ônibus espacial
The Portuguese word for the English phrase "shuttle" is ônibus espacial.
In Portuguese, the term ônibus espacial is used specifically to refer to a spacecraft, such as the NASA Space Shuttle. It is not used to describe a generic transport shuttle service.
Meaning: transport service (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you wish to describe a generic shuttle service, such as an airport shuttle, you should use the phrases transporte de ida e volta or serviço de traslado instead of ônibus espacial.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ônibus espacial when you are talking about a land or air transport service that runs a regular route. Use transporte de ida e volta or serviço de traslado for those situations.
Did you know?
- While ônibus espacial describes a spacecraft, the word ônibus alone is used for city buses in Brazil but often replaced by autocarro in Portugal.
- The word ônibus is a direct relative of the English word 'omnibus', as both descend from the Latin 'omnibus' meaning 'for all'.
- Using the phrase ônibus espacial to describe a hotel or airport shuttle would be interpreted as a joke about traveling to another planet.
Examples in context
- A van levará os passageiros do aeroporto para o hotel.The shuttle will take the passengers from the airport to the hotel.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are visiting a science museum.
- BeatrizOlha, Lucas! Aquele é um ônibus espacial.Look, Lucas! That is a space shuttle.
- LucasNossa, ele é muito maior do que eu imaginei.Wow, it is much bigger than I imagined.
- BeatrizQueria saber como é viajar em um ônibus espacial.I wonder what it's like to travel in a space shuttle.
- LucasDeve ser uma experiência incrível!It must be an incredible experience!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espacial, ônibus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
