The biggest difference between the Latin American and Spanish accents is the pronunciation of the letters c and z. For whatever reason, in Latin America, there is no use of the “th” sound (as in the English word “think”). However, in Spain we do have the “th” sound.

The letter z is always pronounced like the English th. So, zapato (shoe) would be pronounced thaw-PAH-toe. Remember, this isn’t a lisp. This is a rule that predates the discovery of America. Think of it this way… You probably wouldn’t say “I sink I saw somesing.”

The letter c is pronounced like a k when it comes before the letters a, o, or u. So, words like cabo, como and cuando are pronounced KAH-bow, KOH-mow, and KWAHN-doe. However, when the letter c is followed by an e or i, it’s pronounced like the English th. So, words link cena and cinco are pronounced THEIGH-nah andTHEEN-coe.

The letter s is always pronounced like an s. So, salud (health) is pronounced saw-LOOTHE.

On a side note, whether you’re in Latin America or Spain, the letter d is pronounced like a vocalized th as in the English word though.