The Argentine variety of Spanish is most commonly known as Rioplatense Spanish, named after the Río de la Plata region, which includes Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas.

This variety has several distinctive features that make it instantly recognizable.

Pronunciation

The most noticeable feature is the pronunciation of the letters ll and y.
In Argentina, they are not pronounced like a “y” sound, but closer to “sh” or “zh.”
For example:

• llamar sounds closer to “shamar”
• yo sounds like “zho” or “sho”

Because of this, Argentine Spanish is often recognizable within seconds.
Using “vos” Instead of “tú”In Argentina, the familiar pronoun tú (“you”) is rarely used. Instead, people say vos.

Examples:

• tú hablas → vos hablás
• tú eres → vos sos

This is not slang or informal speech. It’s the standard form used in advertising, TV shows, films, and everyday communication.

Italian-Influenced Intonation

Many people notice that Argentinians speak with a very expressive, almost “musical” intonation. This is not a coincidence.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Argentina experienced massive immigration from Italy. The rhythm and melody of Italian speech strongly influenced local Spanish, especially in Buenos Aires.

Other Languages Spoken in Argentina

Although Spanish clearly dominates, Argentina is a multilingual country.

Indigenous Languages

In certain regions, several indigenous languages are still spoken and officially recognized at the local level, including:

• Guaraní (especially in the northeast)
• Quechua
• Aymara
• Mapuche

While the number of speakers is relatively small compared to the total population, these languages continue to be preserved and supported regionally.

Immigrant Languages

Due to Argentina’s history of immigration, you can also hear:

• Italian
• German
• Yiddish
• Arabic

These languages are usually spoken within families or cultural communities rather than in everyday urban life.

Why Argentine Spanish Is Often Considered Difficult

Many Spanish learners find Argentine Spanish challenging, and there are several reasons for that:

• unfamiliar pronunciation
• widespread use of vos
• fast speech tempo
• local slang, especially lunfardo

Words like che, boludo, or laburo rarely appear in textbooks, but you’ll hear them constantly in real conversations.
That’s why Argentine Spanish is best learned with a native speaker, not only through standard courses or neutral learning materials.

Interesting Facts About Language in Argentina

• Argentine Spanish is often considered one of the most melodic varieties of the language
• Many Latin Americans can recognize an Argentine speaker almost instantly
• Argentine films and TV series rarely adapt their language for foreigners — people speak the way they do in real life
• Lunfardo, the local slang, originally developed among dock workers and immigrant communities

Which Spanish Should You Learn If You’re Going to Argentina?

If you’re planning:

• to move
• to travel
• to work
• or to communicate with Argentinians

it’s best to focus on the Argentine variety of Spanish from the start. It’s not better or worse than other versions — it’s simply different.
And the sooner you get used to real, everyday speech, the easier your adaptation will be.

If you want to understand what language is spoken in Argentina not from textbooks, but in real life — and learn to speak with confidence, sign up for a free trial Spanish lesson with a native speaker at Native Speakers Courses.

In class, you’ll hear authentic Argentine Spanish, get comfortable with accents and expressions, and learn how to speak in a way that people truly understand.