10+ Spanish Words Having Different Meanings in Distinct Spanish 

Have you ever heard someone saying, ‘tu habla espanol?’ Do you know what this means? It means the person is asking whether you speak Spanish or not. Spanish is a beautiful language and is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world. I was originally the native language of Spain, but with the age of imperialism and colonization, more and more people began to speak this beautiful language.  

On this page, we will discuss 10+ Spanish words having different meanings in distinct Spanish. Let’s jump in and check them out. 

Spanish Words with Different Meanings 

If you ever plan to study Spanish, you will come across several similar words with different meanings. There are over 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Each one of them has a different pronunciation and idiomatic expressions. And the same goes for vocabulary. At first, it will be overwhelming to see similar words with different meanings. But you don’t need to worry, cause that’s what we are here for.  

Torta 

Torta in Spain refers to a birthday cake or pastry. In some Spanish speaking countries, torta also means a round and flatbread, without yeast. In Mexico, if you ask for a torta at a restaurant, you might be served with a crusty white sandwich roll adored with veggies, eggs, or a meat fillet. 

In Philippines, if you order a torta, you will be served a special omelet with eggs, ground meant, and minced onions and potato. 

Fresa 

Fresa in Spain and Argentina means strawberry. In Mexico, fresa is as slang for a person belonging from upper-class. It also means a spoiled rich person in Colombia. 

Chucho 

What’s chucho is Spanish? In most countries, chucho in Spanish is a slang for dog or mutt. It also means shiver. In Latin America, chucho means stingy and is used to describe a crook or not-trustworthy person.  

In Argentina, chucho means cold. In Chile, it means jail and in Mexico, it means joint.  

Guagua 

Ever heard the word, ‘guagua’? If you’re in the Canary Islands in Spain, it refers to a bus. In countries like Argentina, Chile, and Columbia, when you say, ‘guagua’, it means you’re talking about a child. 

Saco 

Saco in Spain refers to a large bag. In countries like Panama and Dominica Republic, it is also used to describe a jacket. 

Rato 

Let’s take an easy one – Rato. It means a a long amount of time in Spain. It is used differently in different regions, especially in Latin America and the Islands of Philippines and Indonesia. In Mexico, it means a “one moment”.  

Mona 

Moving on to “mona“—in Spain, it can mean “cute” or a “monkey.” In Colombia and Chile, it refers to a blonde woman, while in Mexico, it could mean a doll or even being drunk! 

Buzo 

“Buzo“ also has its twists. In Spain, it’s a diver, while in Mexico and Argentina, it’s just a hoodie. In Colombia, it can mean both “diver” and “hardworking person.” 

Jugo 

Jugo refers to juice in most Spanish-speaking countries. In Spain, jugo refers to the liquid that comes out of meat.  

Piso 

In Spain, if someone says “piso”, it means an apartment or flat. Whereas, in Mexico, piso refers to floor or surface on which you are walking. 

Goma 

In Mexican Spanish, goma refers to hangover. In Chile, it refers to glue. However, in Spain, goma means rubber or eraser. 

Chucha 

Chuca refers to someone with bad armpit ordo in Columbia. In some Latin countries, it is used to insult a person. In Chile, it is used in the phrase, “esta a la chucha’, meaning to something which is far away. 

Banqueta 

Banqueta is Spanish for bench. In Mexico and Guatemala, it means the sidewalk. In other Spanish-speaking countries like Philippines, banqueta means uncommon. 

Coche 

Choche means car in most Spanish-speaking countries. However, in Mexico, choche refers to a baby stroller. In Guatemala, choche is the slang for pig. 

Conclusion 

This was all about the top Spanish words with differen meanings. The meaning of Spanish words can shift dramatically depending on the country you’re in. The are simple words like “fresa” or “jugo” that are easy to learn. And then there are words like “torta”, which might be a little tricky to learn. From Spain to Mexico, Argentina to Chile, language variations keep things interesting. So be mindful of where you are and the context in which you use these words!

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