The british english word for this

Here you will find words which have different meanings or are spelled differently in British and American English.

  • A – M
  • N – Z
British English American English
A
accelerator gas pedal, accelerator
aerial (TV, radio) antenna, aerial
Alsatian German shepherd
American Indian Native American
anorak jacket, parka
at the weekend on the weekend
aubergine eggplant
B
bank holiday national holiday, federal holiday
barrister, solicitor lawyer, attorney
base rate prime rate
to bath to bathe
beetroot beet
bill check
bin, dustbin garbage can/trash can
biro ball-point pen
biscuit cookie
bonnet hood
boot trunk
braces suspenders
(round) brackets parentheses
C
candy floss cotton candy
car park parking lot
caravan trailer
caretaker janitor
catalogue catalog
centre center
chemist’s shop drugstore, pharmacy
chips French fries
city centre downtown, city center
cloakroom checkroom, coatroom
clothes peg clothespin
colour color
cooker stove
(bathing) costume swimsuit
cosy cozy
cot (Baby) crib
cotton wool cotton ball
courgette zucchini
crisps potato chips
crossroads crossroad (in the country)
intersection (town and country)
curriculum vitae (CV) résumé
curriculum vitae
D
dinner jacket tux, tuxedo
directory enquiries directory assistance
diversion detour
doll’s house dollhouse
double cream heavy cream
draught draft
draughts checkers
drawing pin thumbtack
dressing gown (bath) robe
drink driving drunk driving
driving licence driver’s license
dummy pacifier
duvet comforter
E
earth wire ground wire
engaged busy
enquiry inquiry
everywhere everyplace, everywhere
expiry date expiration date
F
fancy dress costumes
Father Christmas Santa Claus
favourite favorite
to fill in to fill out
film film, movie
fire brigade fire department
first floor second floor
fish-fingers fish-sticks
flannel face cloth, wash cloth
flat apartment
(flat: apartment with a single floor)
flavour flavor
football soccer
fortnight two weeks
fringe bangs
from Monday to Friday from Monday to Friday
from Monday through Friday (Friday included)
full stop period
G
garden yard
gear lever gear shift
Gents Men’s Room
goods train freight train
ground floor first floor, ground floor (in public buildings)
H
harbour harbor
headmaster, headteacher principal
to hire to rent
hire purchase installment plan
hockey field hockey
holiday vacation
hoover vacuum cleaner
humour humor
I
icing sugar powdered sugar
indicator blinker, turn signal
inverted commas, quotation marks quotation marks
J
jacket potato baked potato
jewellery jewelry
Joe Bloggs Joe Blow
jumble sale yard sale
jumper sweater
K
kilometre kilometer
L
ladybird ladybug
to lay the table to set the table
letterbox, postbox mailbox
lift elevator
litre liter
lorry truck
lost property lost and found
M
mackintosh raincoat
managing director CEO (chief executive officer)
mashed potato, mash mashed potatoes
match game
maths math
mobile (phone) cellphone
motorbike motorcycle
motorway freeway, highway, expressway, interstate
mum mom

Thanks to Carl, Declan, Edeet, Gabriele, Hans, John, Karin, Liz, Monika, Oleg, Ron, Ulrike and Vicky.


Составили подборку отличных друг от друга слов с одинаковым значением, а также привели примеры их употребления.

Британский vs американский английский: разница в лексике

Еще со школы у многих сложился стереотип — британцы говорят правильнее, чем американцы. Однако, вопреки распространенному мнению, нет более правильного варианта языка. Каждый диалект отражает культурные особенности, свойственные жителям разных стран.

Британскому и американскому вариантам английского, как и любым диалектам, характерны некоторые отличия в грамматике, лексике и произношении. Какому варианту следовать, решать вам, но перед тем как сделать выбор, рекомендуем прочитать статью «Какой язык учить? Британский английский против американского». Также в нашем блоге вы найдете статьи о грамматических отличиях и особенностях национального сленга.

В статье расскажем об основных лексических и орфографических отличиях между британским и американским вариантами английского языка.

Люди и общество

В таблице вы найдете наиболее распространенные слова, которые жители Великобритании и США используют в повседневной речи.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
an apartment
a flat
an apartment квартира BrE: Eric lived in a small flat.
AmE: Eric lived in a small apartment.

Эрик жил в маленькой квартире.

crazy
mad
crazy безумный, сошедший с ума, душевнобольной BrE: Kitty’s agreed to marry him! Is she mad?
AmE: Kitty’s agreed to marry him! Is she crazy?

