Inklingo
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.

chofer

choh-FAIR

nounmA2
driver?professional driver,chauffeur?private or formal driver

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Flexibility

Even though 'chofer' is a masculine noun ('el chofer'), it is often used for both men and women. You can use 'la chofer' for a female driver, or sometimes 'la chofera' in certain regions, but 'el/la chofer' is the most common form.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Chofer' and 'Conductor'

Mistake: "Using 'chofer' to refer to someone driving their own car for fun."

Correction: Use 'chofer' mainly for professionals. For a general driver, 'conductor' is a better choice: 'Mi padre es un buen conductor' (My father is a good driver).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

The word 'chofer' often carries a slightly more formal or professional tone than 'conductor,' especially when referring to someone employed specifically to drive others.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: chofer

Question 1 of 1

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

📚 More Resources

Word Family

conducir(to drive (verb)) - verb

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.