Inklingo

chofer

choh-FAIR/tʃoˈfeɾ/

chofer means driver in Spanish (professional driver).

driver, chauffeur

NounmA2
Mexico and Central AmericaSpain
A storybook illustration of a man wearing a professional driver's uniform and cap, sitting behind the steering wheel of a vehicle, focused on the road.

📝 In Action

El chofer nos dejó justo en la entrada del teatro.

A2

The driver dropped us off right at the entrance of the theater.

Contratamos un chofer privado para el viaje de negocios.

B1

We hired a private chauffeur for the business trip.

¿Puedes preguntarle al chofer cuánto cuesta la carrera?

A2

Can you ask the taxi driver how much the fare is?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conductor (driver (general term))
  • automovilista (motorist)

Common Collocations

  • chofer de taxitaxi driver
  • chofer privadoprivate driver

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "chofer" in Spanish:

chauffeurdriver

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: chofer

Question 1 of 1

If you are riding in a taxi, who is the 'chofer'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
manejar(to drive (verb))Verb
conducir(to drive (verb))Verb
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

This word is a direct borrowing from the French word *chauffeur*. Interestingly, the original French word meant 'stoker' or 'heater,' because the earliest automobiles, especially steam-powered ones, required someone to literally stoke the fire or heat the engine. That job title stuck, even after engines changed.

First recorded: Late 19th Century (adapted from French)

Cognates (Related words)

French: chauffeurEnglish: chauffeur

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'chofer' have a feminine form?

Yes and no. The most common practice is to use the article 'la' with the same word: 'la chofer.' In some regions, you might hear 'la chofera,' but 'la chofer' is generally accepted for a female professional driver.