Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coche | /ˈkot͡ʃe/ | Philippines, Spain, masculine |
| automóvil | /autoˈmobil/ | masculine |
| auto | /ˈauto/ | Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, masculine |
| carro | /ˈkaro/ | Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, masculine |
| máquina | /ˈmakina/ | Cuba, colloquial, masculine |
| mueble (El Norte) | Mexico, Southwestern, US, masculine | |
| pupú | /puˈpu/ | masculine |
| buga | /ˈbuɡa/ | feminine, slang |
The term refers to an automobile, a vehicle steered by a driver (noun). While many forms exist, they are often used to suit different regions or levels of formality.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the region. In Spain, coche is the most common term. In much of Latin America, such as Mexico and Colombia, carro is preferred. In Southern Cone countries like Argentina and Chile, auto is a common way to refer to a car. Automóvil is a more formal term used in general contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Automóvil is a formal term. In Cuba, máquina is a colloquial way to refer to a car. The word buga is also used as colloquial slang, while pupú is a childish term. In Southwestern US areas of Mexico, mueble (El Norte) is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Coche is the standard in Spain and the Philippines. Auto is specifically common in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Carro is frequently heard in Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Máquina is a colloquialism used in Cuba.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Most forms of the word are masculine, such as coche, automóvil, auto, carro, máquina and mueble (El Norte). The slang term buga is feminine. The childish term pupú is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkotʃe/
Did you know?
- The word coche originates from the name of Kocs, a village in Hungary that produced horse-drawn vehicles with innovative suspension in the 15th century.
Examples in context
- Ese es mi auto.That's my car.This sentence shows how to use auto.Tatoeba #2348416 by hayastan, translation #2251094 by CK
- Éste es mi auto.This is my car.Tatoeba #625551 by Leono, translation #56205 by CK
- Ése es su coche.That is his car.This sentence shows how to use coche.Tatoeba #786159 by Shishir, translation #67035 by CK
- El automóvil es un medio de transporte muy útilThe car is a very useful means of transportation
- Me encantaría tener un coche eléctricoI would love to have an electric car
- Vamos en mi auto al cineLet's go to the movies in my car
- He comprado un carro nuevoI've bought a new car
- 2019 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in the driveway looking at a vehicle.
- Elena¿Es este tu coche, Alejandro?Is this your car, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, es mi coche nuevo.Yes, it is my new car.
- ElenaEs un coche muy bonito.It is a very beautiful car.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena.Thank you, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “car” translations and entries coche, automóvil, auto, carro, máquina, pupú, buga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auto, automóvil, carro, coche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
