While Spanish is the same language, there are many differences in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and culture between Spain and Argentina. In this article, you will learn the differences between Spanish in Spain and Argentina and how they affect the language.
Pronunciation and accent are the first differences that come to mind when comparing Spanish in Spain and Argentina. Spanish spoken in Spain has a more “lisped” sound, particularly when it comes to the letter “s.” On the other hand, Spanish spoken in Argentina is characterized by a more “hard” or “aspirated” sound. These differences in pronunciation can sometimes make it difficult for speakers of one dialect to understand the other.
Grammatical variations are another significant difference between Spanish in Spain and Argentina. For example, the use of “vosotros” in Spain is not common in Argentina, it’s the same for the rest of all the Latin America countries. Argentine Spanish also uses different verb conjugations in the present tense, such as “vos sos” instead of “tú eres.”
Key Takeaways
- Spanish in Spain and Argentina have differences in pronunciation and accent.
- Grammatical variations, such as verb conjugations, are also different between the two dialects.
- To better understand and appreciate the differences between Spanish in Spain and Argentina, it is important to learn the cultural context of each dialect.
Pronunciation and Accent Differences
One of the most noticeable differences between Spanish in Spain and Argentina is the pronunciation. As mentioned before, in Spain, the “s” sound is pronounced with a slight lisp, which can be heard in words like “gracias” (thank you), where the “s” is pronounced like “th” in English “thanks.” In Argentina, the “s” sound is pronounced more like the “s” in English “sun.”
Another distinctive sound in Spanish pronunciation is the “y” sound. In most Spanish-speaking countries, the “y” sound is pronounced like the “y” in English “yes.” However, in Argentina, the “y” sound is often pronounced like the “sh” in English “she.” This is known as “yeísmo” and is a characteristic feature of the Argentine accent.
What’s the difference between Castilian and Rioplatense?
The Castilian accent, also known as “Castellano,” is the standard dialect of Spanish spoken in Spain. It is characterized by the use of “vosotros,” a second-person plural pronoun that is not used in Latin American Spanish. “Vosotros” has distinct conjugations, which end in -áis, éis, or -is, depending on the base verb. So whereas other dialects of Spanish would say “ustedes están,” speakers of Castilian Spanish would say “vosotros estáis.”
On the other hand, the Rioplatense accent, spoken in Argentina and Uruguay, is characterized by the use of “vos,” a second-person singular pronoun that is not used in Spain. In Rioplatense Spanish, the “ll” and “y” sounds are often pronounced as the “sh” sound, which is known as “yeísmo.” For example, the word “pollo” (chicken) is pronounced as “posho” in Rioplatense Spanish, whereas in Castilian Spanish it is pronounced as “poyo.”
Here’s a video from the BBC Channel, where they explained this difference!
Castillan and Rioplatense Grammatical differences
Verb Conjugation and Usage
As I have mentioed before, one of the most significant grammatical differences between Spanish in Spain and Argentina is the use of “vosotros” and “ustedes” for the plural “you”. In Spain, “vosotros” is used and, in Argentina, “ustedes” is used for both formal and informal situations while “vosotros” is not used at all.
Additionally, verb conjugation in Spanish differs between Spain and Argentina. Spanish in Spain uses the “vosotros” form of verbs, which is not used in Argentina. In Argentina, the “vos” form is used instead of “tú” for the second person singular.
Here you have some examples of verb conjugations in the present simple:
Verbo | Vosotros | Ustedes | Vos | Tú |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ser | sois | son | sos | eres |
Estar | estáis | están | estás | estás |
Vivir | vivís | viven | vivís | vives |
Hacer | hacéis | hacen | hacés | haces |
Pronouns and Their Usage
Another significant difference in grammar between Spanish in Spain and Argentina is the usage of pronouns. In Spain, the pronoun “tú” is used for the second person singular, while in Argentina, the pronoun “vos” is used. The use of “vos” is known as “voseo” and is used in many Latin American countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
What is the difference between ‘Tú’ and ‘Vos’?
In Spain, the use of “tú” is considered informal, while the use of “usted” is considered formal. In Argentina, the use of “vos” is generally informal, while the use of “usted” is formal. However, it is important to note that the use of “tú” is becoming more common in Argentina, particularly among younger generations.

In terms of verb tenses, regular and irregular verbs are used in both Spain and Argentina. The present indicative, past, and future tenses are used in both countries as well. However, there are some differences in verb conjugation and usage, as mentioned above.
- Related article: What is the difference between “tú” and “usted” in Spanish?
Argentinean and Spanish Vocabulary and Slang
When it comes to vocabulary and slang, Spanish in Spain and Argentina have some notable differences. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Common Slang Terms in Spain and Argentina
Both Spain and Argentina have their own unique slang terms that are commonly used in everyday conversation. In Spain, you might hear people use the term “tío” (literally “uncle”) to refer to a friend or acquaintance, or “guay” (meaning “cool”) to express approval.
