Travel Spanish for Uruguay

What Spanish is spoken here?

Uruguay shares Rioplatense Spanish with Argentina: voseo ('vos') and the 'sh' pronunciation of 'll' and 'y' are standard. On the border with Brazil, a mixed dialect of Spanish and Portuguese is spoken ('Portuñol'). The tone is similar to that of Buenos Aires, but is considered a bit calmer. Indigenous languages are barely present today.

Country & culture

Uruguay is the smallest Spanish-speaking country in South America, lying between Argentina and Brazil on the Río de la Plata. It's known for its laid-back atmosphere, long Atlantic beaches and a strong mate culture. Highlights are the old town of Colonia del Sacramento, the beaches of Punta del Este and easy-going Montevideo.

History in brief

Before colonial times, the indigenous Charrúa people lived here. The Spanish and Portuguese long fought over the territory until, in 1828, Uruguay became independent as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil. In the 20th century, thanks to its welfare state, it was known as the 'Switzerland of South America'. Today Uruguay is one of the most stable and liberal countries in the region.

Country & people

• About 3.4 million inhabitants (2025).
• A stable presidential democracy; regarded as one of the least corrupt countries in the region.
• High per-capita income, a strong middle class and a solid welfare state.
• Agricultural exports (beef, soya, dairy, wool), forestry, software and tourism.

Food & drink

• Chivito — A lavish sandwich with steak, ham, cheese, egg and salad, the national dish.
• Asado — A beef barbecue, in Uruguay every bit as important as in Argentina.
• Milanesa — A breaded escalope, popular as a sandwich ('milanesa al pan').
• Choripán — A grilled sausage in bread, the classic street food at a barbecue.
• Mate — The national drink bar none; Uruguayans carry a flask and a mate gourd everywhere.
• Medio y medio — A refreshing mix of white wine and sparkling wine, a classic from Montevideo.
• Grappamiel — A grappa brandy with honey, warming in winter.

Useful words & slang

• „ta" — okay, fine (short for 'está')
• „bo" — hey/mate (Uruguayan form of address, like 'che')
• „championes" — trainers, sneakers
• „de más" — great, fantastic
• „garra charrúa" — fighting spirit, perseverance (a point of national pride)

Travel tip

Uruguayans drink mate all the time and everywhere; do accept an invitation to share it, but don't stir the bombilla (the metal straw), as that's considered rude.