licencia de conducir
/liθenθja de konduθiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "driver license" is translated into Spanish as licencia de conducir.
This phrase refers to an official document that permits a person to operate a motor vehicle.
What does it mean word for word?
In the noun phrase licencia de conducir, the head noun is licencia and de conducir acts as an adjectival modifier.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations of the term include: – In Spain, the standard term is carné de conducir. – In many parts of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and US border regions, licencia de manejar is more common. – In Argentina, Chile and Colombia, licencia de manejo is frequently used. – In Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, permiso de manejo is often used. – In some South American countries, you may also see permiso de conducir.
How do you pronounce it?
/liθenθja de konduθiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word carné used in Spain comes from the French word 'carnet' meaning 'small notebook'. Historically, driver licenses were issued as small booklets rather than single cards.
- In Spanish, the verb conducir is used not only for driving a car but also for 'conducting' an orchestra or 'conducting' a scientific experiment.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word licencia is used to describe a legal permit for driving as well as a 'leave of absence' from a job.
Examples in context
- Por favor, muéstrame tu licencia de conducir.Please show me your driver's license.
- Necesito renovar mi permiso de conducir esta semana.I need to renew my driver's license this week.
- Mi carné de conducir está vencido, necesito renovarlo.My driver's license is expired, I need to renew it.
- No puedo conducir sin mi licencia de manejo.I cannot drive without my driver's license.
- Olvidé mi permiso de manejo en casa, necesito volver a buscarlo.I forgot my driver's license at home, I need to go back and get it.
- Necesito renovar mi licencia de conducir.I need to renew my driver license.
- Olvidé mi licencia de conducir en casa.I forgot my driver license at home.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at a police checkpoint.
- Javier¿Puede mostrarme su licencia de conducir, por favor?Can you show me your driver license, please?
- LucíaSí, aquí tiene la mía.Yes, here is mine.
- JavierGracias, Lucía. Todo está en orden.Thank you, Lucía. Everything is in order.
- LucíaGracias, señor oficial.Thank you, officer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
