How to Say Car in Spanish: Carro, Coche & Spanish Slang 🚙

🚗 How to Say Car in Spanish?

When you’re talking about cars in Spanish, you’ll likely come across two different words for “car”: carro and coche. But which one should you use? Let’s break it down!

In this blog, we’ll cover how to say car in Spanish! We’ll explore the following points:

✨the difference between carro and coche depending on where you're speaking.
✨some fun slang terms for car used in Spain and Latin America.
✨essential transportation vocabulary in Spanish.
✨how Spaniards really use these terms in everyday conversations.✨
✨ common prepositions used with transport.
✨ fun tidbits about transport in Spain.

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🚙 **Is Car in Spanish Carro or Coche?**

The most common translations for car in Spanish are carro and coche. But don’t worry, the answer isn’t as tricky as it might seem!

In Spain, the word coche is the most common term for a car. You’ll hear it used daily in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville. Whether you're asking for a coche de alquiler (rental car) or telling someone to get into your coche to go somewhere, this is the word you'll use in Spain.

Examples:

Voy a ir al trabajo en coche.
I’m going to work by car.

Este coche es nuevo.
This car is new.

On the other hand, carro is the word you’ll hear in many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and more. It’s the go-to word for “car” in these regions, so if you’re travelling to a Spanish-speaking country outside of Spain, you'll want to use carro.

Examples:

¿Dónde está mi carro?
Where is my car?

Voy a salir en carro.
I’m going out in the car.

So, which one should you use? It really depends on where you are! you're in Spain, stick with coche. If you're in Latin America, go for carro. Easy peasy! 🌎

💬 How Do You Say Car in Spanish Slang?

Sometimes, Spanish speakers like to have a little fun with language – and that includes how they refer to their cars! Here are some popular slang terms for car across the Spanish-speaking world:

🚘 Buga

In Spain, if you want to sound a little more casual or cool, you can use the term buga to refer to a car. It’s like saying “my ride” in English, so it’s often used among friends or in a more relaxed setting.

Example:

¡Mira mi nave! Es un coche increíble.
Look at my ride! It’s an amazing car.

🚖 Cacharro

If you’re referring to an old or dilapidated car, you might hear the term cacharro in Spain. It’s a playful and slightly negative term for a car that’s seen better days.

Example:

Ese cacharro ya no arranca.
That old car doesn’t start anymore.

🚗 Trasto

Used for an old, unreliable car. Similar in tone to cacharro.

Example:

Ese trasto no pasa la ITV.
That old banger won’t pass the MOT.

🚀 Nave

A very popular informal word, especially among young people. It sounds cool and a bit ironic. It literally means spaceship 🚀.

Example:

Mi nave consume poco.
My ride doesn’t use much fuel.

🏎️ Bólido (a bit playful)

Used jokingly, often for fast or sporty cars (sometimes ironically).

Example:

Menudo bólido te has comprado.
That’s quite a beast of a car you’ve bought.

🚙 Chiva

In some Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Venezuela, people might refer to their cars as a chiva. This term is most commonly used in informal settings, and you might even hear it in urban slang or hip-hop music. Interestingly, chiva also means a type of bus in Colombia, so context is everything!

Example:

Voy en la chiva a la playa.
I’m taking the car to the beach.

These slang terms are a fun way to connect with locals and sound more natural in conversation. Whether you’re in Spain or Latin America, understanding and using local slang will definitely impress!

🚕 Essential Transport Vocabulary in Spanish

Cars aren’t the only thing you’ll need to know how to talk about when you’re travelling around Spanish-speaking countries! Here’s some more essential transportation vocabulary to help you get around like a pro:

🚒City & road transport

Autobús – Bus 🚌

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