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How to Say "truck" in Spanish

English → Spanish

camión

nounA1general
Use 'camión' for the standard, large vehicle designed for transporting goods, like a delivery truck or a semi-trailer.

Examples

El camión transporta cajas grandes al puerto.

The truck transports large boxes to the port.

carro

/KAH-rroh//ˈkarro/

nounA1regional
Use 'carro' to refer to a small utility truck, often a pickup truck, especially in certain Latin American regions where 'carro' is also used for 'car'.
A brightly colored, simple red sedan car driving along a road.

Examples

Necesito comprar gasolina para mi carro.

I need to buy gas for my car.

El tráfico estaba terrible y el carro se recalentó.

The traffic was terrible and the car overheated.

¿Dónde estacionaste el carro?

Where did you park the car?

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'carro' is a masculine noun, it always uses the masculine articles 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it.

Using 'carro' in Spain

Mistake: “Using 'carro' when talking to someone from Spain about their personal vehicle.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'coche' instead of 'carro' for a passenger vehicle. 'Carro' usually means 'cart' there.

Confusing 'camión' and 'carro'

Learners often mistakenly use 'carro' for any type of truck. Remember that 'carro' is typically a regional term for a *small* utility truck, while 'camión' is the universal word for a large goods vehicle.

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