Languages are living, evolving things—just like those who speak them. Over time, different regions develop their own dialects, accents, and even entire vocabulary sets. You’ve probably noticed this with your own group of friends or family. But it becomes most obvious when you're traveling—especially if you're learning a language like Spanish, which varies significantly depending on where it’s spoken.
If you're preparing for an internship in Madrid or planning to live in Spain, it’s important to understand the nuances of Castilian Spanish—the variety spoken in most of mainland Spain. This guide breaks down key differences so you can speak more naturally and confidently, just like a local.
1. “Vosotros” Is the Norm in Spain
In Latin America, “ustedes” is used for informal and formal situations when addressing a group. In Spain, however, that’s considered formal. For casual conversations with multiple people, Spaniards use “vosotros.”
Example:
- Latin American Spanish: ¿Cómo están?
- Castilian Spanish: ¿Cómo estáis?
2. That Lisp You Hear? It’s Called “Ceceo”
One of the most distinct features of Spanish in Spain is the “ceceo”, where the letters “z” and soft “c” (before e or i) are pronounced like the English “th” in “think.” It’s not a lisp—it’s just a pronunciation standard in most regions of Spain.
Example: “Cecilia le gustan las cerezas” → Sounds like: “Thethilia le gustan las therethas.”
3. “Tío” and “Tía” Are Everyday Slang
Don't be surprised if someone calls you tío or tía ("uncle" or "aunt"). In Spain, these terms are often used informally to mean “dude,” “guy,” or “girl.” It’s a friendly, familiar way to address someone—especially among young people.
Example: “¡Tía, mira esto!” = “Girl, check this out!”
4. “Vale” Means Okay (and You’ll Hear It Constantly)
In Spain, the word “vale” is used constantly and means “okay,” “sure,” or “alright.” It's the go-to way to show agreement or approval in daily conversations.
5. “Spanish” in Spain Is Actually Called “Castellano”
Spain is home to several regional languages: Catalan, Galician, Basque, Aranese, and of course, Castilian (Castellano)—what most of us refer to as “Spanish.” In Spain, referring to the language as “Castellano” shows awareness of the country’s linguistic diversity.
6. Vocabulary Differences Are Huge
Spain has its own unique vocabulary. Many words that are common in Latin America either don’t exist or have completely different meanings in Spain. Some terms are more traditional or closer to older Spanish roots, and others are just regionally preferred.
Here are a few Spanish words used in Spain that may trip you up:
English: Computer → Spain (Castilian): Ordenador → Latin America: Computadora
English: Pen → Spain (Castilian): Bolígrafo → Latin America: Pluma/Lapicera
English: Strawberries → Spanish (Castilian): Fresas → Latin America: Frutillas
English: Bathroom → Spanish (Castilian): Aseos/Servicios → Latin America: Baño
7. “Coger” Is Totally Normal in Spain—but Not Everywhere
In Spain, “coger” simply means “to take” or “to grab.” It’s used in completely innocent ways, like “Coge el libro y tráelo aquí” (Get the book and bring it here). However, be cautious using this word in Latin America, where it often has a very different—and inappropriate—connotation.
Whether you're preparing for a study abroad program, an internship in Madrid, or simply want to level up your Spanish, learning the ins and outs of Castilian Spanish will help you connect more deeply with locals. Embrace the accent, memorize the slang, and don’t be afraid to sound a little different, vale? After all, that’s the best way to learn.
