バスに乗ります
basu ni norimasu
The phrase 'I take the bus' in Japanese is バスに乗ります (basu ni norimasu).
This phrase is used to express that you use a bus as a means of transportation. The word バス specifically means 'bus'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'ride on the bus'.
Which one should you use?
バスに乗ります focuses on the act of boarding or riding the bus, whereas the alternative phrase バスで行きます focuses on the bus being the means used to go somewhere.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense 'I took the bus', change the verb ending to バスに乗りました. The dictionary form or casual form of the phrase is バスに乗る.
How do you pronounce it?
basu ni norimasu
Did you know?
- In many Japanese cities, the bus is an automated system where you enter through the rear door and exit through the front after paying at the driver's station. This means your journey actually begins at the back of the vehicle.
- The word 乗る 'to ride' is also used idiomatically to say someone is 'on board' with an idea or is becoming excited about a trend.
- The word バス is a loanword from English, but in Japanese, it is written in 'katakana', a script used primarily for foreign words and sound effects.
Examples in context
- 毎日バスに乗ります。Mainichi basu ni norimasu.I take the bus every day.
- 仕事に行く時、バスに乗ります。Shigoto ni iku toki, basu ni norimasu.I take the bus when I go to work.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their commute to school.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは学校までどうやって行きますか。Kenta-san wa gakkou made dou yatte ikimasu ka.Kenta, how do you get to school?
- 健太 Kenta私はいつもバスに乗ります。Watashi wa itsumo basu ni norimasu.I always take the bus.
- 陽葵 Himariバスは便利ですね。Basu wa benri desu ne.Buses are convenient, aren't they?
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても便利です。Hai, totemo benri desu.Yes, they are very convenient.
