carro
everyday, Guatemala
In Guatemala people say carro for a car. Auto is also understood and is common in writing and ads, while coche is the usual word in Spain.
Meaning: passenger car (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| carro | everyday, Guatemala |
| auto | neutral |
| coche | Spain |
Carro is the word you will hear in conversation, at the mechanic and when asking for directions. Phrases like Voy en carro (I am going by car) are normal everyday speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guatemala coche is not the normal word for a car, so a Guatemalan may find it odd. Using carro sounds natural across Central America and much of Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
Carro is masculine, so you say el carro rojo and un carro nuevo.
Did you know?
- Guatemalans commonly use vos instead of tú with friends and family, which you can hear in everyday talk about cars and rides.
Examples in context
- Mi carro está en el taller.My car is in the shop.
- Compramos un carro usado.We bought a used car.
- ¿Vienes en carro o en bus?Are you coming by car or by bus?
Example conversation
Mario asks his friend Lucía in Guatemala City how she is getting to the party.
- Mario¿Vas a ir en carro?Are you going by car?
- LucíaSí, mi carro ya salió del taller.Yes, my car is out of the shop now.
- MarioPerfecto, ¿me das un aventón?Perfect, can you give me a ride?
- LucíaClaro, paso por vos a las ocho.Of course, I will pick you up at eight.
