How to say "auto" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

オートCommon
prenominal modifierCovers 'auto' in the sense of automatic, as in automatic operation or settings. It is a loanword used on its own, typically in technical or everyday contexts referring to automatic functions rather than vehicles.
自動車じどうしゃJLPT N5approx.Common
nounCovers 'auto' as short for automobile: a car, motorcar, or motor vehicle. This is the word you want when 'auto' refers to the vehicle itself, as in the auto industry or auto insurance.
私達わたしたちはその自動車じどうしゃを12,000ドルで買かった。↗
We bought the car for $12,000.

Use 「オート」 for the standalone word 'auto' meaning automatic, and 自動車 when 'auto' is short for automobile, i.e. a car or motor vehicle.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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