What Are the Differences between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish?
Spain vs Mexico! You probably know that Spanish spoken in Spain and Mexico are not exactly the same. In fact, they are quite a bit different! Just as British people understand American English and vice versa, most Spanish-speaking people understand each other’s dialect. However, knowing the differences between Spain Spanish and Mexican Spanish will help you understand Spanish better and improve your listening skills. Let’s talk about the difference between Spanish spoken in Spain vs Mexico today.
You might have experienced in your native language that as soon as you learn a new word, you notice that everyone around you has also started using the same word all of a sudden. In reality, the word has been used around you, but your brain didn’t “hear” it because it was unfamiliar to it. As you’ve guessed, this happens with foreign languages as well.
If you have experienced difficulty understanding native Spanish speakers, it might have been because they were speaking a different type of Spanish than what you have learned. Even just between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish, there is quite a bit of difference in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Knowing the difference will help communicate in Spanish more easily and improve your listening skills dramatically.
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Do Spanish and Mexican speak the same language?
Mexico Spanish vs Spain Spanish: Both Spanish people and Mexican people speak “the Spanish language.” However, both versions seem to have evolved over the centuries. So each version has its own special way of calling items and pronouncing words. Since many native languages had already existed in Mexico before Spanish was brought in, you can definitely notice the influence of the native languages in Mexican Spanish.
Let’s take a look at some of the differences between Castilian (Spain) and Mexican Spanish.
1. Spain vs Mexico – the Differences in Vocabulary
This is a super long list, but you can download this list for later.
United States: Broccoli
Spain: Brécol
Mexico: Brócoli
United States: Cabbage
Spain: Repollo
Mexico: Col
United States: Corn
Spain: Maíz
Mexico: Elote
United States: Grapefruit
Spain: Pomelo
Mexico: Toronja
United States: Green beans
Spain: Judías verdes
Mexico: Ejotes
United States: Lime
Spain: Lima
Mexico: Limón
United States: Peach
Spain: Melocotón
Mexico: Durazno
United States: Peas
Spain: Guisantes
Mexico: Chicharos
United States: Potato
Spain: Patata
Mexico: Papa
United States: Tomato
Spain: Tomate
Mexico: Jitomate
United States: Zucchini
Spain: Calabacín
Mexico: Calabacita
United States: Beef
Spain: Carne de vacuno
Mexico: Carne de res
United States: Pork
Spain: Carne de cerdo
Mexico: Carne de puerco
United States: Shrimp, Prawn
Spain: Gamba
Mexico: Camarón
United States: Cake
Spain: Tarta
Mexico: Pastel
United States: Coke
Spain: Coca-Cola
Mexico: Coca
United States: Ice Cream
Spain: Helado
Mexico: Nieve
United States: Juice
Spain: Zumo
Mexico: Jugo
United States: Straw
Spain: Pajita
Mexico: Popote
United States: Hangover
Spain: Tener resaca
Mexico: Estar crudo(a)
United States: To do the laundry
Spain: Hacer la colada
Mexico: Lavar la ropa
United States: To drive
Spain: Conducir
Mexico: Manejar
United States: To get angry
Spain: Enfadarse
Mexico: Enojarse
United States: To grab
Spain: Coger
Mexico: Agarrar
(Note: In Mexico and Latin American countries, the verb coger has a sexual connotation. So, I would definitely avoid using it when speaking with someone who is from those countries.)
United States: To park
Spain: Aparcar
Mexico: Estacionar
United States: To take
Spain: Coger
Mexico: Tomar
(Note: In Mexico and Latin American countries, the verb coger has a sexual connotation. So, I would definitely avoid using it when speaking with someone who is from those countries.)
United States: To turn
Spain: Girar
Mexico: Doblar
United States: To take a shower
Spain: Ducharse
Mexico: Bañarse
United States: Shower
Spain: Ducha
Mexico: Regadera
United States: To mop
Spain: Fregar
Mexico: Trapear
United States: Mop (tool, noun)
Spain: Fregona
Mexico: Trapeador
United States: To work
Spain: Currar, Trabajar
Mexico: Chambear, Trabajar
United States: work
Spain: Curro, Trabajo
Mexico: Chamba, Trabajo
United States: To talk
Spain: Hablar
Mexico: Platicar, Hablar
United States: To be broke (no money)
Spain: Estar sin blanca
Mexico: Estar sin un quinto
United States: To be far away
Spain: Estar en el quinto pino
Mexico: Estar relejos
United States: Kitchen sink
Spain: Fregadero
Mexico: Lavatrastes
United States: Refrigerator
Spain: Nevera
Mexico: Refrigerador
United States: Dishwasher
Spain: Lavavajillas
Mexico: Lavaplatos
United States: Bathtub
How do you say bathtub in Spanish?
