ônibus — meaning in English: bus

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Portuguese speakers commonly use the word 'ônibus' in everyday conversations, especially when discussing public transportation. You might hear it when someone is planning a trip to work or meeting friends downtown, as buses are a primary mode of travel in urban areas.

Synonyms & nuances

'Ônibus' is often used interchangeably with 'autocarro' in Portugal, but the latter is more common in European Portuguese. In Brazil, 'ônibus' is the standard term, emphasizing its everyday use in bustling cities, while 'autocarro' might sound more formal or technical.

Culture

The word 'ônibus' comes from the Latin 'omnibus', meaning 'for all'. This reflects the inclusive nature of public transportation, designed to serve everyone in the community. Interestingly, the term 'ônibus' is not just about transportation; it represents the social fabric of Brazilian cities, where diverse groups of people share the same bus routes daily.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'ônibus'?

'Ônibus' is an interesting word because its plural form is the same as the singular—it's 'ônibus'. This can be confusing for learners, but it’s a unique feature of this noun in Portuguese.

Q.How do you say 'get on the bus' in Portuguese?

You can say 'pegar o ônibus' to mean 'to take the bus'. Another common phrase is 'entrar no ônibus', which means 'to get on the bus'. Both are widely understood!

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'ônibus'?

One common mistake is using 'ônibus' with the wrong preposition. In Portuguese, you use 'no' (in the) with 'ônibus', as in 'estou no ônibus', which means 'I am on the bus'.

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