Inklingo

How to Say "number plate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “number plate” is “matrícula” — use 'matrícula' primarily in Spain and for the official vehicle registration document and its associated plate..

English → Spanish

matrícula

nounB1general
Use 'matrícula' primarily in Spain and for the official vehicle registration document and its associated plate.

Examples

El coche de policía anotó la matrícula del infractor.

The police car noted the offender's license plate.

placa

PLAH-kah/ˈplaka/

nounA2general
Use 'placa' more broadly, especially in Latin America, to refer to the physical plate itself, often the rear one.
A rectangular, brightly colored license plate attached to the rear bumper of a simplified car.

Examples

Necesito comprar una placa nueva para mi motocicleta.

I need to buy a new license plate for my motorcycle.

¿Dónde está la placa trasera de tu coche?

Where is your car's back license plate?

El policía me pidió ver mi licencia y la placa del vehículo.

The police officer asked me to see my license and the vehicle's plate.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'placa' ends in 'a,' remember it is a feminine noun, so you use 'la placa' or 'una placa'.

Spain vs. Latin America Usage

The most common confusion arises from regional preferences. While 'matrícula' is standard in Spain for license plates, 'placa' is widely used in Latin America. If you are unsure, 'placa' might be more universally understood, but 'matrícula' is essential for formal contexts in Spain.

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