Which Spanish should I Learn? Stop wasting time wondering.

One of the most common questions I get from students is: Which Spanish should I learn?

With so many variations of Spanish, it can feel overwhelming. Should you learn Spain Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Colombian Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Iberian Spanish…what? You don’t want to waste your time, and I get that! So, let’s break it down and help you make the best choice for your Spanish-learning journey.

Follow along with the video for best results:

Understanding the Variations of Spanish

Spanish is spoken by over 500 million people across 20+ countries, which naturally leads to different accents, vocabulary, and pronunciation. However, choosing the right one isn’t as complicated as you may think.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spanish Focus

What Is Your Why?

Before you decide which type of Spanish to learn, you need to clarify why you’re learning Spanish in the first place. Your ‘why’ will be your guiding light throughout your journey and will steer you toward your answer to “Which Spanish should I learn?”

Here are some common reasons why people learn Spanish:

• Travel: If you plan to visit a Spanish-speaking country, learning the Spanish spoken there makes sense.
• Career Advancement: Spanish can open up new job opportunities and professional growth.
• Living Abroad: If you plan to live in a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll want to learn the local dialect.
• Relationships: Whether romantic or platonic, learning the Spanish your friends, family, or partner speak will help you connect with them better.
• Entertainment & Culture: If you enjoy Spanish-language content (movies, Netflix shows, books, etc.), you might want to learn the Spanish used in that content.

Take a moment to reflect. Why do YOU want to learn Spanish? Once you have your answer, use it as your guiding principle in choosing the variation of Spanish to focus on.

Where Do You Plan to Use Your Spanish?

If you have a specific country in mind for travel, work, or living, it makes sense to learn the Spanish spoken in that region. For example:

• If you’re moving to Spain, learn European Spanish (Castilian Spanish).
• If you plan to spend time in Mexico, focus on Mexican Spanish.
• If your travels are mainly in Colombia, learning Colombian Spanish will be useful.

Who Will You Be Speaking Spanish With?

Consider the people you’ll be communicating with the most. If your friends, family, or coworkers speak a particular variation, learning their dialect will help you connect with them better.

What Type of Content Will You Consume?

Are you drawn to Spanish-language Netflix shows, music, or books? Different regions have distinct cultural expressions. Choosing the Spanish spoken in your favorite content can make learning more enjoyable and practical.

Accent & Dialect Preferences

Some learners naturally prefer the sound of Latin American Spanish, while others like Spain Spanish. Go with what feels right for you. I personally gravitate towards Latin American Spanish – with a base in Colombian Spanish, because that’s where I started learning.

The Common-Sense Approach to Choosing Which Spanish to Learn

Ultimately, choosing which Spanish to learn isn’t as complicated as it seems. It’s like asking, “Which English should I learn?” If you live in the U.S., it makes sense to learn American English, while someone moving to the UK would focus on British English.

The same logic applies to Spanish. If you know you’ll be spending time in Mexico, why learn Spanish from Spain? If you’re headed to Argentina, why focus on Mexican Spanish?

Do Different Spanish Speakers Understand Each Other?

Yes! No matter which Spanish you learn, Spanish speakers from different regions can understand each other. The differences in vocabulary and pronunciation are similar to the variations between American, British, and Australian English.

For example:

• In the North U.S., people say “pop”, while in the South they say “soda.”
• Also, in the North U.S., people say “you all”, while in the South, they say “y’all.”

Despite these minor differences, people understand each other just fine. The same goes for Spanish! While some words may differ in meaning from country to country, the core language remains the same.

The Numbers Favor Latin American Spanish

If you’re unsure, consider this: Latin American Spanish is spoken by more people than Spanish from Spain. By sheer numbers, Latin American Spanish gives you access to a larger number of speakers. That’s why my blog focuses on Latin American Spanish.

The Most Important Step is to Just Start!

The best Spanish to learn is the one you’ll actually use. Even if you start with one variation and later shift to another, all the knowledge builds upon itself. Nothing is wasted.

Remember: You can’t steer a parked car.

Get started, let your ‘why’ guide you, and refine your learning as you go.

Hopefully, this post has answered that pressing question in your head “Which Spanish should I learn?“

So tell me, which Spanish will you learn (at least for starters)? Let me know in the comments!

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