Mastering Bolivian Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide To Success

Bolivia is one of the best countries in the world to learn Spanish. English is not widely spoken in the country, so foreigners are forced into total language immersion, which is the best way to learn a language. Bolivians are also regarded as having one of the clearest and most neutral Spanish accents in Latin America, and they speak slowly compared to other Spanish speakers in Latin America, making them easier to understand. There are many Spanish schools in Bolivia, and lessons start at just $4 per hour. The beautiful city of Sucre is highly recommended as a place to learn, as it offers a tranquil setting, is easy to navigate, has lovely weather, and is home to a large range of excellent Spanish schools.

Bolivian Spanish dialects and their differences

Bolivian Spanish, also known as Castilian, is the dominant language in Bolivia and is spoken by the majority of the population. There are several dialects of Spanish spoken in Bolivia, with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Pronunciation

Bolivian Spanish pronunciation differs from other varieties of Spanish in several ways. Firstly, the letters c (before e and i), z, and s are pronounced as "s" in "snake", unlike in Spain where they are pronounced as "th". For example, "zapato" (shoe) is pronounced "sah-PAH-toh" in Bolivian Spanish and other Latin American varieties, but "tha-PAH-toh" in Spain.

Secondly, the pronunciation of ll and y varies between generations and rural/urban areas. Younger people and those in urban areas tend to pronounce these as the "y" in "yes", while older generations and those in rural areas may pronounce them as "zh". For example, "llave" (key) would be pronounced "zha-VE" in rural areas of Bolivia.

Another notable feature of Bolivian Spanish pronunciation is the influence of indigenous languages such as Quechua, which can result in a more staccato intonation with flatter sounds and less stress. In the highlands, Spanish is spoken more slowly, and vowels are crisp and clear.

Vocabulary

Bolivian Spanish vocabulary includes many unique expressions and borrowings from indigenous languages. For example, "camote" means "crazy in love", "chupar" means "to drink (especially alcohol)", and "pachanga" can mean an informal sports game, as well as a party.

There are also some standard Spanish words that have different meanings in Bolivia, such as "padre" which can mean "father" but can also be used to refer to an "idiot".

Grammar

Bolivian Spanish grammar largely follows the same rules as standard Spanish, but there are some differences. One notable difference is the use of "vos" instead of "tu" for the second-person singular informal pronoun. For example, "vos hablas" instead of "tu hablas".

Additionally, grammar structures from indigenous languages may be carried over into Bolivian Spanish, such as explicitly stating subject pronouns instead of dropping them. For example, "yo voy al mercado" (I'm going to the market) instead of "voy al mercado".

Dialects

There are several dialects of Bolivian Spanish, including Andean Spanish, which is spoken in the highlands where major cities like La Paz and Potosí are located, and where most of the country's indigenous groups live. Another dialect is spoken in the Chaco-Beni plain and the Santa Cruz valleys, which include the departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando. This dialect is characterized by the debuccalization ("aspiration") of final /s/. For example, the word "pues" is pronounced "pweh".

The Chapaco accent, spoken in the Bolivian Chaco, has an intonation similar to that of Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán in Argentina.

The variety of Spanish spoken in the departments of Cochabamba and Chuquisaca is similar to Andean Spanish but differs in intonation and the use of idiomatic expressions due to the influence of Quechua.

The benefits of learning in Bolivia

Learning Bolivian Spanish in Bolivia is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the language and the country's rich culture. Here are some benefits of choosing Bolivia as your Spanish learning destination:

Total Language Immersion

Bolivia offers a unique opportunity for total language immersion as English is not widely spoken in the country. This means that you will be forced to use Spanish in your daily life, from buying groceries to ordering meals at restaurants. Such immersion will help you learn the language faster and more effectively.

Clear and Neutral Accent

Bolivians are known for having one of the clearest and most neutral Spanish accents in Latin America. They speak at a slower pace compared to other Spanish-speaking countries like Chile, making it easier for learners to understand and pick up the language.

Friendly and Patient Locals

The locals in Bolivia are very friendly and patient with foreigners trying to learn Spanish. Their laid-back attitudes and encouraging smiles will make your language learning journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Affordable Language Learning

With Spanish lessons starting at just $4 per hour, Bolivia is one of the most affordable places to study Spanish. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their language skills without breaking the bank.

Variety of Spanish Schools

Bolivia is home to numerous Spanish schools, offering similar experiences and prices but varying in quality. You can choose between group classes and private tutors, and many schools also offer extracurricular activities like cooking classes and sports to enhance your language learning and cultural immersion.

