Different words in different Spanish-speaking countries

Question

¡Hola! I would lilke to know if Spanishdict is working on the differences in words in the different spanish speaking countries? I am living in España and potatos are patatas here, not papas. As I already am aware of this it isn't aproblem, but what about the things I am not aware of? The dictionarys have both papas for latin America and patatas for Spain, but if I don't know there is a difference it may lead to misunderstandings. Please advise,Ta!! :o)

Yes, this is something that I have noticed and wondered about some of the vocabulary. Thank you for raising the question. - peregrinamaria, JUN 12, 2010

Answer 1

The dictionary and flashcards can only do so much for you. They are standard, proper Spanish that is understood all over the world.

If you want other, regional specific terms, you have to research them on your own. For example, there are books on Argentinean, Mexican, Puerto Rican, etc. Spanish.

These are also online if you Google them.

Yes, I do understand that I can get these regonal books for specific regions as I am taking a european Spanish course and I am using this site as an additional tool, but as i am a beginer the different words confused me. This Spanishdict is VERY good! :o) - Natalolly, JUN 12, 2010

I would like to point out that in lesson 1.5 Languages, countries etc. You should't use 'el inglés' w/the american flag as 'el inglés' translates to 'the English' and is by most countries only used for England. Unless used in reference to spoken language - Natalolly, JUN 12, 2010

I am not trying to be funny, but my mexican, portugese and chilean friends use it to describe the English from England when referring to nationality. Sorry if i sound horrible but learning a new language is dificult. I am VERY impressed with this site! - Natalolly, JUN 12, 2010

Also the Brazilian flag is noted as Portuguese..... - Natalolly, JUN 12, 2010

Answer 2

Our dictionary does quite a bit of the work for you. The little abbreviations in italics beside some nouns tell you if they are region-specific words.

Thank you for your prompt reply, but I am aware that the dictionary points out the differences, but the flash cards (so far, I am only new here) have not. Like jugo and zumo for juice as another example. Should I then look up EVERY flashcard word? Ta! - Natalolly, JUN 12, 2010

No way! For the most part, Spanish is Spanish. I say coche sometimes to Latinos (because I am embarrassed when rolling my RR's) and they understand me perfectly. - 003487d6, JUN 12, 2010

Jeje...I use "coche" for that same reason. I've learn to roll the RR on "perro" but I avoid it if I can. :-) - --Mariana--, JUN 12, 2010

heheh. Ditto to that. I love to talk about my doggy in English but I blush when I do it in Spanish. - 003487d6, JUN 12, 2010

Answer 3

After being here a while you pretty much become aware of these differences. Sometimes they are even the cause of hot debates.