What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of amante (lover), de (of), los (the) and autos (cars).
Which one should you use?
While amante de los autos is a standard way to express this, you might use other terms depending on the context: Aficionado a los Coches means car enthusiast or car devotee and Entusiasta del Automovilismo means automotive enthusiast or motorsport enthusiast.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To express the same sentiment informally, you can use fanático de los autos, which translates to "car fanatic". More formal alternatives include Aficionado a los Coches (car enthusiast) or Entusiasta del Automovilismo (automotive/motorsport enthusiast).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word for car changes depending on the region. In Spain, use amante de los coches. In many parts of Latin America, amante de los carros is the preferred way to say car lover.
How do you pronounce it?
/amante de los autos/
Did you know?
- While amante means 'lover' in the context of a 'car guy', it is also the primary word for a romantic partner in a secret affair.
- In certain regions, a car guy might be jokingly called a mecánico de domingo if they only work on their cars during the weekend.
- While coche is standard in Spain, it originally comes from the French coche, which referred to a carriage drawn by horses.
Examples in context
- Me considero un aficionado a los coches.I consider myself a car enthusiast.
- Juan es un fanático de los autos.Juan is a car fanatic.
- Mi hermano es un fanático de los autos.My brother is a car guy.
- Raúl está enamorado de los carros.Raúl is in love with cars.
- Él es un verdadero amante de los autos.He is a true car guy.
- Desde niño, ha sido un amante de los autos.Since he was a child, he has been a car guy.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about his brother's hobby.
- AlejandroMi hermano siempre habla de motores.My brother is always talking about engines.
- Sofía¿Es un amante de los autos?Is he a car guy?
- AlejandroSí, es un gran amante de los autos.Yes, he is a big car guy.
- SofíaEso explica por qué tiene tantos coches.That explains why he has so many cars.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
