automóvil
ah-oo-toh-MO-veel
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though 'automóvil' ends in '-l', it is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' (el automóvil) and masculine adjectives (un automóvil rápido).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong regional word
Mistake: "Using 'carro' in Spain or 'coche' in parts of Latin America when talking to locals."
Correction: 'Automóvil' is always safe and understood globally, but listen to locals to learn their preferred term ('coche' or 'carro').
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Casual
'Automóvil' is a slightly more formal or technical word. You will hear 'coche' (in Spain) or 'carro' (in Mexico, parts of Central America) much more often in casual speech.
✏️ 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
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.