When you think of Mexico, you think of tacos, mariachi, and of course Spanish. While Spanish is the dominant language, Mexico has one of the richest linguistic heritages in the world with over 290 languages and 69 official national languages. Who knew? Let’s dive in and see why the language in Mexico is way more diverse than you think and why that matters.
Spanish: The Language of Mexico
Spanish is spoken by around 94% of Mexico’s population—over 120 million people. Introduced in the early 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, it gradually replaced many indigenous languages spoken in Mexico as colonization expanded.
But don’t get it twisted; this isn’t the same Spanish you’ll hear in Spain. Mexican Spanish has its own accent, vocabulary, and even grammar quirks. For example, Mexicans use “ustedes” instead of “vosotros” for the plural “you” and English-influenced words like computadora (computer) are common. It’s also considered one of the clearest and most polite forms of Spanish which makes it perfect for Spanish learners worldwide.
69 National Languages, Hundreds More Spoken
Mexico doesn’t have a single official language instead; it recognizes Spanish and 68 indigenous languages as national languages. This was made law in 2003 through the General Law of Linguistic Rights of the Indigenous Peoples.
In total, when including dialects and linguistic variations, Mexico has around 290 to 345 languages. Many are endangered due to lack of intergenerational transmission, more than 130 have already vanished.
This isn’t just about language, it’s about culture, identity, and history.
Top 3 Languages Spoken in Mexico
Let’s zoom in on the most spoken languages in Mexico:
- Spanish – Spoken by almost everyone in the country.
- Nahuatl – The language of the Aztecs, still spoken by 1.7 million people.
- Yucatec Maya – Spoken by 850,000 people, mainly in the Yucatán Peninsula, and considered one of the oldest languages in Mexico.
Other indigenous languages include Mixtec, Zapotec, Otomi, Tzotzil, and Tzeltal each with their own cultural and historical significance.
Is English Spoken in Mexico?
Yes, but mostly as a second language. Around 10% of Mexicans speak English, especially in tourist areas like Cancun, Mexico City and border regions near the U.S. English is often a requirement in industries like hospitality, tech, and international business.
Other foreign languages like French, Portuguese, Italian, and even Greek also have small but active communities.
Why It Is Important
Language access is cultural access for companies and organizations engaging with Mexico. Understanding the diverse languages spoken in Mexico – from Spanish to indigenous languages like Nahuatl and Maya – is about more than translation; it’s about honouring cultural traditions and building authentic connections. Knowing Mexico’s actual linguistic diversity can help you create more genuine, lasting connections, whether you’re a nonprofit organization interacting with local communities or a business growing into Latin America.
Concluding Remarks
Mexico is a living mosaic of languages, stories, and voices that is more than just a Spanish-speaking nation. Mexico’s language is both a legacy and a future, with roots in ancient Mayan culture and global business discussions in English.
At TransLinguist, we believe that language is power—and in Mexico, that power is undeniably multilingual. To truly connect with the vibrant Mexican market and culture, embracing linguistic diversity is key. Ready to expand your business across borders? Get in touch with us today and let language open the door to new opportunities.