Китти согласилась выйти за него замуж. Она сошла сума?

a nappy a diaper пеленка, подгузник BrE: My husband never changes the baby’s nappies.
AmE: My husband never changes the baby’s diapers.

Мой муж никогда не меняет детские подгузники.

a line
a queue
a line очередь BrE: I stood in a queue for an hour.
AmE: I stood in a line for an hour.

Я целый час стояла в очереди.

angry mad злой BrE: I am still so angry about the situation.
AmE: I am still so mad about the situation.

Я до сих пор так зла из-за сложившейся ситуации.

nasty mean неприятный, грубый BrE: What a nasty man!
AmE: What a mean man!

Какой грубый мужчина!

stingy
mean
stingy скупой BrE: Clark is too mean to give money to charity.
AmE: Clark is too stingy to give money to charity.

Кларк слишком скупа, чтобы жертвовать на благотворительность.

a (public) toilet
a (public) lavatory
a restroom уборная BrE: Where is the lavatory?
AmE: Where is the restroom?

Где у вас уборная?

Работа и бизнес

В деловой лексике также есть несколько отличий между британским и американским вариантами английского.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a receptionist a desk clerk администратор BrE: Timmy works as a receptionist at the hotel.
AmE: Timmy works as a desk clerk at the hotel.

Тимми работает администратором отеля.

labour labor работа BrE: The woman does hard manual labour.
AmE: The woman does hard manual labor.

Женщина выполняет тяжелую физическую работу.

a raise
a pay rise
a raise повышение оплаты BrE: It’s always difficult to discuss a pay rise with our chief.
AmE: It’s always difficult to discuss a raise with our chief.

Всегда трудно обсуждать повышение зарплаты с нашим шефом.

two weeks
a fortnight
two weeks две недели BrE: He went to Rome for a fortnight.
AmE: He went to Rome for two weeks.

Он отправился в Рим на две недели.

Закон и порядок

В юридической сфере также есть несколько отличий, как между словами, так и в правописании.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a lawyer
a barrister
a solicitor
a lawyer
an attorney
адвокат BrE: Did you speak to a barrister?
AmE: Did you speak to an attorney?

Вы разговаривали с адвокатом?

prison jail тюрьма BrE: The judge sent Ricardo to prison for seven years.
AmE: The judge sent Ricardo to jail for seven years.

Судья отправил Рикардо в тюрьму на семь лет.

a licence a license водительские права BrE: Cartman was arrested for driving without a licence.
AmE: Cartman was arrested for driving without a license.

Картман был задержан за вождение без водительских прав.

an offence an offense правонарушение BrE: She committed the offence because of debts.
AmE: She committed the offense because of debts.

Она совершила нарушение из-за долгов.

Здоровье

Самые главные лексические различия по этой теме мы привели в следующей таблице:

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a (doctor’s) surgery a doctor’s office кабинет врача BrE: The doctor’s surgery is on the second floor.
AmE: The doctor’s office is on the second floor.

Кабинет врача находится на втором этаже.

a chemist a drugstore
a pharmacy
аптека BrE: The pills are on sale in local chemists.
AmE: The pills are on sale in local drugstores.

Лекарство продается в местных аптеках.

Деньги и покупки

Слова из таблицы ниже нередко встречаются в повседневной беседе как американцев, так и британцев.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a cheque a check чек BrE: Can I have the cheque?
AmE: Can I have the check?

Я могу получить чек?

a bill a bill
a check
счет BrE: Did she pay the phone bill?
AmE: Did she pay the phone check?

Она оплатила счет за пользование телефоном?

an estate agent a realtor риелтор BrE: I told the estate agent that we wanted to live on a lake.
AmE: I told the realtor that we wanted to live on a lake.

Я сказал риелтору, что мы хотим жить у озера.

a shop assistant a sales clerk продавец BrE: The shop assistant gave me my money back.
AmE: The sales clerk gave me my money back.

Продавец вернул мне деньги.

a shop a shop
a store
магазин BrE: I saw the wonderful dress in the shop window.
AmE: I saw the wonderful dress in the store window.

Я увидела чудесное платье в витрине магазина.

Еда и напитки

Возможно, многие слова по теме «Еда и напитки» вам знакомы, например, a biscuit и a cookie, но мы дополнили список и другой часто употребляемой лексикой.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a hob a burner варочная поверхность BrE: A big pan of boiled potatoes stood on the hob.
AmE: A big pan of boiled potatoes stood on the burner.

Большая кастрюля вареного картофеля стояла на варочной поверхности.

a tin a can жестяная/консервная банка BrE: I put a tin of sardines in the fridge.
AmE: I put a can of sardines in the fridge.

