camioneta
/kamjoˈneta/
The English word 'pickup' can be translated into Spanish as camioneta.
Camioneta is a broad term used in many Spanish-speaking countries to describe a pickup truck, an SUV or even a large van. If you are referring to the act of collecting and taking something away, such as a pickup of goods, you might use the formal term recogida.
Meaning: act of collecting and taking away, usually in a vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word camioneta is a diminutive of camión (truck), which literally means 'little truck'.
Which one should you use?
While camioneta refers to smaller vehicles like a pickup or an SUV, the word camión is used specifically for large, heavy-duty commercial trucks.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the verb agarrar is commonly used informally to mean 'to pick up'. In Chile, the word retirar is used as the equivalent for 'pickup' in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of camioneta is camionetas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kamjoˈneta/
Did you know?
- The suffix -eta in camioneta is not just a marker of size but is derived from the Late Latin -ittus via French and Italian.
- In Mexico, the informal use of agarrar to mean 'to pick up' can be confusing because it also means 'to grab' or 'to seize'.
- In many Latin American countries, calling a vehicle a camioneta might lead a driver to bring a minivan instead of a rugged pickup truck, as the term often shifts to include passenger-focused vehicles.
Examples in context
- Me llamó mucho la atención que muchas camionetas de carga usan metales elásticos como amortiguación trasera.It struck me that many pickup trucks use elastic metals in their rear shock absorbers.This sentence uses camioneta to discuss the suspension of cargo trucks.Tatoeba #11384811 by Masatami, translation #11385313 by DJ_Saidez
- Mi camioneta está atascada en el barro.My pickup is stuck in the mud.This sentence uses camioneta to describe a vehicle stuck in the mud.Tatoeba #12312102 by carlosalberto, translation #12312100 by carlosalberto
- Por favor, indíqueme dónde puedo hacer la recogida del paquete.Please, tell me where I can pick up the package.
- El retiro de los documentos se realizará en la oficina central.The pickup of the documents will take place at the central office.
- No te olvides de recoger a los niños después del colegio.Don't forget to pick up the children after school.
- Puedes agarrar el paquete en la puerta de entrada.You can pick up the package at the front door.
- Puedes retirar el encargo en la tienda más cercana.You can pick up the order at the nearest store.
- Necesitamos una camioneta para llevar todas las cajas.We need a pickup to carry all the boxes.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are planning a move.
- JavierElena, ¿tienes una camioneta para la mudanza?Elena, do you have a pickup for the move?
- ElenaNo, pero mi hermano puede prestarme la suya.No, but my brother can lend me his.
- JavierPerfecto, eso nos ayudará mucho con los muebles.Perfect, that will help us a lot with the furniture.
- ElenaEstará lista para mañana por la mañana.It will be ready by tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry camioneta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camioneta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
