What are the differences between Spanish in Spain and that spoken in South America?

Question

I'm planning on traveling to South America soon...I know (very very) basic European Spanish..

Will that be OK. Or should I try to learn the Latin American version instead of impoving the Spanish that I already know?

Answer 1

some tips:

in spain you say "vosotros" (you, plural), in america you say "ustedes" (you plural)

in spain you say (almost ever) "tú" (you, singular), in many american countries you say "usted" and in argentina, paraguay and uruguay you say "vos". The conjugation changes

eg

vos sabés, tú sabes, usted sabe = you know (singular)
vosotros sabéis, ustedes saben = you know (plural)

in america the s, c, z sounds alike
eg

casa and caza (k-ah-s-ah)= house and hunt (in spain you would pronounce the second one like k-ah-th-a)

cierra and sierra (s-ee-eh-rr-ah) = (he,she,it) closes and mountain (in spain you would pronounce the first one like th-ee-eh-rr-ah)

Answer 2

Spain Spanish is basically "pure" Spanish; Latin American Spanish is usually influenced my some aspects of the indigenous natives' language as well. There are differences in every Spanish speaking countries dialect, based on the tribe that occupied there. Some places are also influenced by west African words, because of triangular trade back in African slavery times. Spaniard's Spanish is sufficient to get where you need to go, but if you are trying to assimilate into the people, you should learn the dialects for each place you go. Also, trying to do a certain accent , like the distinctive Bolivian one, may be considered mockery and you may be shunned for your actions.
Buena Suerte!

Answer 3

The biggest differences are in pronunciation, as well as some word spelling/meaning. The closest version of European Spanish to South American Spanish would be Castilian Spanish, which is the dominant one in Spain, together with the other official regional dialects: Euskera, Gallego, Catalan and Valenciano. I would have to compare it to the differences between American English and British English. So, you should be fine. Have a great time!

Answer 4

Hello,

Spanish Spoken In Spain in identical tot he Spanish spoken in Latin america. The only difference is some words which are said different, but you will be understood.

It is similar to British English and American English or Portugal Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese.

Good luck .

Answer 5

The change is really awesome. Every speakme nation has their possess regulations. For illustration, in Spain, the some distance south nations of South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay) and a few nations in Central America they check with "You" as "Vos" rather of "Tu". That alterations the best way where the sentence are type. An illustration might be "Vosotros quereis jugar" rather of "Ustedes quieren jugar" Also, a few phrases and verbs difference significantly from nation to nation. An illustration is the best way to say the verb "To Talk". In Mexico they are saying "Platicar" even as within the relaxation of the Hispanic nations folks say "Hablar".

Answer 6

There are a couple of good latin american phrasebooks for travellers available...pick one of these up, and flip through it. You'll notice a few differences. One is that in several latin american countries there is no "vosotros"...they use "ustedes" instead. As others have said though, you should be understood ok with what you have. Enjoy your trip!

Answer 7

Even though there are many different dialects, the basics are almost the same. You should be able to communicate ok, but make sure you take a translation book with you, just in case.

Answer 8

accents ,words ,frazes ,popular expressions.

but dont worry people in the Americas can understand spanish From Spain.

just like the Americans who speak American can understand people from Europe who speak English

Answer 9

Well that is hard to say. There are so many different dialects of it that you can't really do much but take what you have and improve it.

Answer 10

I don't know but I think there are different dialects based upon where you go.