Cultural Immersion

Learning Spanish in Bolivia allows you to immerse yourself in the country's vibrant and ancient culture. While indigenous languages are still widely spoken, most Bolivians also speak Spanish, making it easy for you to practice your language skills. The country's unique landscapes, from the Andes to the Amazon, and its deep spiritual atmosphere will also provide you with a memorable cultural experience.

How to find a Spanish school in Bolivia

Bolivia is an excellent place to learn Spanish, with total language immersion, friendly locals, and affordable lessons. There are many Spanish schools in Bolivia, and while they offer similar prices, the quality can vary.

Sucre

Sucre, known as the "white city", is highly recommended for its tranquil setting, easy navigation, low cost of living, and excellent Spanish schools. The city retains its colonial architecture and is a great place to learn about Bolivia's Inca heritage and Andean roots.

Schools in Sucre include:

• Me Gusta Spanish School: This school has been operating since 2011 and focuses on tailoring lessons to individual students. Teachers have advanced command of English, which can help with communication.
• LatinoSchools: This school is located in the heart of Sucre, close to the city center. It arranges weekly social activities, including trips to festivals, theaters, museums, and dance classes.

La Paz

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and offers a vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to understand Bolivia's stratified society, with some neighborhoods displaying Western comforts and others, like El Alto, remaining poor and unpaved.

Schools in La Paz include:

• Ayni Spanish Institute
• Fenix Spanish School
• La Escuela Carmen Vega

Cochabamba

Cochabamba is a lively city with a booming restaurant and bar scene. It is known as the "garden city" and is renowned for its traditional folklore and fine wines.

Schools in Cochabamba include:

• 1on1 AYMARA Spanish School
• Escuela Runawasi Tarija: This school offers a language study and culture immersion program, where students can submerge themselves in Bolivia's traditions and culture.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz has a tropical feel and is full of business activity. The city is mostly mestizo and white, and racism against indigenous people is still an issue.

Schools in Santa Cruz include:

Fenix Spanish School Santa Cruz

Other Locations

There are also Spanish schools in other parts of Bolivia, such as the Bolivian Amazon and Tarija.

When choosing a Spanish school in Bolivia, consider your motivation for learning the language. If you want to make friends and pick up travel phrases, look for a school with social events and activities. If you need Spanish for work or plan to move to Bolivia, consider a school with a structured curriculum and immersion opportunities. Also, think about the time you want to invest, as group classes are often held in 3-4 hour blocks.

Many schools offer homestays, which provide an opportunity to actively participate in the local community and experience Bolivian customs, traditions, and cuisine.

Online resources for learning Bolivian Spanish

Online Courses

First Steps Spanish is a free video course designed for absolute beginners. Lessons are taught by professional Spanish instructors and teach vocabulary and grammar through exercises that are instantly checked.

The University of Texas offers a free university resource divided into different levels, each containing several tasks. Each task includes videos on the topic, grammar explanations, vocabulary, phrases, and a podcast.

Practical Spanish Online offers a complete grammar course in three levels. Each level is divided into different categories, which are further divided into individual topics. Each topic contains grammar explanations, vocabulary with translations, audio, and video.

The Spanish Experiment is a course divided into different topics that are explained in English but include hundreds of examples in Spanish read by a native speaker. The course also includes different Spanish stories that can be listened to and read simultaneously.

SpanishTutoring.com offers free Spanish lessons divided by topic, including grammar issues, conversational etiquette, seasons, places, and standard greetings, among others. Lessons include exercises and quizzes to assess skills and the audio is clear and concise, making it perfect for modelling pronunciation.

Language Learning Platforms

FluentU teaches Spanish through Spanish videos from different countries. It takes authentic videos, like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks, and turns them into personalized language lessons.

Busuu offers the opportunity to practice conversational skills with native speakers. It also provides vocabulary-building features.

Memrise has courses for basic and advanced Spanish, as well as varieties like Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish, and Argentinian Spanish. It offers a wide range of flashcard-based courses to improve your vocabulary, reading, and writing skills.

Mondly provides new Spanish lessons every day that focus on real-life Spanish. It uses speech recognition software and spaced repetition to enhance your language journey.

SpanishPod101 has hundreds of 3-15 minute audio and video lessons. It also offers one-on-one conversations with teachers, lesson notes, and study tools with the premium membership.

Language Learning Apps

Duolingo is a free app with many exercises and lessons for beginners to upper-intermediate language learners. It's organized by units, letting you progress at your own pace.

Memrise has courses for basic and advanced Spanish, as well as varieties like Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish, and Argentinian Spanish. It’s excellent for improving your vocabulary, reading, and writing skills.

