An estimated 460 million people are native Spanish speakers, while 75 million more report speaking Spanish as a secondary language. Despite ranking as the world’s fourth most commonly spoken language, Spanish is complex with various regional dialects. This means that a person who learned Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish (or Castilian Spanish) may be shocked when conversing with a native speaker in Spain or vice versa. If you aren’t aware of these differences ahead of time, it could lead to confusion on both ends. This is particularly vital when translating documents or other written materials for Spanish-speaking audiences. Using the right slang/common language terminology and grammar resonates with audiences and can easily position your brand above the competition.
Here are some aspects to consider when looking for a Spanish translation service:
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The Importance of Regional Dialect in Spanish Translations
If you require a Spanish translator, one of the most pertinent pieces of information is identifying your need for Mexican Spanish vs. Spain Spanish translations. If your target audience is located in Mexico or certain parts of Latin America, you may need a Mexican Spanish translator while audiences in north or central Spain require a Castilian language translator. Despite these clear-cut distinctions, there are other regional dialects within the Spanish language. Determining which dialect to use is critical for translation to ensure clear communication and cultural sensitivity. Because of varying rules for formal/informal conversations and interactions, along with local slang terminology and general etiquette, using the wrong ones can lead to misunderstandings or may be perceived as offensive to locals.
If you need assistance in determining which regional dialect is needed for a translation project, be sure to consult an ASTA-USA Translation Services specialist.
The 3 Key Differences Between Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish
1. Vocabulary
For those who are learning Spanish, or are otherwise interested in English to Spanish translations, the vocabulary differences are the most noticeable difference between the two language variants. While many words are the same in Mexico and in Spain, the language in Mexico tends to reflect indigenous words and expressions that showcase the rich culture throughout the country. In Spain, the language is more standardized and tends to follow the practices outlined by the Royal Spanish Academy. The language is also influenced by other surrounding European countries and languages. Some of the most common differences include terms like car, computer, cell phone, apartment, and bus, among many others. The use of these words may also vary based on the level of formality between speakers, the region, and other factors.
2. Pronunciation in Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish
To an individual who does not speak Spanish or is in the beginning stages of learning the language, there isn’t a big difference in the way that words sound in Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish. While most words do sound the same, Spanish speakers in Mexico often pronounce “C” and “Z” sounds much like the “S” is pronounced in English. This is also the case with the “LL” and “Y” sounds which is often spoken with an English soft “J” sound instead of the “Y” in Spain.
Take for example the word “Zapato” (Shoe):
- In Mexican Spanish, Zapato is pronounced as “sa-PAH-toh” (using a soft “s” sound)
- In Castilian Spanish, Zapato is pronounced as “tha-PAH-toh” (using a lisp-like “TH” sound as in the word “think”)
Although the difference in pronunciation does not make it impossible to understand the word, the use of Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish dialect would be apparent to native speakers in both regions. For businesses who want to connect with local audiences, this would be imperative to their marketing efforts.
3. Pronouns and Verb Conjugations
In the Spanish language, pronouns vary based on whether they are singular or plural, formal or informal. Although many of these are the same in Mexico and Spain, the pronoun that is chosen for the plural form of “you” varies. In Mexican Spanish, the formal and informal, plural version of “you” is “ustedes” whereas in Spain, “vosotros” is used for informal occasions, and “ustedes” is reserved for formal ones. The same concept applies when it comes to verb conjugations with Castilian or Spain Spanish leaning on more irregular conjugations for verbs than in Mexic
Although there are several crucial differences between the Spanish spoken in Mexico and Spain, it is important to note that the languages are mutually intelligible. This means that a speaker from Mexico and a native speaker from Spain are still able to understand one another and communicate in much the same way that native English speakers from the U.K. and the U.S. can understand each other. There may be grammatical differences, alternate word choices, and accents that alter pronunciation. Despite this, when it comes to content and mission-critical document translations, localization for your target audience is key to resonating and positioning your brand as a prime choice.
FAQ: Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish
What is the difference between Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish?
Although people in Mexico and Spain both speak the Spanish language, they speak two different dialects. This means that their vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation of certain words vary while many others remain the same. It is comparable to English language speakers in the U.S. and in the U.K. Both speak English, but Americans are prone to saying “apartment” while the British use the term “flat”.
Which Spanish words are different in Mexico and Spain?
Some common vocabulary differences between these two Spanish-speaking countries include: car (carro/coche), cell phone (celular/móvil), bus (camión/autobús) and apartment (departamento/piso), among others. Word choice also varies widely depending on the level of formality and other contexts like addressing a group or an individual.
Are Spanish words pronounced the same in Mexico and Spain?
While many words sound similar in Mexican Spanish and Spain (or Castilian) Spanish, some letters have different pronunciations which also alters word pronunciation. For instance, the letters “C”, “Z” and “S” when they come before an “E” or an “I” in a word are pronounced with an “S” sound in Mexico but a “TH” sound in Spain.
Should I translate English to Mexican Spanish or Castilian Spanish?
Knowing your target audience is critical when translating any documents. Consider the region first and foremost, opting for Mexican Spanish in Mexico and Castilian Spanish in north and central Spain. If you are targeting a Latin American region or European Spanish-speaking area, your best bet is to consult a professional Spanish translator at ASTA-USA Translation Services who can evaluate your project and provide a custom recommendation.
What is the most accurate Mexican Spanish or Spain Spanish translator?
It can be tempting to turn to technologies like Google Translate to quickly translate documents or correspondence into Spanish for free. Unfortunately, these translations are not always correct, and are unable to localize translations based on specific locations. This means that you may need a translation in Mexican Spanish vs Spain Spanish but the translation tool provides the opposite. For the best and most accurate Spanish translation services, reach out to ASTA-USA Translation Services, Inc for access to professional translators.
What type of Spanish is spoken in the U.S.?
Unlike the Castilian Spanish spoken in northern and central Spain, Spanish speakers in the U.S. are not limited to one dialect. This is because America is a true “melting pot” that is home to people from all around the globe. This means that there are many variants across the country, including Mexican, Castilian, and Spanish used in Latin American countries.
What’s a good alternative to Google Translate for corporate Spanish translations?
ASTA-USA Translation Services, Inc. is a leading provider of specialized, industry-specific business document translations. Unlike Google Translate, ASTA-USA leans on human subject matter expert (SME) translators who curate meticulous translations with a solid quality assurance process that ensures each translation stands up to the scrutiny of any court, government entity, or organization.