The porteño accent, best way to understand it

Argentine or Porteño Spanish is most easily identified by the particular “sh” sound used to pronounce “ll” and “y” sounds, pronounced as a “ye” sound in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world. Calle (street), for instance—ordinarily pronounced “caye”—becomes “cache” in Argentine Spanish.The same goes for “y” sounds. Tuyo (yours)—normally pronounced as written—becomes “tusho.” It may take a few days to become used to this new pronunciation, but once you’ve got it, you’ll never want to go back.                                                                                 

Forget everything you’ve ever learned about the second person singular; tú (you) is nonexistent in Argentina. Instead, get ready to be addressed by vos in a form known as the voseo. The conjugation for this particular form differs slightly from that of tú. The biggest difference is in the conjugation of the verb ser (to be).As a foreigner, you’ll frequently be asked, “¿De dónde sos?” Years of formal Spanish education can’t possibly prepare you for this astounding permutation of “¿De dónde eres?” (“Where are you from?”). But now you’ll know not to tentatively answer “bechamel?” or some other equally baffling response (to your interlocutor).Instead of tú eres (you are), you’ll hear vos sos in Argentina.

A quick search of the word ‘English’ in Craigslist Buenos Aires brings up a whole host of people desperate to speak to you and improve their English in return for helping you to improve your Spanish. People offer to meet anywhere of your choice for an hour of conversation in each language. If you think that you have the social skills and enough interesting stories to fill two hours of bilingual small talk with a stranger, then this is for you. Another great option is conversationexchange.com, where you are paired with a native Argentine who lives in Buenos Aires. This option comes with the added security of knowing volunteers are vetted. Two other communities that unite foreigners and locals in conversation, Spanglish Exchange and  Mundo Lingo, both groups offer exchanges on different days of the week. One of the cheapest and best ways to learn how to speak like a true Porteño is to make friends or start up conversations with any and everyone that you can. The city is full of opportunities to learn and practice your “Rioplatense” Spanish. Porteños love to talk, whether it be with their best friend, cab driver, or doorman, so there is never a shortage of conversation in Buenos Aires!

Here at Íbero Spanish School Buenos Aires, we offer Spanish classes for all levels—from Complete Beginner to Superior. With years of experience, we have designed a complete, high quality Spanish learning curriculum. Our students can choose from group classes (between 3 and 9 students), semi-private classes (a private class shared between two people), and private lessons—for anywhere from one to 24 weeks.

Students can start Spanish classes any Monday. Class levels last three weeks, but the flexibility of our program allows students with less time in the city to study for a one- or two-week period as well.

If you have any more questions or are wondering about how to personalize a program to fit your needs and schedule, don’t hesitate to email us.  Also, feel free to call us—we have three new international phone numbers!  We’re happy to answer your questions in English or Spanish.