Spanish from Spain vs. Spanish from Latin America
Hi guys! Today we’re at the EF school in Barcelona.
I’m here with Melisa who’s the school director of EF.
Hello! My name is Melisa and I'm the EF school director in Barcelona, the best city to study Spanish.
Today we have a special challenge for you, Elenor.
How do you feel about that? Good?
I’m excited. I will learn some Spanish.
I know that you’re here in Barcelona because you’d love to learn Spanish, right?
Yes.
That’s why I have a challenge for you today. Are you ready?
I think so. I hope so. Let’s see how Elenor’s Spanish is, okay?
I will say some words in Latin American Spanish and in Spanish from Spain.
The idea is that you will try to guess which one is from Latin America or from Spain.
Ah, so that’s the challenge. That’s good.
Yes, but then you’ll be completely ready to travel around Latin America or Spain.
Let’s start with … let’s see... “el carro” and “el coche.”
You’re driving? No.
It’s a car. Very good. Perfect!
I would say “el carro” is probably the Spanish one. Is that right?
No. “El carro” is from Latin America. “El coche” is from Spain.
“El zumo” or “el jugo", juice.
“El jugo” is maybe Latin American and “el zumo” is maybe Spanish? My pronunciation is really bad!
No, no. That’s perfect! That’s why I was trying to do the right pronunciation.
“Zumo” is from Spain and “jugo” is from Latin America.
It’s juice made from delicious oranges, let’s say.
How are you doing so far? Don’t worry, we’re getting there.
So now …. “conducir” or “manejar,” to drive.
“Conducir” is probably the Spanish one. Is that right?
Yes, and “manejar” is Latin American. Perfect! Very good!
This one is really great as well. I love to eat this one.
“El queque” and “la tarta.”
Oh, this is cake, I know that. Yes, this is cake.
I would say “tarta” is Spanish and “queque” is more of a latin word.
Come on! You’re doing great. Absolutely right. Thank you!
“El queque” is more from Costa Rica because in Mexico, they say something else.
So Mexico has an entirely different accent as well?
Yes, Spanish in Latin America will have different accents, but it’s not an issue when you’re traveling around.
Okay …. “los anteojos.” Yes?
Sunglasses? Yes, very good, glasses.
And “gafas.” “Gafas” is probably the latin one, right?
No. “Gafas” is from Spain and “anteojos” is from Latin America.
Of course, that’s in Costa Rica. Since I’m from there, I’m using the words from Costa Rica.
Okay? Very good. “Aparcar”, to park a car, or “estacionar".
“Estacionar” would be the Spanish one, and the other one – I can’t pronounce it – would be Latin American.
And it means “to park the car”, right?
Exactly. “Estacionar” is from Latin America. “Aparcar” is from Spain.
“La pluma”, for a pen, or “el bolígrafo.”
“Bolígrafo” is probably the Spanish one. Is that right?
That’s right. And here, you just say “boli.” Hey, do you have a boli?
Do you have a pen? Exactly. Very good!
Nowadays, you probably use computers as well. Yes! Oh my gosh. That’s another one.
“Computadora” or “ordenador" for computer?
“Ordenador” is probably the Spanish one. Yes, that’s right.
Do you know how I know that? How?
Because it’s “ordinateur” in French and it’s kind of close to that.
That’s the way it is.
Last, but not least: “el césped.” This is something green.
When you love go to the park and want to chill out on the “césped.”
The grass, maybe? Exactly.
And “el pasto.” “El pasto” is probably the Spanish word.
No. No!
“El pasto” is from Latin America and “el césped” is from Spain.
Those are some important words that you need to learn if you’re coming here –
sunglasses and grass and stuff like that.
Absolutely! Especially because it’s so sunny during the whole year. You’ll need those words.
And do not forget “zumo,” okay? “Zumo de naranja,” orange juice. It’s delicious in the morning.
Then you’re ready to be here in Barcelona. Yeah! I’m staying here.
Thank you so much, Melisa, for being here with us today.
It was a pleasure and I hope that you enjoy Barcelona and that you learned lots of Spanish.
Yes! Very good. Thank you. Gracias. Adios!
Hola amigos!
Today, I’ve been learning about the difference between Spanish Spanish and Latin American Spanish.
My question for you guys, if you want to win this shirt, is:
Do you know of a word that has different meanings, depending on where in the world you say it?
Comment down below for a chance to win – and remember to tune in next week.
Next week: Elenor goes shopping in Barcelona.