What Language Do They Speak in Uruguay?

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Uruguay

Uruguay is a small South American country bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Argentina to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Known for its stable democracy and high quality of life, Uruguay boasts a diverse culture influenced by its European roots. Its capital, Montevideo, is a vibrant hub featuring a mix of colonial architecture and modern urban development, making it a unique travel destination.

Languages Spoken

Uruguay is a country where Spanish is the predominant language, spoken by a vast majority of the population, accounting for about 98.4%. Spanish is the official language of Uruguay and is used in government, education, and media. Alongside Spanish, a regional dialect known as Portuñol is spoken by around 3% of the population. Portuñol is a linguistic blend between Portuguese and Spanish, commonly found in border areas between Uruguay and Brazil, showcasing the cultural and geographical influences of these neighboring countries. The presence of Portuñol highlights the linguistic diversity within the nation’s borders.

Different Languages Spoken in Uruguay

Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Uruguay

LanguageUsage
Spanish98.4%
Portuñol3%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Spanish Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Uruguay

Hola, ¿cómo estás?

Hello, how are you?

A common greeting that is polite to use in general conversations.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

How much does it cost?

Useful for shopping or finding out prices in restaurants and markets.

¿Dónde está…?

Where is…?

Start this phrase to ask for directions to a location you are trying to find.

No entiendo

I don't understand

Helpful phrase if you need someone to repeat or explain something in a simpler way.

Por favor y gracias

Please and thank you

Essential phrases to be polite in any interaction.

Learn to speak Spanish

Interested in speaking Spanish in Uruguay? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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