Using the Present Perfect Tense

One of the questions that frequently comes up are the differences between between varieties of Spanish in various regions. While the differences in the uses of vos and vosotros are fairly well-known, along with some common differences in pronunciation of the z and c, one differences not as well-known is the way the present perfect tense is used. In Spain, it is more common than in much of Latin America to us the present perfect tense to refer to something that happened very recently (but you'll hear it in the Western Hemisphere too).

For example, you might say "me ha llamado hace diez minutos" for "she called me 10 minutes ago" in Spain, but you'd be likelier to say "me llamó hace diez minutos" in Latin America. You'll be understood in both places either ways, so it's not a big deal — just be aware when you're traveling that some things may be said differently depending on where you are.