YouTube Channels

Butterfly Spanish motivates learners on their quest for fluency, no matter their level. Ana guides learners with her charming lessons about any topic and focuses on particular Spanish letters and syllables to teach pronunciation.

Practiquemos is perfect if you love the traditional classroom vibe. Professor Catalina Escobar brings a somewhat motherly touch to her Spanish channel, which is warm yet professional and polished.

Learn Spanish with Rodrigo is an extensive language program that teaches every level from beginner to advanced. There are nearly 500 lessons covering Spanish grammar and essential vocabulary, including “the rolling r” and counting to a billion. The program also includes course notes and quizzes for each lesson.

Podcasts

Coffee Break Spanish has four levels: absolute beginner, intermediate, upper intermediate, and advanced. The lessons are casual, conversational, and practical, covering various topics.

Language Transfer Spanish is a nonprofit project that uses the Thinking Method strategy. The lessons focus on the similarities and differences between Spanish and English, encouraging learners to listen to the content rather than taking notes.

Unlimited Spanish lessons are entirely in Spanish, though the instructor speaks slowly enough for beginners to follow along. The lessons have short stories and exercises, allowing beginner and intermediate learners to think in Spanish. Each podcast also has downloadable transcripts.

Books

Learn Bolivian Spanish: A Spanish Course for Bolivia (Audiobook). This guide includes sections on Bolivian word usage, slang, food and drink, grammar rules, customs, and expressions. It also contains a brief overview of common Quechuan words and an overview of core Spanish words and phrases adapted for Bolivian usage.

Bolivian Swear Words: Essential Bolivian Spanish and Quechua Phrases, Bolivian Slang Phrases You'll Need on Your Trip to Bolivia. This book is a comprehensive guide to mastering Bolivian slang words, expressions, and phrases to enhance your language skills, connect with the locals, and embrace the vibrant culture of Bolivia.

Common phrases and slang

When travelling to Bolivia, it's useful to know some of the local slang to help you get by and connect with the locals. Here are some common phrases and slang terms used in Bolivia:

• Bien pesadito: Used when you want to be given the correct amount of something, especially in markets. It means "properly weighed", but the diminutive softens it to avoid causing offence.
• ¿Me va a servir bien mercadito, ya?: Similar to the above, but referring to a plate of food that you want to be filled generously. The use of "ya" at the end means "ok" in Bolivia.
• Full: In Bolivia, the English word "full" is used to mean well-equipped. For example, "an apartment that is luxuriously decorated would be a full departamento".
• Salteña: In Argentina, this word refers to someone or something from the city of Salta. However, in Bolivia, it describes delicious mid-morning pastry snacks.
• Estoy yesca: This expression means to have no money.
• Bolivia, Corazón de Sudamérica: This phrase sums up the pride Bolivians have for their country, meaning "Bolivia, Heart of South America".
• ¿Que va a llevar caserita/o?: This phrase, used in markets, means "What are you going to buy and take away with you?" Caserita or caserito refers to a customer who buys from a stallholder.
• Te invito: When drinking with locals, they often pass around one glass to everyone. Before passing the glass to the next person, say "te invito", meaning "I invite you (to a drink)".
• ¡Velay!: An expression of surprise, similar to "¡Caramba!" in other Spanish-speaking countries.
• Camote: Used to describe someone who is crazy in love.
• Cuate: A friend.
• Chupar: To drink, especially alcohol.
• Chaqui: A hangover.
• Chuta: Naked.
• Churro/Churra: Beautiful.
• ¡Anda a moler agua!: This phrase means "screw you!".
• ¡Qué chala!: Used to express that something is awesome.
• Elay, puej: This phrase means "well, yes" and is used in Western Bolivia.
• Pucha: This word is used to express frustration or surprise, similar to "damn" or "oh man".
• Chela: Beer. Asking for a "cerveza" in Bolivia might make you sound too formal or like a non-local.
• Yema: Bolivian slang for being hammered drunk.
• Trucho: Something that is not the authentic original, a fake or an imitation.
• ¡Jallalla!: This versatile expression is used to greet multiple people or address a crowd. It can also be used to express agreement, excitement, or surprise.
• Chango: How Bolivians refer to young people, sometimes kids but often teenagers or those in their early 20s.
• Puchero: A popular breakfast dish in Bolivia, consisting of chicken or beef and vegetables.
• Tienes mucho ñeque: Used to describe someone who is a daredevil, willing to take risks.
• La comida está larkh'a: When the food you're eating is tasteless, use this phrase to complain.
• No ve: A way of soliciting agreement from the listener, similar to tag questions in English such as "isn't it?" or "you know?".

Frequently asked questions