Spain: Bañera
Mexico: Tina
(Note: many Mexican houses don’t have a bathtub, just a shower unless you are in the area where a lot of ex-pats live. So the verb “bañarse” means both “to take a bath” and “take a shower” in Mexico. On the other hand, in Spain, to say “to take a bath,” use “bañarse” and “to take a shower” is “ducharse.”)
United States: Faucet
Spain: Grifo
Mexico: Llave
United States: Drawer
Spain: Cajón
Mexico: Gabinete
United States: Computer
Spain: Ordenador
Mexico: Computadora
United States: Cell phone
Spain: Móvil
Mexico: Celular
United States: Glasses
Spain: Gafas
Mexico: Lentes
United States: Pen
Spain: Bolígrafo
Mexico: Lapicero
United States: Speakers
Spain: Altavoces
Mexico: Bocinas
United States: Kite
Spain: Cometa
Mexico: Papalote
United States: Car
Spain: Coche
Mexico: Carro/coche
United States: Trunk
Spain: Maletero
Mexico: Cajuela
United States: Driver’s license
Spain: Carnet de conducir
Mexico: Licencia de manejar
United States: Straight
Spain: Recto
Mexico: Derecho
United States: Golf course
Spain: Campo de golf
Mexico: Cancha de golf
United States: Pool
Spain: Piscina
Mexico: Alberca
United States: Airplane Ticket
Spain: Billete de Avión
Mexico: Boleto de Avión
United States: Apartment
Spain: Piso
Mexico: Departamento
United States: Bedroom at home
Spain: Dormitorio, cuarto
Mexico: Recamara, cuarto
United States: Elevator
Spain: Ascensor
Mexico: Elevador
United States: Lawn
Spain: Césped
Mexico: Pasto
United States: Jeans
Spain: Baqueros
Mexico: Jeans
United States: Sweater
Spain: Jersey
Mexico: Suéter
United States: Shorts
Spain: Pantalones cortos
Mexico: Shorts
United States: Jacket
Spain: Chaqueta
Mexico: Chamarra
United States: Bra
Spain: Sujetador
Mexico: Brasier
United States: Men’s underwear
Spain: Calzoncillos
Mexico: Trusas
United States: Woman’s underwear
Spain: Braga
Mexico: Calzón
United States: Shorts
Spain: Pantalones cortos
Mexico: Shorts
United States: Tennis shoes
Spain: Zapatillas Deportivas
Mexico: Tenis
United States: High heels
Spain: Zapatos de tacón
Mexico: Zapatillas
United States: Slippers
Spain: Zapatillas
Mexico: Pantuflas
United States: Shoelace
Shoelace in Spanish?
Spain: Cordón, Cordones de zapatos
Mexico: Cadete, Agujeta
United States: Hanger
Spain: Percha
Mexico: Gancho
United States: Earrings
Spain: Pendientes
Mexico: Aretes
United States: Brown
Spain: Marron
Mexico: Café
United States: Appetizers
Spain: Tapas
Mexico: Botanas
United States: Waiter/waitress
Spain: Camarero(a)
Mexico: Mesero(a)
United States: Hot Dog
Spain: Perrito caliente
Mexico: Hot Dog
United States: Sandwich
Spain: Bocadillo, bocata
Mexico: Torta
United States: Beer
Spain: Caña (draft), Cerveza
Mexico: Chela, Cerveza
United States: Snob
Spain: Pijo(a)
Mexico: Fresa
United States: Lazy
Spain: Perezoso(a)
Mexico: Flojo(a), güevón(a)
United States: Loose
Spain: Suelto(a)
Mexico: Aguado(a)
United States: Cheat sheet (for exam)
Spain: Chuleta
Mexico: Acordeón
United States: Friend
Spain: Colega, Amigo(a)
Mexico: Cuate, Amigo(a)
United States: Fireworks
Spain: Fuegos artificiales
Mexico: Cuetes
United States: Lighter
Spain: Mechero
Mexico: Encendedor
United States: Cool
Spain: Chulo(a), Mola
Mexico: Chido(a), Chingón(a), Padre
United States: Guy/girl
Spain: Tío(a)
Mexico: Güey
United States: Kid
Spain: Niño(a)
Mexico: Chamaco(a), niño(a)
United States: Husband
Spain: Marido (esposo is also used, but more formal)
Mexico: Esposo
United States: Wife
Spain: Mujer (esposa is also used, but more formal)
Mexico: Esposa
United States: You (plural, you all)
Spain: Vosotros (Vosotoras)
Mexico: Ustedes
United States: Nice to meet you
Spain: Encantado(a)
Mexico: Mucho gusto
United States: Come on! Let’s go!
Spain: ¡Venga! / ¡Vamos!
Mexico: ¡Ándale!
United States: That’s it, Yeah (Affirmation)
Spain: Eso es, Así es, Si
Mexico: Ándale, Órale
United States: What? (What did you say?)