Я поставила консервную банку с сардинами в холодильник.

a sweet a candy конфета BrE: Do you want a sweet?
AmE: Do you want a candy?

Ты хочешь конфету?

crisps (potato) chips чипсы BrE: Crisps are harmful for your body shape.
AmE: Chips are harmful for your body shape.

Чипсы вредны для вашей фигуры.

a biscuit a cookie печенье BrE: I want a glass of milk and a biscuit for breakfast.
AmE: I want a glass of milk and a cookie for breakfast.

Я хочу стакан молока и печенье на завтрак.

French fries
chips
French fries картофель фри BrE: I hate the smell of chips.
AmE: I hate the smell of French fries.

Я ненавижу запах картофеля фри.

cutlery silverware столовые приборы BrE: The design of cutlery was fabulous.
AmE: The design of silverware was fabulous.

Дизайн столовых приборов был потрясающим.

a cooker a stove плита BrE: The cooker is broken.
AmE: The stove is broken.

Плита сломана.

a takeaway a takeout еда на вынос, доставка (еды) BrE: Let’s order a takeaway tonight.
AmE: Let’s order a takeout tonight.

Давайте закажем доставку сегодня вечером.

Образование

В лексике по теме «Образование» у жителей Великобритании и США довольно много отличий.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a primary school an elementary school
a junior school
начальная школа BrE: Ann got a job in a primary school.
AmE: Ann got a job in an elementary school.

Энн устроилась на работу в начальную школу.

a secondary school a high school
a senior school
старшая школа BrE: My son will go to the secondary school next year.
AmE: My son will go to the high school next year.

В следующем году мой сын пойдет в старшую школу.

an eraser
a rubber
an eraser ластик BrE: The tough rubber can make a hole in the paper.
AmE: The tough eraser can make a hole in the paper.

Жесткий ластик может сделать дырку в листе бумаги.

a grade
a mark
a grade оценка BrE: He got a mark A in biology.
AmE: He got a grade A in biology.

Он получил оценку пять по биологии.

a head
a headteacher
a headmaster
a headmistress
a principal директор школы, ректор университета BrE: She works in a small school with just four teachers and the headteacher.
AmE: She works in a small school with just four teachers and the principal.

Она работает в маленькой школе, где всего четыре учителя и директор.

a test a quiz тест (проверочная работа в школе) BrE: I had a test on history yesterday.
AmE: I had a quiz on history yesterday.

Вчера я проходил тест по истории.

a break a recess перемена BrE: His favorite time at school is a break.
AmE: His favorite time at school is a recess.

Его любимое время в школе — перемена.

Наука и технологии

Некоторые слова из таблицы часто встречаются в повседневной речи, однако есть и такая лексика, которую можно отнести к специальной.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
aluminium aluminum алюминий BrE: The fabrictory recycles aluminium.
AmE: The fabrictory recycles aluminum.

Завод перерабатывает алюминий.

an aerial an antenna антенна BrE: The aerial is broken by the wind.
AmE: The antenna is broken by the wind.

Антенна сломана ветром.

a mobile phone a cell phone мобильный телефон BrE: Nowadays people can afford a mobile phone.
AmE: Nowadays people can afford a cell phone.

Сегодня люди могут позволить себе купить мобильный телефон.

a lift an elevator лифт BrE: I usually don’t take a lift.
AmE: I usually don’t take an elevator.

Обычно я не пользуюсь лифтом.

a tap a tap
a faucet
кран BrE: How could you make warm water run from taps?
AmE: How could you make warm water run from faucets?

Как можно сделать так, чтобы горячая вода текла из крана?

a torch a flashlight фонарь BrE: He shone his torch in the dark room.
AmE: He shone his flashlight in the dark room.

Он посветил фонариком в темной комнате.

zero
nought
zero пустое место, ноль BrE: A million is 1 with 6 noughts after it.
AmE: A million is 1 with 6 zeros after it.

Миллион — это один с шестью нолями после него.

Хотите свободно говорить на английском и хорошо понимать собеседника-иностранца? Тогда записывайтесь на разговорный курс английского языка.

Погода и окружающая среда

По этой теме привели небольшой список слов, которые вы наверняка встречали в английском языке.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
town centre
city centre
downtown центр города BrE: She works for the firm in Chicago city centre.
AmE: She works for the firm in Chicago downtown.

Она работает в фирме в центре Чикаго.

autumn autumn
fall
осень BrE: They got married last autumn.
AmE: They got married last fall.

Они поженились прошлой осенью.

a dustbin
a rubbish bin
a litter bin
a garbage can
a trash can
мусорная корзина BrE: Where is a dustbin?
AmE: Where is a garbage can?

