Inklingo

camión

kah-mee-OHNkaˈmjon

camión means truck in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

truck, lorry

NounmA1
Spain
A large, simple red delivery truck with a rectangular cargo box, parked on a sunny street, illustrating a vehicle for transporting goods.

📝 In Action

El camión transporta cajas grandes al puerto.

A1

The truck transports large boxes to the port.

Vimos un camión cisterna lleno de gasolina en la carretera.

B1

We saw a tanker truck full of gasoline on the highway.

¿Dónde se estacionan los camiones?

A1

Where do the trucks park?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tractocamión (tractor-trailer)

Common Collocations

  • conductor de camióntruck driver
  • camión de basuragarbage truck

bus, coach

NounmA2informal
MexicoGuatemala / Honduras / El SalvadorCaribbean / Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, etc.)
A long, simple blue public transit bus with many windows, stopped at a curb, illustrating public passenger transport.

📝 In Action

Tengo que tomar el camión para ir al centro.

A2

I have to take the bus to go downtown.

Esperamos el camión de las seis de la mañana.

A2

We waited for the six o'clock bus.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • autobús (bus (universal))
  • guagua (bus (Caribbean/Canary Islands))
  • colectivo (bus (Argentina/Chile))

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "camión" in Spanish:

lorry

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: camión

Question 1 of 2

If you are in Madrid and need to catch public transport, which word is MOST appropriate?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
canciónopinión
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the French 'camion,' which originally meant a small cart used to carry heavy things, especially cannons or machinery. It evolved in both Spanish and French to describe the large, motor-driven vehicles we know today.

First recorded: Mid-19th century (in the modern sense)

Cognates (Related words)

French: camionItalian: camion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'camión' and 'autobús'?

In most Spanish-speaking countries (like Spain, Argentina, Colombia), 'camión' is a large freight truck, and 'autobús' is a passenger bus. However, in Mexico and parts of Central America, 'camión' is the common word for both large trucks and public passenger buses.

Is 'camión' feminine or masculine?

'Camión' is a masculine noun. You must always use 'el camión' (the truck/bus) and 'un camión' (a truck/bus).