Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| monovolumen | /monobolumen/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| combi | /ˈkombi/ | feminine, masculine |
The term refers to a small van.
What does it mean word for word?
The word monovolumen is a compound of mono- (single) and volumen (volume), literally meaning 'single-volume' vehicle.
Which one should you use?
While monovolumen is the standard term for a minivan, combi is a colloquial way to refer to a van or minivan. In Spain, furgoneta is often used as a general term for a van or minivan.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Monovolumen is a formal term. In contrast, combi is a colloquial term and van is an informal term used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a minivan.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, monovolumen is the commonly accepted term for a minivan. The term combi is a colloquial way to refer to a van or minivan in many Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word monovolumen is masculine. The word combi is feminine and masculine, but it is most commonly used as a feminine noun (la combi) in many dialects.
How do you pronounce it?
/monobolumen/
Did you know?
- In Mexico and Central America, combi does not just mean a vehicle but refers to a specific system of informal, shared transit taxis that operate on fixed routes.
- The term furgoneta used in Spain for a minivan actually shares its roots with the word 'furgón', which historically referred to heavy, much larger freight wagons.
- The word volumen in monovolumen refers to the 'single box' architectural shape of the car, not the amount of space inside.
Examples in context
- Él tiene un monovolumen.He has a minivan.This sentence shows how to use monovolumen to indicate possession.Tatoeba #6597230 by arh, translation #12246153 by Miktsoanit
- En mi monovolumen pueden ir hasta siete personas.Up to seven people can go in my minivan.This sentence demonstrates how to use monovolumen when talking about passenger capacity.Tatoeba #6597249 by arh, translation #9166711 by DJ_Saidez
- Necesitaría alquilar un monovolumen para el viaje en familia.I would need to rent a minivan for the family trip.
- ¿Tienes una camioneta en la que podamos ir todos juntos?Do you have a minivan in which we can all go together?
- El equipo de trabajo se desplaza en una furgoneta.The work team travels in a van.
- Necesitamos un monovolumen para el viaje.We need a minivan for the trip.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at cars online.
- Javier¿Buscas un coche pequeño o un monovolumen?Are you looking for a small car or a minivan?
- SofíaPrefiero un monovolumen porque es más espacioso.I prefer a minivan because it is more spacious.
- JavierEs verdad, ese monovolumen tiene mucho espacio.It's true, that minivan has a lot of space.
- SofíaSí, es perfecto para nuestra familia.Yes, it is perfect for our family.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minivan” translations and entries monovolumen, combi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