Где мусорная корзина.

rubbish garbage
trash
мусор BrE: The rubbish is collected every Friday.
AmE: The garbage is collected every Friday.

Мусор собирают каждую пятницу.

a neighbour a neighbor сосед BrE: Neighbours complained about the noise from the party.
AmE: Neighbors complained about the noise from the party.

Соседи жаловались на шум с вечеринки.

a neighbourhood a neighborhood окрестности, район BrE: I grew up in a quiet neighbourhood of York.
AmE: I grew up in a quiet neighborhood of York.

Я вырос в тихом районе Йорка.

a garden a yard двор BrE: The kids usually play in the garden.
AmE: The kids usually play in the yard.

Дети обычно играют во дворе.

Путешествия и транспорт

В этой теме вы встретите много отличий. Но даже если вы будете знать и употреблять лишь один вариант английского, вас несомненно поймут по обе стороны океана.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
an aeroplane an airplane самолет BrE: We got off the aeroplane in London.
AmE: We got off the airplane in London.

Мы сошли с самолета в Лондоне.

petrol gas
gasoline
топливо BrE: Petrol prices are rising.
AmE: Gasoline prices are rising.

Цены на бензин растут.

the main road
a motorway
a highway
a freeway
трасса BrE: He got onto the motorway and drove as fast as he could.
AmE: He got onto the highway and drove as fast as he could.

Он выехал на трассу и поехал так быстро, как только мог.

a single (ticket) a one-way (ticket) билет в одну сторону BrE: A single ticket to Boston costs $55.
AmE: A one-way ticket to Boston costs $55.

Билет в один конец до Бостона стоит 55 долларов.

a car park a parking lot автостоянка BrE: I parked in the car park next to the cinema.
AmE: I parked in the parking lot next to the cinema.

Я припарковался на стоянке рядом с кинотеатром.

a pavement a sidewalk тротуар BrE: A group of reporters waited on the pavement outside the hospital.
AmE: A group of reporters waited on the sidewalk outside the hospital.

Группа репортеров ждала на тротуаре возле больницы.

a railway a railroad железная дорога BrE: He is a top-manager of a railway company.
AmE: He is a top-manager of a railroad company.

Он топ-менеджер железнодорожной компании.

the underground a subway метро BrE: This city has the oldest underground in the country.
AmE: This city has the oldest subway in the country.

В этом городе самое старое метро в стране.

a tyre a tire шина, покрышка BrE: I need to buy a set of new tyres.
AmE: I need to buy a set of new tires.

Мне нужно купить комплект новых шин.

a caravan a trailer фургон BrE: I’ve never travelled in a caravan.
AmE: I’ve never travelled in a trailer.

Я никогда не путешествовала в фургоне.

a truck
a van
a lorry
a truck грузовик BrE: The big van parked next to my house.
AmE: The big truck parked next to my house.

Большой грузовик припарковался рядом с моим домом.

a holiday a vacation отпуск BrE: We’re planning a holiday in Australia.
AmE: We’re planning a vacation in Australia.

Мы планируем провести отпуск в Австралии.

a windscreen a windshield лобовое стекло BrE: He held his face too close to the windscreen.
AmE: He held his face too close to the windshield.

Он слишком близко прислонился к лобовому стеклу.

Хобби и спорт

Несколько лексических различий есть и в теме «Хобби и спорт». Мы привели примеры наиболее распространенных слов.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
American football football американский футбол BrE: I’ve never played American football.
AmE: I’ve never played football.

Я никогда не играл в американский футбол.

soccer
football
soccer футбол (европейский) BrE: He is the best football player of the year.
AmE: He is the best soccer player of the year.

Он лучший футболист года.

trainers sneakers кроссовки BrE: He bought a pair of black trainers.
AmE: He bought a pair of black sneakers.

Он купил пару черных кроссовок.

athletics track and field легкая атлетика BrE: Athletics is mostly an individual sport.
AmE: Track and field is mostly an individual sport.

Легкая атлетика — это в основном индивидуальный вид спорта.

to do practise to take practice тренироваться BrE: Have you done your practise today?
AmE: Have you taken your practice today?

Ты сегодня тренировалась?

Развлечения и отдых

Несколько лексических отличий нашлось и в этой теме. Список слов и примеры вы увидите в следующей таблице:

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
humour humor юмор BrE: It’s vital to have a sense of humour in such a situation.
AmE: It’s vital to have a sense of humor in such a situation.

В такой ситуации важно иметь чувство юмора.

a film a movie фильм BrE: She played a gorgeous woman in a historical film.
AmE: She played a gorgeous woman in a historical movie.

