autobús
“autobús” means “bus” in Spanish (public transportation vehicle, usually city transit).
bus
Also: coach
📝 In Action
¿A qué hora pasa el próximo autobús?
A1What time does the next bus pass?
Necesito un billete para ir en autobús al centro.
A2I need a ticket to go downtown by bus.
El viaje en autobús de Madrid a Barcelona dura muchas horas.
B1The bus journey (coach ride) from Madrid to Barcelona lasts many hours.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: autobús
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the plural form of 'autobús'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Autobús' is a shortened combination of two elements. 'Auto-' comes from the Greek word for 'self' (related to 'automobile'). '-bús' is a shortened form of 'ómnibus', which is Latin meaning 'for all' or 'for everybody'. So the word literally combines the ideas of 'self-propelled' and 'for everyone'.
First recorded: Mid-19th century (as 'ómnibus'), late 19th/early 20th century (as 'autobús').
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some countries say 'guagua' instead of 'autobús'?
The term 'guagua' is thought to have come from the sound of the horn used on early buses, or possibly derived from the American brand of wagon transport called 'Wa & Wa Co.' that operated in the Caribbean. It's a fun example of how local history shapes language.
Is 'bus' an acceptable short form in Spanish?
Yes, 'el bus' is very common and understood throughout Latin America and sometimes in Spain, particularly in informal conversations. However, 'autobús' is the more formal and universal choice.