autobus
/awˈtɔ.bus/masculine
The English word 'bus' is translated into Polish as autobus. Wiktionary also lists autokar.
Meaning: vehicle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| autobus | /awˈtɔ.bus/ | masculine |
| autokar | /awˈtɔ.kar/ | masculine |
While autobus refers to a standard city or local bus, autokar is used specifically for a long-distance coach.
Which one should you use?
Use autobus for standard city or local transportation. Use autokar when you specifically mean a long-distance coach.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas, the word przystanek is used to refer to the bus itself, though its primary meaning is 'bus stop'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying you are 'in' or 'on' the bus, the noun changes to the locative form autobusie. The genitive form autobusu is used after prepositions like 'do' (to) or when expressing possession/negation.
How do you pronounce it?
The word autobus is pronounced /awˈtɔ.bus/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- A common Polish superstition involves not shaking hands through a doorway, including the doors of an autobus, as it is believed to bring bad luck.
- The word autokar was borrowed from French, but it is a 'pseudo-anglicism' designed to mimic the English word 'autocar'.
- Polish speakers often use the word komunikacja, which literally means 'communication', as a shorthand for the city bus and tram network.
Examples in context
- Tom zasnął w autobusie.Tom fell asleep on the bus.This sentence shows the locative form autobusie used to say someone is 'in' the bus.Tatoeba #2991728 by jeedrek, translation #2544004 by CK
- Czekałem na ten autobus.I was waiting for the bus at that time.This sentence uses autobus to talk about waiting for a specific vehicle.Tatoeba #362435 by zipangu, translation #254196 by CK
- Ich autobus się spóźnił.Their bus was late.This sentence uses autobus to describe a late vehicle.Tatoeba #10700706 by vxern, translation #9493981 by sundown
- Gdzie jest najbliższy autobus?Where is the nearest bus?
- Czy wiesz, o której przyjeżdża ten busik?Do you know what time this little bus arrives?
- Muszę złapać autobus do centrum.I need to catch a bus to the city center.
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are standing at a bus stop.
- AnnaKrzysztofie, czy ten autobus jedzie do centrum?Krzysztof, does this bus go to the city center?
- KrzysztofTak, ten autobus jedzie prosto tam.Yes, this bus goes straight there.
- AnnaŚwietnie, bo mój autobus zwykle jedzie dłużej.Great, because my bus usually takes longer.
- KrzysztofTen autobus jest teraz najszybszy.This bus is the fastest now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bus” translations and entries autobus, autokar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autobus, autokar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