Она играла потрясающую женщину в историческом фильме.

a cinema a movie theater кинотеатр BrE: Let’s go to the cinema tonight?
AmE: Let’s go to the movie theater tonight?

Давай пойдем в кино сегодня вечером?

a theatre a theater театр BrE: In summer I prefer to visit an open-air theatre.
AmE: In summer I prefer to visit an open-air theater.

Летом я предпочитаю посещать театр под открытым небом.

a talk show
a chat show
a talk show ток-шоу BrE: Inga is a brilliant chat show host.
AmE: Inga is a brilliant talk show host.

Инга — блестящая ведущая ток-шоу.

a TV programme a TV program телепрограмма BrE: They decided to close the TV programme.
AmE: They decided to close the TV program.

Они решили закрыть телепрограмму.

Мода и дизайн

Для того чтобы описать некоторые элементы одежды, американцы и британцы используют разные слова.

Британский вариант Американский вариант Перевод Примеры
a wardrobe
a cupboard
a closet шкаф BrE: Her wardrobe is full of beautiful clothes.
AmE: Her closet is full of beautiful clothes.

Ее шкаф полон красивой одежды.

colour color цвет BrE: In spring the grass should be bright green in colour.
AmE: In spring the grass should be bright green in color.

Весной трава должна быть ярко-зеленого цвета.

turn-ups cuffs манжеты на брюках BrE: Turn-ups of his trousers were red.
AmE: Cuffs of his trousers were red.

Манжеты его брюк были красными.

modelling modeling модельная карьера BrE: The young girl is dreaming about the career in modelling.
AmE: The young girl is dreaming about the career in modeling.

Молодая девушка мечтает о карьере модели.

trousers pants
slacks
брюки BrE: His trousers were too long.
AmE: His pants were too long.

Его брюки были слишком длинными.

a sweater
a jumper
a jersey
a sweater свитер BrE: The jersey was knitted by my grandmother.
AmE: The sweater was knitted by my grandmother.

Свитер связала моя бабушка.

a waistcoat a vest жилет BrE: He has to wear a waistcoat as an item of uniform.
AmE: He has to wear a vest as an item of uniform.

Он должен носить жилет как часть униформы.

a zip a zipper молния BrE: The zip on my bag is broken.
AmE: The zipper on my bag is broken.

Молния на моей сумке сломана.

В «Инглекс» преподают носители языка — британцы и американцы. Хотите из первых уст узнать о тонкостях каждого из диалектов? Тогда записывайтесь к одному из наших преподавателей.

Теперь вы знаете, какие лексические отличия встречаются в британском и американском вариантах английского. Мы рекомендуем их выучить, чтобы не растеряться во время беседы и понять, что сказал иностранец.

© 2023 englex.ru, копирование материалов возможно только при указании прямой активной ссылки на первоисточник.

Updated on November 04, 2019

While pronunciation, grammar, and spelling are among the many differences between American and British English, perhaps the most difficult to navigate is the difference in American and British vocabulary and word choice. 

American and British Vocabulary and Word Choice

Many students are confused about word differences between American and British English. Generally speaking, it’s true that most Americans will understand British English speakers and vice versa despite the many differences. As your English becomes more advanced, however, it becomes more important to decide which form of English you prefer. Once you’ve decided, try to stick to one form or the other in all aspects including pronunciation differences: General American or Received Pronunciation. This consistency is key to clear English communication.

The following list provides common American English vocabulary and word choices and their British English equivalents arranged in alphabetical order. Which words are already most familiar to you?

