Mexican vs. Spanish — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 14, 2024
Mexican pertains to the culture, people, or products of Mexico, featuring a rich blend of indigenous and Spanish influences; Spanish refers to things from Spain, known for its European cultural heritage.
Difference Between Mexican and Spanish
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Key Differences
Mexican culture is a vibrant fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican and Spanish colonial influences, characterized by traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos, whereas Spanish culture is distinctly European, with traditions such as bullfighting and flamenco.
In terms of language, Mexican Spanish includes a variety of regional accents and indigenous vocabulary, on the other hand, Spanish from Spain is known for the distinct pronunciation of the "c" and "z" as "th."
Culinary traditions in Mexico showcase dishes such as tacos and mole, which incorporate native ingredients like corn and chili peppers; whereas, Spanish cuisine features dishes like paella and tapas, focusing on Mediterranean ingredients like seafood and olive oil.
Mexican music includes genres like mariachi and norteño, deeply influenced by folk traditions; meanwhile, Spanish music is noted for flamenco, which has roots in the Romani culture in southern Spain.
Politically, Mexico is a federal republic composed of 32 states, whereas Spain is a parliamentary monarchy with autonomous communities, reflecting different systems of government and administrative structures.
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Influences
Indigenous and Spanish
European
Language Variations
Regional accents, indigenous vocabulary
Distinctive lisping pronunciation
Cuisine
Tacos, mole, corn-based dishes
Paella, tapas, seafood-based dishes
Music
Mariachi, norteño
Flamenco
Political System
Federal republic
Parliamentary monarchy
Compare with Definitions
Mexican
Relating to Mexico or its culture.
The Mexican festival of Día de los Muertos is celebrated with vibrant altars and street parades.
Spanish
Describing the people from Spain.
Spanish citizens enjoy a lifestyle that blends modernity with rich historical traditions.
Mexican
Referring to the cuisine known for its bold flavors and indigenous ingredients.
Mexican tacos are enjoyed worldwide for their rich and diverse fillings.
Spanish
Referring to the language spoken in Spain and much of Latin America.
She studied Spanish to better understand the literature from Spain.
Mexican
Describing the people of Mexico or of Mexican descent.
Famous Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo have influenced global art movements.
Spanish
Pertaining to the cuisine that includes dishes like tapas and churros.
Spanish cuisine is known for its diversity from region to region.
Mexican
Pertaining to the Spanish dialect spoken in Mexico.
Mexican Spanish has many words borrowed from indigenous languages.
Spanish
Associated with the music style of flamenco.
The Spanish guitar is integral to the passionate rhythms of flamenco music.
Mexican
Relating to Mexico or its people
Authentic Mexican cuisine
Spanish
Relating to Spain, its people, or its language.
Mexican
A native or inhabitant of Mexico, or a person of Mexican descent
Urban scenes depicting the daily life of Mexicans
Spanish
The people of Spain.
Mexican
A native or inhabitant of Mexico.
Spanish
A Romance language spoken in Spain and in much of Central and South America (except Brazil) and several other countries. It is the second most widely spoken first language in the world, with more than 400 millon speakers.
Mexican
A person of Mexican ancestry.
Spanish
Of or relating to Spain or its people or culture.
Mexican
Of or relating to Mexico or its people, language, or culture.
Spanish
Of or relating to the Spanish language.
Mexican
Of or pertaining to Mexico or its people.
Spanish
The Romance language of the largest part of Spain and most of Central and South America.
Mexican
A native of inhabitant of Mexico
Spanish
(used with a pl. verb) The people of Spain.
Mexican
Of or relating to Mexico or its inhabitants;
Mexican food is hot
Spanish
(printing) To subject to spanishing, a printing process in which an ink is deposited on the bottoms and sides of depressions formed in a plastic material
Mexican
Associated with the traditional music forms like mariachi.
The Mexican mariachi band played soulful tunes that captivated everyone at the festival.
Spanish
Of or pertaining to Spain or the Spaniards.
Spanish
The language of Spain.
Spanish
The Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
Spanish
The people of Spain
Spanish
Of or relating to or characteristic of Spain or the people of Spain;
Spanish music
Spanish
Relating to Spain or its culture.
The Spanish tradition of siesta is adopted in various parts of the world for a midday rest.
Common Curiosities
What are the main influences on Mexican culture?
Mexican culture is primarily influenced by indigenous cultures and Spanish colonialism.
What is a staple food in Mexican cuisine?
Corn is a staple in Mexican cuisine, used in many forms including tortillas.
What type of government does Spain have?
Spain has a parliamentary monarchy, where the king serves as the head of state within a parliamentary system.
How does Spanish from Spain differ from Mexican Spanish?
Spanish from Spain often features a lisping sound for "c" and "z", unlike Mexican Spanish.
Do both Mexican and Spanish cultures celebrate Día de los Muertos?
No, Día de los Muertos is specifically a Mexican celebration.
What is a significant historical influence on Spanish culture?
The Roman and Moorish invasions are significant influences on Spanish culture.
Are there any significant musical differences between Mexican and Spanish music?
Yes, Mexican music often includes mariachi and norteño, while Spanish music is famous for flamenco.
What are typical features of traditional Mexican architecture?
Traditional Mexican architecture often includes colorful tiles and courtyards influenced by Moorish and Spanish styles.
How is Mexican art distinct from Spanish art?
Mexican art is known for its vibrant colors and themes that often reflect social and political commentary, unlike the often more classical themes in Spanish art.
Is bullfighting popular in both Mexico and Spain?
Yes, bullfighting is popular in both countries, though it has faced significant criticism and declining interest.
Which language has more dialects, Mexican Spanish or Spanish from Spain?
Mexican Spanish has more dialects due to Mexico's larger size and diverse indigenous populations.
How do Mexican and Spanish film industries compare?
Both countries have vibrant film industries, but Mexican cinema is particularly known for its Golden Age in the mid-20th century, whereas Spanish cinema has gained international acclaim through directors like Pedro Almodóvar.
Can you name a popular Spanish dish influenced by regional ingredients?
Paella is a popular Spanish dish, heavily influenced by regional ingredients like seafood.
What is a common cultural practice in Spain that differs from Mexican practices?
The practice of siesta, or midday rest, is common in Spain and not widely observed in Mexico.
What kind of political structure does Mexico have?
Mexico is structured as a federal republic, with a president and elected officials.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
