What’s a Car in English? Your A-Z Guide to Automotive Vocabulary

“Hey mister, what’s that car called in English?” The neighbor’s child’s question made Mr. Tu, a seasoned truck mechanic in Hanoi, chuckle. It dawned on him that learning automotive English wasn’t just about sounding sophisticated, but crucial in today’s interconnected world.

What’s a Car in English?

Cars, a common sight in everyday life, have various names in English. Here are some popular ways to say “car” in English:

• Car: This is the most common term, used generally for passenger vehicles, from small 4-seater cars to pickup trucks.
• Automobile: This word is more formal, often used in official documents and technical literature.
• Motor vehicle: This is a broad term encompassing all motorized vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.

Depending on the context, you can choose the most appropriate term.

Types of Cars in English by Function

To sound more professional when using automotive English, you should know how to categorize cars by their function:

• Passenger car: Cars designed for carrying passengers, including:

  • Sedan: A 4-door car with a separate trunk. Examples: Toyota Camry, Honda Civic.
  • SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle): A high-clearance vehicle suitable for various terrains. Examples: Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe.
  • Pickup truck: A truck with an open cargo bed in the rear. Examples: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux.

• Commercial vehicle: Vehicles used for transporting goods, including:

  • Truck: Categorized by load capacity as light, medium, or heavy trucks. Examples: Hino, Isuzu.
  • Van: A truck with an enclosed cargo area integrated with the cab. Examples: Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

![Four-seater car](https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/xe-con-4-cho-66e9f3.webp)

Car Parts in English

Do you want to confidently talk about your “beloved ride” in English? Let’s start with the basic parts:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Brakes
• Tires
• Steering wheel
• Windshield

![Delivery van](https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/xe-tai-van-66e9f3.webp)