automóvil
“automóvil” means “car” in Spanish (personal vehicle).
car
Also: automobile, motor vehicle
📝 In Action
Mi tío compró un automóvil nuevo el mes pasado.
A1My uncle bought a new car last month.
Necesitamos un automóvil más grande para la familia.
A2We need a bigger automobile for the family.
El costo del mantenimiento del automóvil es muy elevado.
B1The cost of car maintenance is very high.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: automóvil
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish word is generally considered the most neutral and universally understood way to say 'car'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word is a combination of two ancient roots: 'auto,' which comes from Greek and means 'self,' and 'móvil,' which comes from Latin and means 'moving.' So, an 'automóvil' is literally something that 'moves by itself,' distinguishing it from a horse-drawn carriage.
First recorded: Late 19th Century (following the invention of the vehicle itself)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'automóvil' masculine or feminine?
It is a masculine noun, so you use 'el' before it (el automóvil).
What is the difference between 'automóvil', 'coche', and 'carro'?
They all mean 'car.' 'Automóvil' is the standard formal term. 'Coche' is preferred in Spain, and 'carro' is preferred in many parts of Latin America. Learning the regional term will help you sound more natural.