American English

British English

antenna aerial
mad angry
anyplace anywhere
fall autumn
bill bank note
attorney barrister, solicitor
cookie biscuit
hood bonnet
trunk boot
suspenders braces
janitor caretaker
drug store chemist’s
french fries chips
the movies the cinema
rubber condom
patrolman constable
stove cooker
wheat corn, wheat
crib cot
thread cotton
wreck crash
intersection crossroads
drapes curtains
checkers draughts
thumbtack drawing pin
divided highway dual carriageway
pacifier dummy
trashcan dustbin, rubbish-bin
garbage can dustbin, rubbish-bin
garbage collector dustman
generator dynamo
motor engine
engineer engine driver
movie film
apartment flat
overpass flyover
yard garden
gear-shift gear-lever
alumnus graduate
boiler grill
first floor ground floor
rubbers gumshoes, wellington boots
sneakers gym shoes, tennis-shoes
purse handbag
billboard hoarding
vacation holiday
vacuum cleaner hoover
sick ill
intermission interval
sweater jersey, jumper, pullover, sweater
pitcher jug
elevator lift
truck lorry
baggage luggage
raincoat mackintosh, raincoat
crazy mad
highway main road
corn maize
math maths
stingy mean
freeway motorway
diaper nappy
vicious, mean nasty
noplace nowhere
private hospital nursing home
optometrist optician
liquor store off-license
kerosene paraffin
sidewalk pavement
peek peep
gasoline petrol
mail post
mailbox postbox
mailman, mail carrier postman
potato chips potato crisps
baby carriage pram
bar pub
restroom public toilet
blow-out puncture
stroller push-chair
line queue
railroad railway
railway car railway carriage
spool of thread reel of cotton
round trip return (ticket)
call collect reverse charges
raise rise (in salary)
pavement road surface
traffic circle roundabout
eraser rubber
garbage, trash rubbish
sedan saloon (car)
Scotch tape sellotape
store shop
muffler silencer
one-way single (ticket)
someplace somewhere
wrench spanner
faculty staff (of a university)
oil pan sump
dessert sweet
candy sweets
faucet tap
spigot tap (outdoors)
cab taxi
dish-towel tea-towel
semester term
pantyhose tights
schedule timetable
can tin
turnpike toll motorway
flashlight torch
hobo tramp
pants trousers
cuffs turn-ups
subway underground railway
shorts underpants
shoulder (of road) verge (of road)
vest waistcoat
closet wardrobe
wash up wash your hands
windshield windscreen
fender wing
zipper zip

Now, test your knowledge with the two quizzes below.

American to British English Vocabulary Quiz

Replace the American English word in italics with a British English word. 

  1. I’d like to hang the drapes tonight. Do you have time?
  2. We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
  3. Would you like to see a movie tonight?
  4. Have you seen Tim’s new apartment yet? It’s very nice.
  5. Run down to the drug store and buy some aspirin, please. 
  6. Let’s go to the bar and get a drink.
  7. I’ll take the garbage out before I leave tomorrow morning.
  8. Take the second exit at the traffic circle.
  9. Let’s get have some potato chips with lunch. 
  10. Could you hand me the flashlight so I can take a look in the closet?
  11. Peter wore a pair of slim fitting pants to the party.
  12. She opened the tap and watered the garden.
  13. Have you ever worn a vest with a suit?
  14. I’ll pick up the mail on the way home from work.
  15. Could you buy me a pair of pantyhose at the mall?

Answers

  1. curtains
  2. lift
  3. film
  4. flat
  5. chemist’s
  6. pub
  7. rubbish
  8. roundabout
  9. crisps
  10. torch
  11. trousers
  12. spigot 
  13. waistcoat
  14. post
  15. tights

British to American English Vocabulary Quiz

Replace the British word in italics with an American English word.

  1. We need to find a public toilet soon.
  2. Let’s get the pram and take a walk with Jennifer. 
  3. I’m afraid I had a puncture and had to get it fixed.
  4. Could you bring in that tin of tuna over there?
  5. He puts his trousers on like any other person.
  6. She’s very mean with her money. Don’t ask her for any help.
  7. I generally don’t wear a suit with a waistcoat.
  8. We should ask a constable for help.
  9. Let’s go to the off-license and get some whiskey. 
  10. Get on queue and I’ll get us something to eat.
  11. Grab a tea-towel and clean that up.
  12. Look at the schedule and see when the train leaves.
  13. The car has a dent in the wing.
  14. Choose a sweater from the wardrobe and let’s get going.
  15. The lights have gone out, and we’ll need a torch.

Answers

  1. restroom
  2. baby carriage
  3. blow-out
  4. can
  5. pants
  6. stingy
  7. vest
  8. patrolman
  9. liquor store
  10. line
  11. dish-towel
  12. time table
  13. fender
  14. closet 
  15. flashlight

Here are some of the main differences in vocabulary between British and American English. This page is intended as a guide only. Bear in mind that there can be differences in the choice of specific terms depending on dialect and region within both the USA and the UK.

