept depending on the region they are studying or living in. 

Expressions and Idioms 

Spanish is rich in idiomatic expressions, and these vary significantly between Spain and Mexico. While some expressions might be understood across the Spanish-speaking world, many are region-specific and can be confusing if not learned within the right context. 

Example from Spain: 

"Me importa un pimiento." (I don’t care at all, literally “It matters to me as much as a pepper.”) 

This expression is widely used in Spain to express indifference. 

Example from Mexico: 

"Me vale." (I don’t care.) 

In Mexico, the phrase is simpler and less figurative. "Me vale" expresses the same indifference but in a more direct way. 

Idiomatic expressions are often a reflection of the culture and environment, which means that learning them helps learners understand the region better. However, it also means that students need to familiarize themselves with the local usage to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. 

Regional Variations: Vocabulary and Grammar in Context 

As learners delve deeper into Spanish, it becomes evident that regional differences can significantly impact how the language is spoken and understood. Spanish varies not only in pronunciation and grammar but also in the vocabulary used in everyday situations. These differences, while subtle at times, are crucial for effective communication and cultural understanding. 

In this section, we’ll explore more specific examples of how common words, expressions, and grammatical structures differ between Spain and Mexico. From how you refer to daily objects like “cell phones” or “buses” to the way verbs are conjugated in informal versus formal contexts, mastering these variations will allow learners to feel more confident navigating the diverse Spanish-speaking world. 

Vocabulary differences  

Example 1: "Bus" 

Spain: 

"Voy a coger el autobús." (I’m going to take the bus.) 

In Spain, the word "autobús" is commonly used for a bus, and "coger" is the verb used for "to take." 

Mexico: 

"Voy a tomar el camión." (I’m going to take the bus.) 

In Mexico, "camión" is often used to refer to a bus, and "tomar" is preferred over "coger," which has a different connotation in Latin America. 

Example 2: "Cell Phone" 

Spain: 

"¿Dónde está mi móvil?" (Where is my cell phone?) 

In Spain, "móvil" is the standard term for a cell phone. 

Mexico: 

"¿Dónde está mi celular?" (Where is my cell phone?) 

In Mexico, "celular" is used to refer to a cell phone. 

Example 3: "Juice" 

Spain: 

"Me gustaría un zumo de naranja." (I’d like an orange juice.) 

In Spain, the word "zumo" is used to refer to juice. 

Mexico: 

"Me gustaría un jugo de naranja." (I’d like an orange juice.) 

In Mexico, "jugo" is the term for juice. 

Example 4: "Computer" 

Spain: 

"Estoy trabajando en mi ordenador." (I’m working on my computer.) 

In Spain, "ordenador" is the word used for computer. 

Mexico: 

"Estoy trabajando en mi computadora." (I’m working on my computer.) 

In Mexico, "computadora" is the preferred term for computer. 

Example 5: "Pen"Spain: 

"¿Tienes un bolígrafo?" (Do you have a pen?) 

In Spain, "bolígrafo" or simply "boli" is commonly used for a pen. 

Mexico: 

"¿Tienes una pluma?" (Do you have a pen?) 

In Mexico, the word "pluma" is used to refer to a pen. 

Expressions and Idioms 

Example 1: "No big deal" 

• Spain: 

• "No pasa nada." (It’s no big deal / It doesn’t matter.) 

• In Spain, "No pasa nada" is a common way to express that something isn’t important or that it’s not a big issue. 

• Mexico: 

"No hay bronca." (It’s no big deal / No problem.) 

In Mexico, "No hay bronca" is often used informally to convey the same idea. 

Example 2: "To be broke" 

• Spain: 

"Estoy sin blanca." (I’m broke.) 

In Spain, "sin blanca" refers to not having any money, stemming from old Spanish currency. 

• Mexico: 

"Estoy sin un quinto." (I’m broke.) 

In Mexico, "sin un quinto" is commonly used to express having no money, with "quinto" referring to an old coin. 

Example 3: "To be in a rush" 

• Spain: 

"Voy de prisa." (I’m in a rush.) 

In Spain, "de prisa" is used to indicate that someone is in a hurry or rushing. 

• Mexico: 

"Voy a las carreras." (I’m in a rush.) 

In Mexico, the phrase "a las carreras" is used to express the same feeling of being rushed. 

Example 4: "To be very expensive" 

• Spain: 

"Cuesta un ojo de la cara." (It costs an arm and a leg, literally: "It costs an eye from your face.") 

In Spain, this expression is used to describe something that’s very expensive. 

• Mexico: 

"Cuesta un riñón." (It costs an arm and a leg, literally: "It costs a kidney.") 

In Mexico, people use this phrase to express that something is extremely pricey. 

Example 5: "To be lucky" 

• Spain: 

"Tener potra." (To be lucky.) 

In Spain, "tener potra" is an informal way to say someone is lucky, often implying luck in an unexpected way. 

• Mexico: 

"Tener suerte." (To be lucky.) 

In Mexico, "tener suerte" is more commonly used to express luck, though this phrase is widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world.