How well can you learn Spanish using Duolingo?
You would not stroll around with a sombrero on your head in Spain. Nor would you run into a mariachi band in a square. So why would you learn Mexican Spanish for your holidays in Spain?
A lot of people use Duolingo to learn Spanish, and for good reason. With its cheerful little owl and short, interactive lessons, Duolingo makes learning a new language feel accessible. And it can be handy for those who want to pick up a phrase or two for a holiday in Spain. But did you know that Duolingo mainly focuses on Latin American Spanish? If you plan to go to Spain, it is useful to know the differences. Better yet, learn the Spanish of Spaniards right the first time, from us at Regina Coeli.
Mexican Spanish or the Spanish of Spaniards? Here are just a few of the differences
The Spanish of Spaniards differs from the Spanish spoken in Latin America. Some notable differences include:
Vosotros vs. ustedes
In Spain, ‘vosotros’ is the plural form of ‘you’, while in Latin America, it is ‘ustedes’. It is a minor difference, but it does stand out.
The pronunciation of the ‘z’
Nearly everywhere in Spain, the ‘z’ sounds like the English ‘th’, while in Latin America, people pronounce the ‘z’ as an ‘s’.
Vocabulary can vary
A number of commonly used words differ. Here are a few examples:
- car: el coche (Spain) vs el carro (Latin America)
- potato: la patata (Spain) vs la papa (Latin America)
- getting angry: enfadarse (Spain) vs enojarse (Latin America)
- Orange juice: zumo de naranja (Spain) vs jugo de naranja (Latin America)
- Mobile phone: móvil (Spain) vs celular (Latin America)
The way people answer the phone also varies considerably by region:
- Diga (Spain)
- Aló (Honduras, Peru, Venezuela)
- Bueno (Mexico)
- Hola (Argentina)
Why Duolingo alone won’t get you there
Duolingo is a fun and accessible way to start learning Spanish. The lessons are short and interactive, and the perky owlet metes out plenty of enthusiastic encouragement. Yet the programme has its limitations.
Duolingo primarily teaches you basic vocabulary and simple grammar. But if you want to really learn Spanish, it is important that you:
- Are able to form your own sentences so you can engage in real conversations.
- Understand nuances, such as the difference between informal and formal speech.
- Learn what you need based on the context. Giving a presentation is very different from making small talk.
When it comes to professional or advanced language skills, apps simply come up short. The subtleties of language, in particular, are better learned through personal coaching.
Learning Spanish at Regina Coeli
At Regina Coeli, better known as the ‘Nuns of Vught’, you learn the Spanish you really need. Our native speakers tailor your Spanish training programme entirely to your goals. Do you want to learn Spanish for holidays in Spain? Or do you need Latin American Spanish for business purposes? With us, your Spanish course is tailor-made.
At Regina Coeli, you not only learn the language, but also cultural norms and the manners to match. With those, you can be assured you will leave a lasting, positive impression—whether you are sitting in a café in the middle of Madrid or giving a polished presentation in Bogotá.
Would you like to experience what a difference personalised Spanish language training can make? Take a look at our Spanish training options. You are always welcome!
