Dutch · Travel & Transport
de auto
car
Beginnernoun
Definition
A motor vehicle for road transport.
Example
Ik rijd met mijn auto naar het werk.
I drive my car to work.
Etymology
'De auto' is a shortened form of 'automobiel', derived from the Greek 'autos' meaning self, and Latin 'mobilis' meaning movable. This reflects the evolution of vehicle terminology as automobiles became commonplace.
How & Where It’s Used
'De auto' is used in both formal and informal contexts, prevalent in daily conversation as well as written discourse on transport and travel in the Netherlands.