Which Spanish to Learn: Castilian or Latin American?

By Marta Prieto

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October 22, 2025

Contents

Introduction

What is Latin American Spanish?

What is Castilian Spanish?

Side-by-side comparison: Latin American vs Castilian Spanish

Do these differences matter?

Course selection: Why it can influence your experience

Which Spanish should you learn?

How Comligo helps you learn the right version

Final thoughts: Don’t stress the dialect, start learning

Introduction

If you’ve decided to learn Spanish, you’re off to a great start, but you might run into this question early on: Should I learn Latin American Spanish or Castilian Spanish? And does it even matter which version you choose? This is one of the most frequently asked questions from new learners. Both are forms of the same language, but regional Spanish variations exist. These differences show up in pronunciation, vocabulary, and usage. They can impact what and how you learn. This is especially true when picking a course, tutor, or app that favors one variation over the other.

In this article, we will explain the differences. We will help you see how they affect your learning. We will also guide you in choosing the right course for your goals.

What is Latin American Spanish?

Latin American Spanish is the type of Spanish spoken in many countries. This includes Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and more.

Key characteristics:

“Seseo” pronunciation: “C” and “Z” are pronounced like “S” (e.g., “gracias” sounds like gra-see-as)
Use of “ustedes” for plural “you” in both formal and informal settings
Vocabulary includes region-specific terms (e.g., “carro” for car, “pluma” for pen)
Slightly slower average speech rate in many countries, depending on region

Cultural exposure to Latin American Spanish is high in the U.S., thanks to Latin music, telenovelas, and media. This makes it a go-to choice for those who are comparing Spain Spanish vs Latin American Spanish for everyday use.

What is Castilian Spanish?

Castilian Spanish refers to the standard form of Spanish spoken in Spain, particularly in the central and northern regions.

Key characteristics:

“Ceceo” pronunciation: “C” (before E or I) and “Z” are pronounced like the English “th” (e.g., gra-thee-as)
“Vosotros” is used as the informal plural form of “you”
Vocabulary differs from Latin American Spanish (e.g., “coche” for car, “bolígrafo” for pen)

Speech tends to be faster, with distinct regional accents. Choosing between European Spanish and Latin American Spanish? The faster pace and different vocabulary might sway your choice.

Castilian Spanish is often used in formal European media, academic institutions, and travel contexts for those heading to Spain.

Side-by-side comparison: Latin American vs Castilian Spanish

Feature	Latin American Spanish	Castilian Spanish (Spain)
Geographic Reach	Americas (Mexico, Colombia, etc.)	Spain
Pronunciation of “C”/“Z”	Like “S”	Like English “TH” (e.g.,
Use of “Vosotros”	Not used	Used for informal plural “you”
Use of “Ustedes”	Formal/informal plural “you”	Only for formal plural “you”
Vocabulary	“Carro,” “pluma,” “computadora”	“Coche,” “bolígrafo,” “ordenador”
Media Exposure	Widely found in U.S. & Latin music	More common in European content
Speech Speed	Moderate to fast (varies by country)	Often fast with varied accents

This chart shows the differences between Castilian and Latin Spanish. These differences can change how you understand grammar, speech, and local phrases.

Do these differences matter?

The short answer is: not as much as you think.

Mutual intelligibility

Speakers from Spain and Latin America can understand each other easily, the language is fundamentally the same. Differences in vocabulary or usage are no greater than those between American and British English.

You might hear different words or verb forms, but they don’t prevent communication. Most Spanish speakers interact with Spanish dialects and adjust accordingly.

Accent preferences

If you plan to travel, live, or work in a specific country, learning the local version makes sense. But if you're just starting, the key is exposure and consistency — not which dialect you begin with.

Course selection: Why it can influence your experience

Accent and pronunciation training

Some courses (especially apps and recordings) feature Spain-based pronunciation, while others use Latin American Spanish accents. This can influence how you learn to pronounce common words.

Grammar and formality

Courses built in Spain may teach “vosotros,” while Latin American courses may skip it altogether. Your end goal can make a difference in deciding which Spanish dialect to learn. Weighing Castilian vs Latin Spanish differences can help you choose the most useful one for you.

Vocabulary differences

Learning the word “ordenador” (computer in Spain) can be confusing. In Mexico, people use the word “computadora.” These examples highlight the difference between Latin American and Castilian Spanish in everyday conversation.

Which Spanish should you learn?

Here’s how to choose based on your goals:

Learn Latin American Spanish if:

You live in or frequently visit the United States
You plan to travel to or do business in Mexico, Central America, or South America
You’re interested in Latino culture, music, and media
You want to learn the more globally used form of Spanish (spoken by more than 400 million people across 20+ countries)

This form is popular in the Americas. So, it's usually the best choice for learners comparing Spanish in Spain vs Latin America.

Learn Castilian Spanish if:

You plan to live in, study in, or travel to Spain
You're interested in European history, literature, or culture
You need Spanish for work with Spain-based organizations
You want exposure to multiple verb forms and vocabulary nuances

This is often the pick for learners evaluating European Spanish vs Latin American Spanish in academic or professional contexts.

How Comligo helps you learn the right version

At Comligo, we understand that immersion is key to language learning. That's why we offer live online classes with native speakers from both Spain and Latin America. You can learn either Castilian Spanish or Latin American Spanish. You will have teachers who speak the version you choose.

This real-time chat with a native speaker lets you hear true pronunciations, accents, and expressions. These are important for understanding the details of the language.

We recognize that learners come from different backgrounds and have different goals. That’s why:

We offer live online classes with native speakers from Spain and Latin America
Our curriculum is flexible, you can choose the dialect or teacher region
Our instructors help you with Colombian slang or perfecting Castilian Spanish pronunciation. They adjust to meet your goals.
We integrate cultural context, not just grammar and vocabulary

Final thoughts: Don’t stress the dialect, start learning

Choosing between Latin American vs Castilian Spanish is a smart question — but it shouldn't stop you from starting. Spanish is a rich, beautiful language with many voices. Whichever version you begin with, you’re laying the foundation for communication, connection, and confidence.

As you progress, you will naturally encounter both, and your ear will learn to adapt. Focus first on learning consistently, practicing often, and enjoying the journey.

Still unsure which Spanish is right for you?

Book a trial class with Comligo and choose a native speaker from your target region — Latin America or Spain. You’ll get the support, clarity, and motivation you need to thrive.

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.