Meaning
To use public bus transportation.
Cultural Background
In Mexico, buses are often called 'camiones'. It's common to hear 'Voy a tomar el camión'. In Mexico City, the 'Metrobús' is a specific rapid transit system. Buses are called 'colectivos' or 'bondis'. The 'colectivo' is a source of national pride, originating in Buenos Aires in the 1920s. While 'tomar' is understood, 'coger' is the standard verb. Public buses in Spain are highly punctual and integrated with metro systems. The word 'guagua' is used almost exclusively. The origin is debated, possibly from the English 'wagon' or a Canary Islands term. In Bogotá, the 'TransMilenio' is a famous bus rapid transit system. People say 'tomar el Transmi' instead of the full name.
Use the Article
Always include 'un' or 'el'. Saying 'Tomo autobús' sounds like Tarzan Spanish.
The 'Coger' Trap
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, avoid 'coger' at all costs. Stick to 'tomar'.
Meaning
To use public bus transportation.
Use the Article
Always include 'un' or 'el'. Saying 'Tomo autobús' sounds like Tarzan Spanish.
The 'Coger' Trap
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, avoid 'coger' at all costs. Stick to 'tomar'.
Directional Help
When asking for directions, say '¿Dónde se toma el autobús para...?' to sound more like a native.
Regional Slang
Learning the local word (guagua, colectivo, camión) will immediately make you friends with the locals.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'tomar'.
Yo siempre _______ el autobús a las siete de la mañana.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'tomar' must be in the first person singular present tense.
Which sentence is correct for a passenger in Mexico?
Select the best option:
'Tomar' is the correct verb for a passenger. 'Manejar' is for the driver.
Match the country with its common word for 'bus'.
Match the following:
These are all correct regional variations for the word 'bus'.
Fill in the missing phrase in the dialogue.
A: ¿Cómo llegamos al museo? B: Podemos _______.
While the others are grammatically possible, 'tomar un autobús' is the most common way to discuss public transport in this context.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a bus stop and the bus is leaving without you.
'Perder' means to miss, which fits the situation of the bus leaving without you.
Use the future tense (ir + a + infinitive).
Mañana nosotros _______ un autobús para ir a la capital.
'Nosotros' requires the form 'vamos'.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Practice Bank
6 exercisesYo siempre _______ el autobús a las siete de la mañana.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb 'tomar' must be in the first person singular present tense.
Select the best option:
'Tomar' is the correct verb for a passenger. 'Manejar' is for the driver.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all correct regional variations for the word 'bus'.
A: ¿Cómo llegamos al museo? B: Podemos _______.
While the others are grammatically possible, 'tomar un autobús' is the most common way to discuss public transport in this context.
Situation: You are at a bus stop and the bus is leaving without you.
'Perder' means to miss, which fits the situation of the bus leaving without you.
Mañana nosotros _______ un autobús para ir a la capital.
'Nosotros' requires the form 'vamos'.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'agarrar' is very common in Mexico and parts of Central America. It's slightly more informal than 'tomar'.
It's neutral. It's appropriate for both a business meeting and a chat with a friend.
In Spain, 'coger' simply means 'to catch' or 'to take' without any negative connotation. It's the most natural choice there.
'Tomar el bus' is the action of getting it. 'Ir en bus' describes the state of traveling.
Use 'un' for any bus, and 'el' for a specific bus you've already mentioned or your usual one.
No, 'bus' is very common and understood everywhere. 'Autobús' is the full, slightly more formal version.
Yes, 'tomar un taxi' is perfectly correct.
Use the verb 'perder': 'Perdí el autobús'.
Yes, 'tomar el tren' is standard.
Use 'conducir' (Spain) or 'manejar' (Latin America).
Related Phrases
Coger el autobús
synonymTo take the bus (Spain)
Perder el autobús
contrastTo miss the bus
Subirse al autobús
similarTo get on the bus
Bajar del autobús
contrastTo get off the bus
Ir en autobús
similarTo go by bus
Parada de autobús
builds onBus stop
