aduana
/aˈdwana/
In Spanish, the word for customs is aduana.
The term refers to the administrative authority or the checks performed at a border checkpoint. To say you are going through customs, use the phrase pasar la aduana.
Meaning: customs checks at a border checkpoint (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'customs' is plural, the standard Spanish term aduana is a singular noun. If you wish to refer to multiple customs offices or the general system of customs across various locations, you can use the plural form las aduanas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase Control de aduana is used to refer specifically to customs control or a customs check.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the word is a singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈdwana/
Did you know?
- The root of aduana can be traced back thousands of years to the Sumerian word dub, which referred to a clay tablet used for recording information.
- While English uses the word 'customs' for both border checks and social traditions, aduana is used exclusively for border controls and never for traditions.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the 'customs agent' is called an agente de aduanas, but the professional customs broker is known as a despachante de aduanas.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está la aduana?Where is Customs?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the customs office.Tatoeba #1599403 by teskmon, translation #446119 by blay_paul
- Pagaron derechos de aduana.They paid customs duties.This sentence demonstrates the term used in the context of paying duties.Tatoeba #2259598 by cueyayotl, translation #2259597 by _undertoad
- Nos revisaron el maletín en la aduana.They checked our briefcase at customs.This sentence shows how to describe a briefcase being checked at the customs checkpoint.Tatoeba #3009859 by hayastan, translation #9149038 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Trabajé en la aduana del aeropuertoI worked at the airport customs
- El Servicio de Aduanas está realizando controles rigurososThe customs service is conducting rigorous checks
- Debemos someternos al control de aduanaWe must undergo customs control
- Buenos días, ¿puede indicarme dónde está la aduana?Good morning, can you tell me where the customs is?
- ¿Podría proporcionarme información sobre el Servicio de Aduanas?Could you provide me with information about the customs service?
- Preparen los documentos para el control de aduanaPrepare your documents for customs check
- ¿Hay alguna costumbre especial en esta aduana?Is there any special custom at this customs?
- ¿Cuáles son los requisitos de entrada según la aduana local?What are the entry requirements according to the local customs?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are waiting to cross the border.
- MateoHay mucha fila en la aduana.There is a long line at customs.
- LucíaEspero que la aduana sea rápida.I hope customs is fast.
- MateoTengo miedo de pasar la aduana.I am afraid of passing through customs.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, Mateo, todo estará bien.Don't worry, Mateo, everything will be fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aduana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aduana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
