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.
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.
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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 |
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.
- I’d like to hang the drapes tonight. Do you have time?
- We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
- Would you like to see a movie tonight?
- Have you seen Tim’s new apartment yet? It’s very nice.
- Run down to the drug store and buy some aspirin, please.
- Let’s go to the bar and get a drink.
- I’ll take the garbage out before I leave tomorrow morning.
- Take the second exit at the traffic circle.
- Let’s get have some potato chips with lunch.
- Could you hand me the flashlight so I can take a look in the closet?
- Peter wore a pair of slim fitting pants to the party.
- She opened the tap and watered the garden.
- Have you ever worn a vest with a suit?
- I’ll pick up the mail on the way home from work.
- Could you buy me a pair of pantyhose at the mall?
Answers
- curtains
- lift
- film
- flat
- chemist’s
- pub
- rubbish
- roundabout
- crisps
- torch
- trousers
- spigot
- waistcoat
- post
- tights
British to American English Vocabulary Quiz
Replace the British word in italics with an American English word.
- We need to find a public toilet soon.
- Let’s get the pram and take a walk with Jennifer.
- I’m afraid I had a puncture and had to get it fixed.
- Could you bring in that tin of tuna over there?
- He puts his trousers on like any other person.
- She’s very mean with her money. Don’t ask her for any help.
- I generally don’t wear a suit with a waistcoat.
- We should ask a constable for help.
- Let’s go to the off-license and get some whiskey.
- Get on queue and I’ll get us something to eat.
- Grab a tea-towel and clean that up.
- Look at the schedule and see when the train leaves.
- The car has a dent in the wing.
- Choose a sweater from the wardrobe and let’s get going.
- The lights have gone out, and we’ll need a torch.
Answers
- restroom
- baby carriage
- blow-out
- can
- pants
- stingy
- vest
- patrolman
- liquor store
- line
- dish-towel
- time table
- fender
- closet
- 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 | |
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
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. |