Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| autobús | /autoˈbus/ | masculine |
| bus | /ˈbus/ | masculine |
| camión | /kaˈmjon/ | Mexico, masculine |
| camioneta | /kamjoˈneta/ | feminine, informal |
| chiva | /ˈt͡ʃiba/ | Colombia, Panama, feminine |
| colectivo | /koleɡˈtibo/ | Argentina, masculine |
| guagua | /ˈɡwaɡwa/ | feminine |
| micro | /ˈmikɾo/ | Argentina, Chile, feminine |
| ómnibus | /ˈomnibus/ | Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, masculine |
| bondi | /bondi/ (from spelling rules) | Argentina, colloquial, masculine |
The term used for a bus varies significantly depending on the region and the level of formality. While autobús is the standard term, many countries use specific local words to refer to public transportation vehicles.
Which one should you use?
Autobús is the standard term, while bus is a widely adopted and understood casual alternative in many regions. In some Latin American countries, ómnibus is used as a more formal way to refer to a bus. In Mexico, camión is a common way to refer to a city bus, but it is important to distinguish it from camioneta, which refers to a smaller vehicle like a van or a pickup truck.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Autobús is the standard and neutral form. Bus is a more casual term. Ómnibus is a more formal option in certain Latin American countries. In Argentina, bondi is a colloquial slang term used for a bus.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Several regional terms exist: in Mexico, use camión. In Argentina, the standard term for a public bus is colectivo, though the slang bondi is also used. In Chile, micro is a popular slang term. In Colombia and Panama, chiva is used. In Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, ómnibus is common. In several Caribbean and Canary Island dialects, guagua is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Autobús, bus, camión, colectivo, ómnibus and bondi are all masculine nouns. Camioneta, chiva, guagua and micro are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/autoˈbus/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the term colectivo is used because these buses started as shared taxis where passengers collectively paid for the trip.
- The word ómnibus shares a root with the Latin 'omnis', meaning 'all', implying a vehicle that carries everyone.
- The word camión in Mexico refers to a city bus, which might be confusing since in many other Spanish-speaking places a camión is strictly a large freight truck.
Examples in context
- Hay un bus aquí.There's a bus here.This sentence shows how to use the word bus to state presence.Tatoeba #1547961 by marcelostockle, translation #880573 by CM
- Aquí está el bus.Here's the bus.This sentence shows how to use the word bus to point out a specific vehicle.Tatoeba #1279969 by marcelostockle, translation #43219 by CK
- El bus ya se fue.The bus has already gone.This sentence shows how to use the word bus to indicate it has departed.Tatoeba #1705339 by marcelostockle, translation #35308 by CK
- Necesito tomar el autobús al centro de la ciudad.I need to take the bus to the city center.
- El ómnibus que va a mi destino sale a las 9 AM.The bus that goes to my destination leaves at 9 AM.
- Voy a tomar el colectivo para ir al centro.I'm going to take the bus to go downtown.
- Si llegas tarde, toma el micro para alcanzar el concierto a tiempo.If you're running late, take the bus to make it to the concert on time.
- En Cuba, llaman a los autobuses "guaguas".In Cuba, they call buses "guaguas".
- 633 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are waiting at a bus stop.
- Elena¿Viene el autobús pronto, Javier?Is the bus coming soon, Javier?
- JavierCreo que el autobús está cerca.I think the bus is nearby.
- ElenaQué bueno, tengo mucho calor.That's good, I am very hot.
- JavierSí, ya veo el autobús.Yes, I see the bus now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bus” translations and entries autobús, bus, camión, camioneta, chiva, colectivo, guagua, micro, ómnibus, bondi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autobús, bus, camioneta, camión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
