Meaning
To use a public bus for transportation.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, buses are often called 'camiones'. Don't be surprised if someone asks if you 'agarraste el camión'. In Buenos Aires, the 'colectivo' (or 'bondi') is an icon of the city. They even have a specific art style called 'Fileteado' used to decorate them. While 'tomar' is understood, 'coger' is the standard. However, be very careful using 'coger' in Latin America as it is a vulgar slang for sex.
The 'Coger' Warning
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, always use 'tomar'. Using 'coger' will cause laughter or embarrassment.
Use the Article
Always say 'tomar UN autobús' or 'tomar EL autobús'. Dropping the article sounds very unnatural.
Meaning
To use a public bus for transportation.
The 'Coger' Warning
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, always use 'tomar'. Using 'coger' will cause laughter or embarrassment.
Use the Article
Always say 'tomar UN autobús' or 'tomar EL autobús'. Dropping the article sounds very unnatural.
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'tomar' in the present tense.
Yo ____ un autobús para ir a la escuela.
The subject is 'Yo', so the ending is '-o'.
Which is the most common way to say 'take the bus' in Mexico?
En México, la gente suele...
'Camión' is the Mexican regionalism for bus.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Cómo vas al trabajo? B: ____ un autobús.
We use 'tomar' for transport.
Match the phrase to the region.
Match 'Coger la guagua' to its region.
'Guagua' is used in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Names for Bus
Mexico
- • El camión
Argentina
- • El colectivo
Caribbean
- • La guagua
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ____ un autobús para ir a la escuela.
The subject is 'Yo', so the ending is '-o'.
En México, la gente suele...
'Camión' is the Mexican regionalism for bus.
A: ¿Cómo vas al trabajo? B: ____ un autobús.
We use 'tomar' for transport.
Match 'Coger la guagua' to its region.
'Guagua' is used in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, you can 'tomar un tren', 'tomar un taxi', or 'tomar el metro'. It works for almost all public transport.
'Un autobús' is any bus. 'El autobús' is usually the specific one you take every day or the one you just mentioned.
Yes, 'agarrar' is very common in Mexico and some other LatAm countries, but 'tomar' is more universal.
Related Phrases
Perder el autobús
contrastTo miss the bus
Bajar del autobús
builds onTo get off the bus
Hacer transbordo
specialized formTo transfer buses
