Inklingo

How to Say "custom" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “custom” is “costumbre” — use 'costumbre' for a personal, repeated action or habit that someone does regularly..

costumbre🔊A1

Use 'costumbre' for a personal, repeated action or habit that someone does regularly.

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hábitoA1

Use 'hábito' for a common practice or a learned behavior that has become automatic, often similar to 'costumbre' but can also apply to more general societal practices.

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uso🔊A1

Use 'uso' to refer to a traditional practice, a customary way of doing things, or the practical application of something.

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tradiciónB1

Use 'tradición' for an established practice or belief passed down through generations within a family, community, or culture.

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convenciónB2

Use 'convención' for a widely accepted social norm, rule, or way of behaving within a society or group.

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moda🔊B1

Use 'moda' to describe a prevailing trend, a popular style, or a widespread, often temporary, custom.

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English → Spanish

costumbre

cohs-TOOM-breh/kosˈtum.bɾe/

nounA1general
Use 'costumbre' for a personal, repeated action or habit that someone does regularly.
A young person easily slipping their foot into a well-worn running shoe next to a closed front door, illustrating a daily exercise habit.

Examples

Tengo la costumbre de leer antes de dormir.

I have the habit of reading before sleeping.

Es mi costumbre tomar un vaso de agua al levantarme.

It is my custom to drink a glass of water when I wake up.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'costumbre' is always feminine, even though it ends in '-e.' You must use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la costumbre').

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “El costumbre de mi abuela...”

Correction: La costumbre de mi abuela... (Always use the feminine article 'la').

hábito

nounA1general
Use 'hábito' for a common practice or a learned behavior that has become automatic, often similar to 'costumbre' but can also apply to more general societal practices.

Examples

Tengo el hábito de revisar mi teléfono al despertar.

I have the habit of checking my phone when I wake up.

uso

/oo-soh//ˈu.so/

nounA1general
Use 'uso' to refer to a traditional practice, a customary way of doing things, or the practical application of something.
A close-up view of a child's hand holding a wooden paintbrush, actively applying a thick streak of bright blue paint onto a white canvas.

Examples

Dale un buen uso a ese regalo.

Make good use of that gift.

El manual explica el correcto uso de la máquina.

The manual explains the correct usage of the machine.

Esta es una palabra de uso común en la región.

This is a commonly used word in the region (a word of common use).

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'uso' ends in 'o', which often signals masculine words, remember it's always preceded by 'el' or 'un'. (e.g., El uso, un uso).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'uso' (noun) when the verb form is needed: 'Yo hago uso la computadora.'”

Correction: Use the verb 'usar': 'Yo uso la computadora.' (I use the computer.)

tradición

nounB1general
Use 'tradición' for an established practice or belief passed down through generations within a family, community, or culture.

Examples

La celebración del Día de Muertos es una tradición mexicana ancestral.

The celebration of the Day of the Dead is an ancient Mexican tradition.

convención

nounB2formal
Use 'convención' for a widely accepted social norm, rule, or way of behaving within a society or group.

Examples

Su estilo de vida rompe con todas las convenciones sociales de su época.

His lifestyle breaks with all the social conventions of his time.

moda

/moh-dah//ˈmoða/

nounB1general
Use 'moda' to describe a prevailing trend, a popular style, or a widespread, often temporary, custom.
An illustration showing several different people, young and old, all holding the exact same bright red umbrella, indicating a popular trend.

Examples

Ahora es moda viajar solo con mochila.

It is currently a trend to travel only with a backpack.

El uso de bicicletas eléctricas se ha puesto de moda en la ciudad.

The use of electric bikes has become popular/trendy in the city.

Esa canción fue una moda pasajera.

That song was a passing fad.

Verbs of Change

When talking about something becoming trendy, use reflexive verbs like 'ponerse' (se ha puesto de moda) or 'volverse' (se volvió una moda).

Habit vs. Societal Norm

Learners often confuse 'costumbre' and 'hábito' with 'convención'. Remember that 'costumbre' and 'hábito' refer to personal or common individual practices, while 'convención' describes broader societal expectations and accepted behaviors.

Related Translations

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