British English ↕ American English ↕
anti-clockwise counter-clockwise
articulated lorry trailer truck
autumn autumn, fall
barrister attorney
bill (restaurant) bill, check
biscuit cookie
block of flats apartment building
bonnet (car) hood
bonnet (clothing) hat
boot trunk
car park parking lot
caravan trailer
chemist’s shop drugstore, pharmacy
chest of drawers dresser, chest of drawers, bureau
chips fries, French fries
cinema, the movies, the
clothes peg clothespin
coffin coffin, casket
crisps potato chips
crossroads intersection; crossroads (rural)
cupboard cupboard (in kitchen); closet (for clothes etc)
diversion detour
drawing-pin thumbtack
drink-driving drunk driving
driving licence driver’s license
dual carriageway divided highway
dummy (for baby) pacifier
dustbin garbage can, trash can
dustman garbage collector
engine engine, motor
estate agent real estate agent
estate car station wagon
film film, movie
flat apartment, flat, studio
flat tyre flat tire
flyover overpass
gear-lever gearshift
gearbox (car) transmission
Girl Guide Girl Scout
ground floor ground/first floor
handbag handbag, purse, shoulder bag
high street main street
holiday vacation
hood (car) convertible top
jam jam, preserves
jug jug, pitcher
juggernaut 18-wheeler
lift elevator
lorry truck, semi, tractor
mad crazy, insane
main road highway
maize corn
maths math
motorbike motorcycle
motorway freeway, expressway
motorway highway, freeway, expressway, interstate highway, interstate
nappy diaper
naughts and crosses tic-tack-toe
pants, underpants underpants, drawers
pavement sidewalk
pet hate pet peeve
petrol gas, gasoline
Plough, the Big Dipper, the
pocket money allowance
post mail
postbox mailbox
postcode zip code
postman mailman, mail carrier, letter carrier
pub bar
public toilet rest room, public bathroom
railway railroad
return (ticket) round-trip
reverse charge collect call
ring road beltway, freeway/highway loop
road surface pavement, blacktop
roundabout traffic circle, roundabout
rubber eraser
rubbish garbage, trash
rubbish-bin garbage can, trashcan
saloon (car) sedan
shop shop, store
silencer (car) muffler
single (ticket) one-way
solicitor lawyer, attorney
spanner wrench
sweets candy
taxi taxi, taxi cab
tea towel dish towel
telly (informal), TV television, TV
third-party insurance liability insurance
timetable schedule
tin can
toll motorway toll road, turnpike
torch flashlight
trousers pants, trousers
tube (train) subway
underground (train) subway
vest undershirt
waistcoat vest
wallet wallet, billfold
wellington boots rubber boots, rain boots
whisky whisky/whiskey
windscreen windshield
zip zipper

See also

  • The Differences Between British And American Terms — Lexico
  • American English to British English Vocabulary — ThoughtCo
  • Comparison of American and British English — Wikipedia

Contributor: Josef Essberger

British and American words in English! The following lesson provides a useful list of differences between British and American words with ESL images.

Here is the list of differences between American and British English vocabulary:

