How much is the difference between Spanish in L.America and Mexico

Question

I was wondering how much of a difference do you find between the day-to-day Spanish spoken in, say Argentina, to the language spoken in Mexico?

Answer 1

Mexico has many exclusive words and expressions, just a few examples

Mexico > translation into English > Latinamerica.

---

1. pelo chino > curled hair > pelo rizado
2. bañarse> to take a shower > ducharse

• I'd say there's an abyss between Mexico, Argentina and Spain. Just my personal opinion. - AntMexico Jun 8, 2010
• Ah, I see. Thanks, mate. - Liverpoolfan Jun 8, 2010

Answer 2

Hello, Liverpool, welcome to the Forum.

First of all, I should point out that México is in fact considered part of Latin America. So in that sense, the answer ought to be "none", since they speak Latin American Spanish in México.

However, each country, and even within countries, each region, shows variants. Some greater, some smaller.

Anyone who learns to speak "standard Spanish" will be understood in any Spanish speaking country - and will be able to get a fair idea of what is being said.

But accents and regionalisms can be as confusing for such learner, as for someone who learns to speak English in New York, and never having heard a different accent, suddenly has to travel to Texas, or Tennessee, or Jamaica, or Ireland.

He or she will be able to get the gist of the conversation, specially if people speak slowly and clearly, but most likely will find that there are words and ways to pronounce the words that sound very alien.

• We are on the same wave-length today, Gekkosan. - --Mariana-- Jun 8, 2010
• Thanks for replying guys. You've both been very helpful. - Liverpoolfan Jun 8, 2010

Answer 3

Hi and welcome to the SpanishDict forum.

Many different places have regional terms that you won't hear anywhere else. Just like you wouldn't call an elevator a "lift" in the U.S. but you would in England.

However, if you learn standard, proper Spanish you will be understood throughout the world.

Answer 4

It's just like the differences in English found in various parts of the world. The pronunciations vary from place to place, as do some of the words, but it's generally understandable by anyone who speaks some version of it.

Answer 5

You can look at this as a resource on regional differences.

http://www.jergasdehablahispana.org/

Answer 6

Take the word Paja,

In Mexico it means straw, in El Salvador it means liar, and in Guatemala it means something dirty...