The word "autos" is a plural noun in Spanish.
The phonetic transcription of "autos" in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈaw.tos/.
The word "autos" refers to automobiles or cars. In the Spanish language, it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing vehicles. It is a frequently used term, especially in urban settings where cars are a primary mode of transportation. The usage of "autos" tends to appear in both oral speech and written contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in written forms due to the nature of discussions around traffic laws, vehicular advertisements, and sales.
Los autos en la ciudad están muy congestionados.
The cars in the city are very congested.
Ella quiere comprar dos autos nuevos este año.
She wants to buy two new cars this year.
Los autos antiguos tienen un estilo muy especial.
Old cars have a very special style.
The word "autos" is also integrated into various idiomatic expressions and vernacular usages related to driving, transportation, and car culture. Here are some idiomatic expressions that involve "autos":
Echar a andar los autos.
To rev up the cars.
This expression can mean to start something energetically, akin to getting things going.
Autos que no andan, no son autos.
Cars that don’t go aren’t cars.
This phrase highlights the importance of functionality and can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
A toda velocidad en los autos.
At full speed in the cars.
This means to go very fast, either literally in vehicles or figuratively in terms of progress.
No todos los autos son iguales.
Not all cars are the same.
This phrase can be used to express diversity in situations or people.
Metido en autos ajenos.
Involved in other people's cars.
This phrase generally refers to being involved in someone else's affairs or issues.
The word "auto" is derived from the French word "automobile," which itself comes from the Greek words "autos" (αὐτός), meaning "self," and "mobilis," from Latin, meaning "movable." Thus, "automobile" translates literally to "self-moving," and "autos" retains a similar root.