español
neutral, Mexico
In Mexico the language is called español. Mexicans seldom say castellano, although the word is understood and is the usual name in some other countries.
Meaning: language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| español | neutral, Mexico |
| castellano | less common |
You say hablo español for "I speak Spanish". The same word also describes a man from Spain, un español, and una española for a woman.
Which one should you use?
Mexican Spanish is called español de México or español mexicano. It includes words like chamba for work and padre for something good, which are not used the same way in all countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The name of a language is not capitalized in Spanish, so it is el español.
Did you know?
- Mexico has more Spanish speakers than any other country in the world.
Examples in context
- Hablo español y un poco de inglés.I speak Spanish and a little English.
- Estudio español en la escuela.I study Spanish at school.
- ¿Habla español?Do you speak Spanish?
Example conversation
A tourist chats with a hotel clerk in Playa del Carmen.
- TuristaBuenas tardes, ¿habla inglés?Good afternoon, do you speak English?
- RecepcionistaUn poco. ¿Usted habla español?A little. Do you speak Spanish?
- TuristaEstoy aprendiendo.I am learning.
