transport en commun
/tʁɑ̃s.pɔ.ʁ‿ɑ̃ kɔ.mœ̃/masculine
The English phrase "public transport" can be translated into French as transport en commun. Wiktionary also lists transport public and transport collectif.
Meaning: form of transport (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| transport en commun | /tʁɑ̃s.pɔ.ʁ‿ɑ̃ kɔ.mœ̃/ | masculine |
| transport public | /tʁɑ̃s.pɔʁ py.blik/ | masculine |
| transport collectif | masculine |
Use les transports en commun when discussing the general infrastructure or the concept of using buses, trains and metros. If you want to specify a particular type of public transport, you can use the phrase un moyen de transport (a means of transport).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase transport en commun literally translates to "transport in common".
Which one should you use?
Transport en commun is the most natural and standard way to refer to public transport in French, whereas transport public is often perceived as a calque from English.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the singular form is used, French speakers frequently use the plural les transports en commun when referring to the system as a whole.
Did you know?
- In French, the word transport can also refer to a sudden, overwhelming burst of emotion, such as un transport de joie for a fit of joy.
- The specific phrase transport en commun first appeared in a royal edict issued by King Charles X of France on July 22, 1829.
- French uses the word commun in transport en commun to emphasize the shared nature of the vehicle, rather than who owns or manages the service.
Examples in context
- Comment le service ferroviaire se compare-t-il avec d’autres moyens de transport public dans cette zone ?How does the train service compare with other forms of public transport in the area?This sentence is useful for comparing a train service with other forms of transport public.Tatoeba #10524843 by sacredceltic, translation #9479991 by sundown
- J'utilise les transports publics tous les jours pour me rendre au travail.I use public transport every day to go to work.
- On se voit à la gare, prenons les transports en commun .Let's meet at the train station, let's take public transport.
- Pour découvrir la ville, je recommande d'utiliser les moyens de transport publics .To explore the city, I recommend using public transportation.
- Le transport en commun est très efficace dans cette ville.Public transport is very efficient in this city.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing how to get to the city center.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu prends le transport en commun ?Are you taking public transport?
- GabrielOui, je vais prendre le bus.Yes, I am going to take the bus.
- EmmaC'est plus rapide que la voiture.It is faster than the car.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Emma.I agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “public transport” translations and entries transport en commun, transport public, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries collectif, commun, en, public, transport, transport en commun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
