Somewhere in the gray area between traditional Spanish and Italian lies Argentine Spanish, or castellano. Argentines are very proud of their language (they insist it be called castellano and not español), and with good reason -- it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Spanish dialects. It can be quite addictive to hear. I, for one, would travel to Buenos Aires just to hear a porteño speak the language.
The goal of this page is to provide you with some background on castellano and provide you with some helpful phrases and vocabulary that will be useful, whether you’re a Spanish speaker already or you don’t know a bit about it. If you get into a bind, don’t worry – most Argentines speak at least a little English (it’s required in school). But since they’re so proud of their dialect, they are happy to hear you try to speak it and they will often encourage and help you along.
I Already Speak Some Spanish. How Is Castellano Different?
The “ll” letter combination (or the letter “y” by itself), usually pronounced “yuh” in Spanish, is pronounced “zhuh” in castellano.
Argentines use slang heavily. In fact, their slang has a name: Lunfardo. “Common” Spanish speakers should not feel discouraged if they don’t catch everything that’s said because of the heavy use of lunfardo. It is too widespread and changes too quickly to put on this page, so just be aware that it’s there.
The plural form of the subject “you” is “Ustedes” in castellano, not “Vosotros” as it is in Spain.
The singular form of the subject “you (informal)” is not “tu” as it is in every Spanish dialect. In castellano, the word “vos” is used. Verb conjugations for vos are also different, but we won’t attempt to go into them. Spanish speakers will pick up the new rules quickly. However, newly called missionaries should note that mission rules do not allow you to use “vos” in most situations. You will almost always use the “you (formal)” form “Usted.” Consequently, you will become most comfortable speaking in this way.
Hand gestures are almost an unwritten rule in Argentina. Porteños speak with their hands, and there are quite a few things that can be said without using any words at all. Once again, we will not try to explain them, but be aware that hand movements are common in conversation.
Generally Useful Phrases & Vocabulary
Buen día – Good morning (Porteños don’t say “buenos días” like in common Spanish)
Buenas tardes (noches) – Good afternoon (evening)
Un gusto – It’s a pleasure
¿Cómo anda? – How do you do?
Getting Around: Useful Phrases & Vocabulary
Remis – A taxi where you pay by the journey, not by the kilometer.
Subte – The Buenos Aires subway system.
Colectivo – City bus.
Boleto/Boletería – Ticket/Ticket window.
Cuadra – City block. Useful word when asking directions.
¿Dónde está...? – Where is...?
Eating: Useful Phrases & Vocabulary
La cuenta, por favor – Check, please
Propina – Tip
Quisiera tener... – I would like to have...
Moso (mosa) – Waiter (waitress)
Shopping: Useful Phrases & Vocabulary
¿Cuánto sale ésto? – How much does this cost?
¿Se aceptan tarjetas de crédito? – Are credit cards accepted?
Efectivo – Cash
Talle – Size
Calzo – Shoe size
Table of Contents
Visiting Buenos Aires: Main Page
Where To Stay
Where To Eat
Things To See & Do
Shopping
Transportation
Paying
B.A. Today
Useful Phrases
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