colectivo
everyday, Argentina
The usual word for a city bus in Argentina is colectivo. In Buenos Aires slang people also say bondi, and a long distance coach is often called micro.
Meaning: public transport vehicle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| colectivo | everyday, Argentina |
| bondi | slang, Buenos Aires |
| micro | long distance |
To ask which bus goes somewhere, say ¿Qué colectivo va al centro? Bus lines are called by number, for example el 60.
Which one should you use?
Bondi is casual and fun. Colectivo works in every situation. Micro is mostly for coach trips between cities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spain uses autobús and Mexico uses camión for city buses. In Argentina neither is the normal word for a city bus.
Did you know?
- In Buenos Aires riders pay with a rechargeable card called SUBE.
Examples in context
- Tomo el colectivo todos los días.I take the bus every day.
- El bondi estaba lleno.The bus was full.
Example conversation
Lola asks a stranger named Mateo about the bus at a stop in Buenos Aires.
- LolaPerdón, ¿este colectivo va a Palermo?Excuse me, does this bus go to Palermo?
- MateoSí, es el 152.Yes, it is the 152.
- LolaGracias.Thanks.
