Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
CUSTOM in Spanish: COSTUMBRE
Costumbre · noun · kohs-TOOM-breh
The English word custom splits into three distinct Spanish translations depending on context: costumbre for a tradition or habit, personalizado for something custom-made, and aduana for the customs checkpoint at a border or airport. Choosing the right word requires understanding which sense of custom you intend, since using costumbre when you mean customs at the airport would create a bewildering sentence. This versatility makes custom one of those English words that demands careful translation.
kohs-TOOM-breh
Es costumbre cenar tarde en España.
It is the custom to eat dinner late in Spain.
Custom in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for custom, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| costumbre | custom | kohs-TOOM-breh | Default, widely understood |
| personalizado | custom | custom-made, tailored | |
| aduana | custom | customs at border/airport |
How Native Speakers Use Costumbre
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Cultural tradition
La costumbre de dar las doce uvas en Año Nuevo es muy popular.
The custom of eating twelve grapes on New Year's is very popular.
Describes a Spanish cultural tradition using costumbre.
Custom-made product
Encargué un traje personalizado para la boda.
I ordered a custom suit for the wedding.
Uses personalizado for tailor-made or customized.
Airport customs
Tuvimos que declarar las compras en la aduana.
We had to declare our purchases at customs.
Uses aduana for the border customs checkpoint.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Costumbre
Using costumbre for customs (airport)
Incorrect: Pasamos por la costumbre en el aeropuerto.
Correct: Pasamos por la aduana en el aeropuerto.
Costumbre refers to a habit or tradition, while the customs checkpoint at airports and borders is aduana, a completely different concept.
Wrong word for custom-made
Incorrect: Quiero una costumbre de zapatos.
Correct: Quiero unos zapatos personalizados.
Costumbre cannot describe a made-to-order product; personalizado or hecho a la medida is needed for the custom-made meaning.
Lock in Custom Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Costumbre used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using costumbre in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Es costumbre cenar tarde en España. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Custom in Spanish
- How do I know which Spanish word for 'custom' to use?
- Think about what you mean: if it is a tradition or habit, use costumbre; if it is tailor-made or customized, use personalizado or hecho a medida; if it is the border checkpoint, use aduana.
- Can 'costumbre' be used for personal habits?
- Costumbre covers both cultural traditions and personal habits, so Tengo la costumbre de caminar por las mañanas naturally means I have the custom of walking in the mornings.
- What does 'a la medida' mean?
- A la medida literally translates to to measure and functions as the Spanish equivalent of custom-made or bespoke, frequently used for clothing, furniture, and other tailored products.