auto
“auto” means “car” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
car
Also: automobile
📝 In Action
Mi auto nuevo es de color rojo.
A1My new car is red.
¿Dónde estacionaste el auto?
A2Where did you park the car?
Vamos a necesitar un auto más grande para la familia.
B1We're going to need a bigger car for the family.
writ
Also: judicial order, ruling
📝 In Action
El juez emitió un auto de procesamiento contra el acusado.
C1The judge issued a writ of indictment against the accused.
El abogado está estudiando el auto para preparar la apelación.
C2The lawyer is studying the ruling to prepare the appeal.
auto
Also: morality play
📝 In Action
En clase de literatura, estudiamos el 'Auto de los Reyes Magos'.
C2In literature class, we studied the 'Play of the Magi'.
Calderón de la Barca es famoso por sus autos sacramentales.
C2Calderón de la Barca is famous for his sacramental plays.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "auto" in Spanish:
auto→automobile→car→judicial order→morality play→ruling→writ→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: auto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'auto' to mean 'car'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'auto' has two different origins. For 'car', it's a shortening of the Greek-Latin word 'automóvil', meaning 'self-moving'. For the legal and theatrical senses, it comes from the Latin word 'actus', meaning 'an act' or 'a deed'.
First recorded: 19th century (for car), 13th century (for legal/theatrical act)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use 'auto', 'coche', or 'carro'?
It depends on where you are! 'Auto' is widely understood almost everywhere, making it a safe bet. 'Coche' is the main word in Spain. 'Carro' is very common in many parts of Latin America (like Mexico, Colombia, and Central America). When in doubt, start with 'auto'.
Why is 'auto' masculine if it ends in '-o' like 'mano' (which is feminine)?
'Auto' is masculine because it's a shortened version of 'el automóvil', which is a masculine noun. Most nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, but there are a few famous exceptions like 'la mano' (the hand) and 'la foto' (short for 'la fotografía').