Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| маши́на | mašína | feminine |
| автомоби́ль | avtomobílʹ | masculine |
| автомаши́на | avtomašína | feminine |
| авто́ | avtó | colloquial, neuter |
| та́чка | táčka | feminine, slang |
The term refers to an automobile or a vehicle steered by a driver. While маши́на is the most common everyday word used in general speech, other terms exist depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The slang term та́чка serves a dual purpose: it is used to mean a car, but it is also the standard Russian word for a wheelbarrow.
Which one should you use?
маши́на is the common, everyday word used in most contexts. автомоби́ль is a more formal or technical term, similar to the English 'automobile'. авто́ is a colloquial, shortened version of автомоби́ль. та́чка is a slang term for a car.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or technical situations, use автомоби́ль. In everyday speech, маши́на is the standard choice. For informal, shortened speech, you may hear авто́. The word та́чка is slang and is often used by younger people or within street culture.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
маши́на and автомаши́на are feminine nouns. автомоби́ль is a masculine noun. авто́ is a colloquial neuter noun. та́чка is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
mašína
Did you know?
- The word маши́на is used in the phrase на маши́не to mean 'by car', but the preposition на typically means 'on', suggesting the passenger is on top of the machine.
- While маши́на means 'car', its literal etymological root is 'machine'. In Russian, you use the same word for a car as you do for a washing machine or a factory's heavy machinery.
- Because маши́на is feminine, Russian speakers often use the feminine pronoun она (she) when referring to their car in personified speech, just as English speakers might say 'she' for a ship or a car.
Examples in context
- Маши́на Тома – голубая.Tom's car is blue.This sentence shows how to use маши́на to describe the color of a car.Tatoeba #5087928 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #5076792 by CarpeLanam
- Я вижу твою новую машину.I see your new car.
- Какая у тебя марка автомобиля?What brand is your car?
- Эта маши́на очень быстрая.Eta mashina ochen' bystraya.This car is very fast.
- Где твоя но́вая маши́на?Gde tvoya novaya mashina?Where is your new car?
Example conversation
Andrey and Anastasia are talking about transportation.
- Андрей AndreyУ тебя есть маши́на?U tebya yest mashina?Do you have a car?
- Анастасия AnastasiaНет, я езжу на автобусе.Net, ya yezzhu na avtobuse.No, I take the bus.
- Андрей AndreyЯ могу тебя подвезти.Ya mogu tebya podvezti.I can give you a ride.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСпасибо, Андрей, это очень мило.Spasibo, Andrey, eto ochen milo.Thank you, Andrey, that is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “car” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
