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האוטובוס — meaning in English: The bus

ha'otobus · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for the bus
כוחה
kokha
יומי
yomi
מסוכן
mesukan
האוטובוס
ha'otobus
הנוכחית
hanokhekhit
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'האוטובוס' when discussing public transportation, especially in urban settings like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. For instance, one might say, 'אני מחכה לאוטובוס' (I am waiting for the bus) while standing at a bus stop, or inquire about bus schedules while planning a trip.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'מיניבוס' (minibus), which refers to smaller, often privately operated buses that shuttle passengers on specific routes. While 'האוטובוס' denotes the standard city bus, 'מיניבוס' implies a more flexible, less formal mode of transport.
Culture
'האוטובוס' reflects the importance of public transportation in Israel, where buses connect cities and communities. The word is derived from the Latin 'omnibus', which means 'for all', illustrating how buses serve as a communal transport solution, an essential part of daily life for many Israelis.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce האוטובוס?
'האוטובוס' is pronounced as ha-otobus. The 'ha-' prefix means 'the', and the rest of the word sounds similar to 'oh-toe-bus'. Practicing with audio recordings can help with pronunciation.
Q.What is the plural form of האוטובוס?
The plural form is 'האוטובוסים' (ha'otobusim), which is commonly used when referring to multiple buses. For example, 'האוטובוסים מגיעים כל חצי שעה' means 'the buses arrive every half hour'.
Q.Are there any common mistakes in using האוטובוס?
A common mistake is to omit the definite article 'ה' (the), mistakenly saying 'אוטובוס' instead of 'האוטובוס'. This can lead to confusion, as it may change the meaning from 'the bus' to just 'bus', which could refer to any bus.
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