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aduana means customs (border) — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 7, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

aduana

noun • /[ah-DWAH-nah]/

customs (border)

Example:

Pasamos por aduana y declaramos el vino.

We went through customs and declared the wine.

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🧠 What does aduana mean?

Aduana refers to the customs authority or the physical location where customs inspections take place, typically at a border crossing (airport, seaport, land border). It's where officials check travelers' baggage and cargo for prohibited items, collect duties and taxes, and enforce import/export regulations.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tuvimos que esperar en la aduana por dos horas.
    We had to wait in customs for two hours.
  • Los oficiales de aduana revisaron mi maleta.
    The customs officers checked my suitcase.
  • Declaré todos mis artículos en la aduana.
    I declared all my items at customs.
  • Pasar por la aduana fue rápido y fácil.
    Going through customs was quick and easy.
  • El control de aduana es muy estricto en este aeropuerto.
    Customs control is very strict in this airport.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'customs (border)' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'customs (border)' in Spanish is 'aduana'.
How do you pronounce 'aduana' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ah-dwah-nah. The stress falls on the second syllable (dwah).
How do you use 'aduana' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Pasamos por la aduana sin problemas' (We went through customs without any problems), 'Las maletas están en la aduana' (The suitcases are at customs), or 'Trabaja en la aduana' (He/She works at customs).
What is the English translation of 'aduana'?
'Aduana' translates to 'customs' in English, specifically referring to the border control and inspection process.
Does 'aduana' change for gender or number?
No, 'aduana' is always feminine and singular. If you need to refer to multiple customs locations, you would say 'las aduanas'.
Is 'aduana' common in everyday Spanish?
It's not a word used every day, but it's very common when discussing travel, especially international travel.
Does 'aduana' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. It has a very specific meaning related to border control and doesn't have common slang interpretations.
Is 'aduana' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'aduana' is understood and used the same way across both Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "aduana"

Synonyms: control de aduanas, garita

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'aduana' originates from the Arabic word 'ad-diwān,' which referred to a register or record-keeping office. This reflects the historical role of customs in documenting and taxing goods.

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