* flashlight – torch

* diaper – nappy

* busy – engaged

* check – bill

* cab- taxi

* airplane- aeroplane

* apartment – flat

* can- tin

* candy- sweet

* doctor’s office – doctor’s surgery

* earser – rubber

* fall – autumn

* first floor – ground floor

* reservation – booking

* parking lot – car park

* trailer – caravan

* drugstore – chemist’s

* pharmacist – chemist

* dresser – chest of drawers

* movie theater – cinema

* downtown – city centre

* clothespin – clothes peg

* intersection – crossroads

* soccer – football

* movie – film

* mail – post

* fries – chips

* garbage – rubbish

* zipper – zip

* cookie – biscuit

* corn – maize

* sneakers – trainers

* truck – lorry

* eggplant – aubergine

* cell phone – mobile phone

* gasoline –  petrol

* gum – glue

* overpass – flyover

* dessert – pud

* cupcake – fairy cake

* soda – fizzy drink

* vacation – holiday

* subway – underground

* high way – motorway

* schedule – timetable

* elevator – lift

* yard – garden

* closet – wardrobe

* restroom – toilet

* popsicle – ice lolly

* pants – trousers

* sweater – jumper

* professor – lecturer

* semester – term

* stores – shops

* bar – pub

* hood – bonnet

* trunk – boot

* semi – lorry

* signal – indicate

* couch – settee

* pacifier – dummy

* catapult – slingshot

* swimsuit – cozzy

* undershirt – vest

* sidewalk – pavement

* railroad – railway

* cooler – coolbox

* stove – cooker

* wrench – spanner

* line – queue

* garbage collector – dust man

* baggage – luggage

* lawyer – solicitor

* faucet – tap

* vest – waistcoat

* sandwich – butty

* dessert – pudding

* jerk – bugger

* donuts – roundellos

* drapes – curtains

* license plate – number plate

* scotch tape – sellotape

* sidewalk – pavement

* sausages – bangers

* cafeteria – canteen

* overalls – dungaree

* period – full stop

* uniform – kit

* jelly – jam

* scarf – muffler

* TV – telly

* bacon – rasher

* resume – CV

* guy – bloke

* purse – handbag

* broil – grill

* purse – handbag

* bangs – fringe

British and American Vocabulary | Image

British and American Words

Lesson Transcript

Hi, everybody. My name is Alisha. In this lesson, I’m going to introduce some common differences in vocabulary between British English and American English. For this lesson, yes, I’m saying British English but some of the words in the British English column are also used in other places outside the U.K. You might hear this in like Australian English or Scottish English or Irish English, but I just want to introduce some different vocabulary words you might hear in different parts of the world from different speakers of English. Let’s get started.
Okay. First one, over here, let’s begin with the British English word «lift.» The British English word is «lift.» The American English word we use is «elevator.» Take the lift or take the elevator in American English, which I speak. The next difference is the word «petrol.» «Petrol» is the British English word. The American English word is «gas or gasoline.» «Gasoline» is quite long. We shorten it to «gas.» But «gas» in American English and «petrol» in British English have the same meaning.
Okay. Next one. The British English word «flat» as a noun, used as a noun, not used as an adjective, like a flat area or a flat space. As a noun is the equivalent, equals, American English, «apartment.» We use the word «apartment» to talk about a place we live, the apartment we rent. In British English, the word «flat» is used or can be used.
Okay. The next key difference then, the American word, we use the word «vacation» for this, but you’ll hear «holiday» used in British English to talk about time away from work, «To take a holiday.» We say, «To take vacation,» in American English. «Holiday» is the British English word for this.
Also, the next word, for Americans, we use the word «parking lot» to talk about a place to park our car. The British English word is «car park.» «Let’s find a car park,» or, «Where is a car park?» The Americans will look for a parking lot. A little bit different.
Okay. Another interesting difference, British English, you might hear the word «chemist» used for what we say in American English as «drugstore» or «pharmacy.» We use «drugstore» or «pharmacy» in American English to talk about a place where we get medicine, medicine or maybe everyday small like life goods or household goods perhaps, too. But usually, medicine. «Chemist» is used in British English to talk about this place.
Okay. Let’s continue on to the next group. The first two here on this side are both about trash, are both about rubbish. When you talk about what we say in American English as the «garbage can» or the «trash can,» you might hear «dustbin.» You might hear this part, «bin,» as well by itself. «Where’s the bin?» or the dustbin or maybe rubbish bin as well. This relates to the next word, «rubbish,» as a noun. We say, «Garbage» or «trash» in American English. British English also uses the word «rubbish.» «Rubbish» is not commonly used in American English but very commonly used in British English.
Okay. Another one is the word «motorway.» «Motorway» in British English equals in American English, «highway» or «freeway.» This is the high speed road, like the lots of cars travel on, usually, quite large. We say «highway» or «freeway» in American English. British English uses «motorway.»
All right. Another maybe confusing one sometimes is the difference between «torch» and «flashlight.» Actually, there’s no difference. But to even American English speakers, this can cause some confusion. «Torch» just means a flashlight, that handheld light that you can use. The British English word is «torch.» The American English word is «flashlight.»
Okay. Next one, another important one to keep in mind, the word in British English for the clothing you wear under your regular clothes is «pants.» We can use the word «pants» to talk about our «underwear.» We use «underwear» in American English, but «pants» can be used in British English to talk about that. In American English, like what I’m wearing now today, I would say «pants.» I would describe these as «pants» in American English. But this could be understood in British English to mean «underwear» if I say «pants.» Please be careful about your use of pants and underwear in American and British English.
Okay. Next one. The next one is «tube» in British English and «subway» in American English. These two words, they refer to the public transportation system underground. Americans use the «subway,» like the New York subway system. In London, it’s the «tube.» I mean, we can use «subway» but «tube» is also used to refer to the subway system in London, so the «tube.»
Last one I want to mention since we talked about tube here is a verb difference «to mind, to mind something.» «To mind something» is used more commonly in British English. We can use it in American English but it’s not so typical. We use «to be careful of» or «to watch out for something.» I included this because if you have visited London, you might have heard the announcements on the subway platform that say, «Mind the gap between the train and the platform.» We wouldn’t say this in American English. We would probably say, «Watch your step.» Meaning, be careful of where you put your feet. In British English in London in the tube, for example, we say, or we hear, «To mind the gap, mind the gap.» Be careful of the gap between the train and the platform. This is a verb difference here.
These are some common nouns that you may hear in British English or in American English and they have the same meaning, we just use different vocabulary words to describe them. I hope that this was helpful for you, and you can keep an eye out for this the next time you’re reading or listening to something that’s in a kind of English that’s a bit different from what you’ve studied before. I hope that that was helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments or want to try to make a sentence with these, please feel free to do so in the comment section of this video. Thanks very much for watching this lesson and I will see you again soon. Bye.

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