In Argentina, on the other hand, you might hear people use the term “boludo” to refer to a friend or to express annoyance, or “pibe” (meaning “kid”) to refer to a young man.
Words / Meaning | Argentina | Spain |
Slang for money, cash. | Guita | Pasta / Pelas |
Informal way to refer to a person. | Boludo / boluda | Tío/Tía |
Boy, guy | Pibe | Chaval |
A chaotic or disorderly situation. | Quilombo | Embrollo |
To work | Laburar | Currar |
Beer | Birra | Caña |
Laziness or lack of motivation. | Fiaca | Flojera |
Ok | Dale | Vale |
Cool, nice. | ¡Qué copado! | ¡Qué guay! |
Nice, pleasant. | Simpático / -a | Majo / -a |
To be amazed, blown away. | ¡Qué locura! | ¡Qué flipe! |
Influence of Other Languages on Vocabulary
The vocabulary of Spanish in Spain and Argentina has been influenced by a variety of other languages over the years. In Spain, for example, you might hear people use words that have Arabic roots, such as “aceituna” (olive) or “azúcar” (sugar).
In Argentina, on the other hand, you might hear people use words that have Italian roots, such as “cocoliche” (a mixture of Italian and Spanish), “pantalón” (trousers) or “tango” (a style of music and dance that originated in Buenos Aires).
There are also some words that are unique to Argentine Spanish. For example, the word “mina” is used in Argentina to refer to a girl or woman, while in Spain the more common term is “chica“. Another unique word is “cana“, which is used to refer to grey hair or old age.
Tips for Learning Spanish Variants
Spanish spoken in Spain and Argentina have some differences in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. However, with the right approach, you can quickly adapt to these differences.
One of the most significant challenges when learning Spanish variants is the differences in vocabulary. Similarly, there are some variations in expressions and slang used in different Spanish-speaking countries. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended to learn from a variety of resources such as online courses, textbooks, and language exchange programs.
Another challenge when learning Spanish variants is the differences in pronunciation. For example, the “z” and “c” sounds are pronounced differently in Spain and Argentina. To improve your pronunciation, it is recommended to practice speaking with native speakers, listen to audio recordings, and watch videos in the target language.

Practical Situations in Spain vs Argentina
When traveling or living in a Spanish-speaking country, it is essential to be aware of practical situations that may differ between Spain and Argentina. If you plan to visit Buenos Aires, it is worth noting that the accent and vocabulary used in the city may differ from other parts of Argentina. Similarly, if you plan to travel to Central America or Paraguay, you may encounter some variations in the Spanish language used in those regions.
Spanish Language Evolution in Spain and Argentina
The Spanish language, also known as Castilian Spanish, originated in Spain. Over time, the language evolved and spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America. In Spain, the language has been influenced by various regional languages, such as Basque and Catalan, which have contributed to the development of different dialects within the country.
In Argentina, the Spanish language evolved into a distinct dialect known as Rioplatense Spanish. This dialect is characterized by a unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar that is influenced by the Italian language and other regional languages spoken in the country.
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FAQs
What are the main differences between Rioplatense Spanish and Castilian Spanish?
Rioplatense Spanish is the dialect of Spanish spoken in the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay, while Castilian Spanish is the dialect spoken in Spain. The main differences between these two dialects are in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Rioplatense Spanish has a more melodious and musical intonation, while Castilian Spanish is more neutral and flat. Vocabulary is also significantly different between the two dialects, with Rioplatense Spanish incorporating more Italian words and Castilian Spanish using more archaic and formal vocabulary.
Can speakers of Latin American Spanish dialects easily understand European Spanish?
Speakers of Latin American Spanish dialects can generally understand European Spanish, but there are differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar that may cause some confusion. For example, the use of the “vosotros” form in Spain is not used in Latin America, and there are differences in the use of certain verb tenses. But we can undderstand each other, unless the dialect and the accent are very strong!
What are the distinct characteristics of Argentine Spanish compared to other Latin American Spanish dialects?
Argentine Spanish has several distinct characteristics compared to other Latin American Spanish dialects. The intonation and pronunciation of certain words is different. The use of “lunfardo,” a type of street slang, is also unique to Argentina.
How should a learner of Spanish approach the differences between the Spanish used in Spain and that used in Argentina?
A learner of Spanish should approach the differences between the Spanish used in Spain and that used in Argentina by becoming familiar with the differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. It is also helpful to expose oneself to both dialects through media such as films, music, and literature. Ultimately, the best way to become proficient in either dialect is through practice and immersion in the respective cultural contexts.