automóvil de carreras
/automobil de kareɾas/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase 'race car' is translated into Spanish as automóvil de carreras. Wiktionary also lists coche de carreras.
Meaning: car that goes at very fast speeds (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| automóvil de carreras | /automobil de kareɾas/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| coche de carreras | /kot͡ʃe de kareɾas/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a car that goes at very fast speeds (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de carreras functions as a modifier for the vehicle and literally means 'of races'.
Which one should you use?
Automóvil de carreras is a more formal or technical term than coche de carreras.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, automóvil de carreras is frequently used. In Spain, coche de competición is often used and coche de carreras is the standard term. In Argentina and Uruguay, auto de carrera is a popular term. In many parts of Latin America, auto de carreras is a common alternative to the provided forms.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both automóvil de carreras and coche de carreras are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- The word coche is a doublet of the English word 'coach'. Both terms originate from the name of a Hungarian village called Kocs, where innovative horse-drawn carriages were first made.
- In Spanish, the word carrera used in coche de carreras can mean both a 'race' and a professional 'career'.
- Spanish speakers may use the word competición instead of carreras to imply a higher level of professional sport rather than just a fast race.
Examples in context
- El coche de carreras aceleró rápidamente en la pista.The race car quickly accelerated on the track.
- Tengo entradas para ver los coches de carreras este fin de semana.I have tickets to watch the race cars this weekend.
- Ayer vi un impresionante coche de competencia en la calle.Yesterday, I saw an impressive race car on the street.
- El automóvil de carreras es rojo.The race car is red.
- Aquel automóvil de carreras es muy rápido.That race car is very fast.
- Él diseñó un nuevo automóvil de carreras.He designed a new race car.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are at a motor show.
- SofíaMira ese automóvil de carreras, Mateo.Look at that race car, Mateo.
- MateoEs increíble, Sofía.It is incredible, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Te gustaría conducir un automóvil de carreras?Would you like to drive a race car?
- MateoSí, sería mi sueño.Yes, it would be my dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “race car” translations, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries automóvil, coche, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