Spain: ¿Qué?, ¿Cómo?
Mexico: ¿Mande?
United States: Alright, OK
Spain: Vale
Mexico: Sale, Ándale pues, Órale pues
United States: Hello? (to answer the phone)
Spain: Hola, Dígame, Dime
Mexico: ¿Bueno?
United States: How’s it going?
Spain: ¿Qué Tal?
Mexico: ¿Qué onda? (¿Qué Tal? is also used)
United States: Have a great time.
Spain: Qué lo pases bien.
Mexico: Qué la pases bien.
United States: Under, Underneath
Spain: Debajo de
Mexico: Abajo de
United States: Behind
Spain: Detrás de
Mexico: Atrás de
2. Spain Spanish vs Mexican Spanish – The Differences in Pronunciation
You might have noticed this when you were talking to your Spanish friends. In Spain, the Ce, Ci, Ze, and Zi are pronounced with the lisp. For example, when a Spaniard says “Cerveza,” Ce and Z are pronounced with a lisp like “ther-be-tha.” But in Mexico, these letters sound like the S, so “cerveza” is pronounced like “ser-ve-sa.” Another example is the pronunciation of Casar (to marry) and Cazar (to hunt). They would sound the same in Mexico or Latin American countries. Both are pronounced like “ka-sar.” This is called the “Seseo.”
Also, in the South of Spain, you’ll hear some people use the “Ceceo.” In this case, the S, C, and Z are pronounced with the lisp. Using the examples from the above, Casar and Cazar would both sound like “ka-thar.”
The second difference in pronunciation is less obvious, but I think it’s worth mentioning. It’s the Y. Most Spanish people pronounce it like the English Y, but Mexican people pronounce it like the J in English. For instance, Yo (I) would sound like “yo” in Spain but “jo” in Mexico. My husband, Luis being Mexican, tends to pronounce a Y like a J when he speaks English. So, his “yellow” would sound like “jello” 😊
Although it’s fairly easy to understand (or sometimes guess ha ha) the differences by context, it definitely helps to know what they are so your brain can translate back and forth automatically.
The third difference is the B and V. In Spain, the B and V are pronounced in the same way, meaning there is no sound of V. Both are pronounced like the English B. However, in Mexico and probably in other Latin American countries, the V sounds more like something between the English B and the V though a bit lighter on vibration.
The last one I want to mention is the G and J. Mexicans pronounce them almost like the English H, but it sounds a little tiny bit heavier. The sound comes from the throat more than the English H. In Spain, the G and J sound a lot heavier. They kind of sound like the H but with the famous cat’s hairball sound. The sound a cat makes when she has a hairball stuck in her throat and is trying to cough it out, or that was how my friend Jorge explained it to me.
It was really hard to pronounce the G/J sound in the beginning, but his analogy helped me a lot. He said most Latin American people can’t pronounce the G and J like the Spanish people do either. So, don’t fret if you can’t quite get it right.
3. Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish – The Differences in Grammar
In general, grammar is the same everywhere, but the usage is a bit different depending on the region. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about it, but here are some of them.
As you know, the main difference is the use of “Vosotros” for you all (informal plural) in Spain and “Ustedes” for you all (both formal and informal plural) in Mexican Spanish. This means that the verb conjugations are also very different.
Another grammatical difference is “Leísmo and Laísmo.” The “Leísmo” is the incorrect usage of the indirect object pronoun “le.” And the “Laísmo” is the incorrect usage of the direct object pronoun “la.” I heard this often when I lived in Spain. Many Spanish people use “le” or “les” instead of “lo” or “los.”
Here are some examples.
I saw him yesterday.
Spain with Leísmo: “Le vi ayer.”
Mexico and other Latin American countries: “Lo vi ayer.”
She likes chocolate.
Spain with Laísmo: La gusta el chocolate. (It may not be super common, but I’ve heard people say this several times in Central Spain.)
Correct form: Le gusta el chocolate.
The last grammatical difference you may notice is this. Most Spaniards use the present perfect tense for any actions completed recently, or that relate to the present, unlike in English. Some of the trigger words include this morning, this afternoon, this week, this summer, etc. However, Mexican people use the perfect and past tenses as they are used in English.
Here are a couple of examples.
United States: I ate an apple this morning.
Spain: He comido una manzana esta mañana.
Mexico: Comí una manzana esta mañana.
United States: I went to Tokyo this summer.
Spain: He ido a Tokio este verano.
Mexico: Fui a Tokio este verano.
In Conclusion – Spanish in Spain vs Mexico
There are more, but as I mentioned earlier, most Spanish-speaking people are familiar with other dialects and accents. If not, they will eventually figure them out by context or asking questions. So, while it is not crucial to know the differences between Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish, it is fun to learn about them. Plus, expanding your vocabulary always helps your listening and comprehension skills.
Happy Spanish-ing!
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