spanish customs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal (when referring to official border control), Neutral/Descriptive (when referring to cultural habits).
Quick answer
What does “spanish customs” mean?
The official procedures and regulations for controlling the import and export of goods into and out of Spain, typically managed by border authorities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official procedures and regulations for controlling the import and export of goods into and out of Spain, typically managed by border authorities.
The cultural practices, traditions, and habitual behaviours considered characteristic of the Spanish people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The border control meaning is primary in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the border control meaning connotes bureaucracy, potential delays, and rules. The cultural habits meaning connotes vibrancy, tradition, or sometimes perceived unusualness from an outsider's perspective.
Frequency
The border control meaning is more frequent in general language use.
Grammar
How to Use “spanish customs” in a Sentence
N + through + Spanish customsV (declare/pass) + at + Spanish customsAdj (lengthy/strict) + Spanish customsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spanish customs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goods were *customs-cleared* in Madrid.
American English
- We need to *clear customs* upon arrival.
adjective
British English
- We filled in the *customs* declaration form.
American English
- There is a *customs* duty on this item.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to tariffs, import/export declarations, and compliance with Spanish trade regulations.
Academic
Used in anthropology/sociology to discuss cultural practices and traditions of Spain.
Everyday
Used by travellers describing their entry process into Spain or observing local habits.
Technical
Refers specifically to the 'Agencia Tributaria' department responsible for border tax collection and trade enforcement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spanish customs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spanish customs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spanish customs”
- Using 'habits' instead of 'customs' for the official meaning. Confusing 'customs' (government agency) with 'custom' (traditional practice) in spelling and context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural in both meanings, taking a plural verb (e.g., Spanish customs are strict).
Yes, 'customs' often stands alone when the country is clear from context (e.g., 'We went through customs').
Context is primary. Official/border/travel contexts point to the government agency. Discussions of culture, society, or traditions point to habitual practices.
No, the pronunciation is identical, which is why written context is crucial for disambiguation.
The official procedures and regulations for controlling the import and export of goods into and out of Spain, typically managed by border authorities.
Spanish customs is usually formal (when referring to official border control), neutral/descriptive (when referring to cultural habits). in register.
Spanish customs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspæn.ɪʃ ˈkʌs.təmz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspæn.ɪʃ ˈkʌs.təmz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nothing to declare at Spanish customs.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPANiel dog at a CUSTOMS booth, wearing a sombrero and checking luggage – it represents both Spain and official checks.
Conceptual Metaphor
CUSTOMS AS A GATEKEEPER (official meaning); CUSTOMS AS A LIVING HERITAGE (cultural meaning).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'Spanish customs' refer to bureaucratic procedures?