In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'big bus' using the feminine adjective form.
- Used for city transit and long-distance passenger coaches.
- Essential for travel, directions, and basic daily descriptions.
Meaning
A 'बड़ी बस' is exactly what it sounds like: a big bus! It is a simple way to describe large public transport vehicles or long-distance coaches.
Key Examples
3 of 6Waiting at a bus stop with a friend
देखो, वह बड़ी बस आ रही है।
Look, that big bus is coming.
Inquiring at a travel agency
क्या आपके पास कोई बड़ी बस खाली है?
Do you have a big bus available?
Complaining about traffic
सड़क पर एक बड़ी बस खराब हो गई है।
A big bus has broken down on the road.
Cultural Background
Buses in India are often named after deities or have 'All India Permit' written on them. The 'बड़ी बस' is a social hub where people from all walks of life sit together. In Mumbai, the 'बड़ी बस' usually refers to the red double-decker or single-decker BEST buses, which are a city icon. In villages, the 'बड़ी बस' is often the only link to the nearest city. People often carry heavy luggage, vegetables, and even small livestock on the roof. Many iconic movie scenes involve a character chasing a 'बड़ी बस' or meeting a stranger inside one, symbolizing destiny and journey.
Gender Memory
Most vehicles in Hindi are feminine (बस, कार, साइकिल, गाड़ी). Trucks (ट्रक) are a notable masculine exception!
Don't say 'Big Bus' in English
While 'bus' is an English word, saying 'Big Bus' in an all-Hindi sentence sounds like you've forgotten the Hindi word for big.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'big bus' using the feminine adjective form.
- Used for city transit and long-distance passenger coaches.
- Essential for travel, directions, and basic daily descriptions.
What It Means
बड़ी बस refers to a large-sized bus. In India, this usually means the standard city transit buses or the massive intercity coaches. It is a basic but essential phrase for navigating daily life. If you see a vehicle with more than 30 seats, this is the term you use.
How To Use It
In Hindi, the word बस is feminine. This is a crucial rule! Because it is feminine, the adjective 'big' must also be feminine: बड़ी. You place the adjective before the noun, just like in English. If you are talking about multiple buses, you say बड़ी बसें (baṛī basēṅ).
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you are at a bus station (बस अड्डा). It is helpful when giving directions or identifying a vehicle in a crowded parking lot. You might use it when booking transport for a large group. It is also great for simple observations while sitting in traffic with a friend.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a minivan or a small shuttle. Those are usually called a छोटी बस or just a 'van'. Avoid using the masculine form बड़ा बस as it sounds grammatically incorrect to native ears. Also, if the bus is specifically a luxury coach, people often prefer saying 'Volvo' or 'Sleeper'.
Cultural Background
Buses are the true lifeline of India. They connect tiny villages to massive mega-cities. A बड़ी बस is often a site of intense social interaction. You will see people sharing snacks, discussing politics, or even singing. In many cities, these buses have specific colors representing their routes.
Common Variations
You will often hear सरकारी बस (government bus) for state-run transport. Another common one is प्राइवेट बस (private bus) for tourist coaches. If it has air conditioning, it is an एसी बस (AC bus). For a very small bus, use मिनी बस (mini bus).
Usage Notes
This is a neutral A1-level collocation. The most important thing for you to remember is the feminine gender agreement of the adjective `बड़ी`.
Gender Memory
Most vehicles in Hindi are feminine (बस, कार, साइकिल, गाड़ी). Trucks (ट्रक) are a notable masculine exception!
Don't say 'Big Bus' in English
While 'bus' is an English word, saying 'Big Bus' in an all-Hindi sentence sounds like you've forgotten the Hindi word for big.
Pluralization
When talking about many big buses, remember: 'Badi' stays 'Badi', but 'Bus' becomes 'Bus-en'.
Examples
6देखो, वह बड़ी बस आ रही है।
Look, that big bus is coming.
A simple observation using the feminine verb form 'aa rahi hai'.
क्या आपके पास कोई बड़ी बस खाली है?
Do you have a big bus available?
Used here to ask about booking a vehicle for a group.
सड़क पर एक बड़ी बस खराब हो गई है।
A big bus has broken down on the road.
Common scenario in Indian city traffic updates.
कल हम बड़ी बस से जाएंगे!
Tomorrow we will go by the big bus!
Expressing excitement about a group journey.
इतनी बड़ी बस है, फिर भी जगह नहीं है!
It's such a big bus, yet there's no space!
A humorous take on how crowded Indian buses can get.
वह बड़ी बस तुम्हें सीधे घर ले जाएगी।
That big bus will take you straight home.
Reassuring a traveler about their route.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'big'.
यह एक _______ बस है।
'बस' is feminine, so we use 'बड़ी'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the right one:
Both the adjective and the verb must be feminine to match 'बस'.
Match the Hindi phrase with its English translation.
Match these:
Direct translation exercise.
Complete the dialogue.
A: क्या यह _______ बस है? B: हाँ, यह बहुत बड़ी है।
The context implies asking about the size.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesयह एक _______ बस है।
'बस' is feminine, so we use 'बड़ी'.
Select the right one:
Both the adjective and the verb must be feminine to match 'बस'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation exercise.
A: क्या यह _______ बस है? B: हाँ, यह बहुत बड़ी है।
The context implies asking about the size.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, in standard Hindi, 'बस' is always treated as a feminine noun.
Yes, 'विशाल' (vishāl) means 'huge', but it sounds very formal and poetic. 'बड़ी' is better for daily life.
You say 'बस बहुत बड़ी है' (Bas bahut baṛī hai).
Actually, it is! 'बड़ी बसें हैं' means 'There are big buses'.
Related Phrases
छोटी बस
contrastSmall bus / Mini-bus
स्कूल बस
specialized formSchool bus
बस अड्डा
similarBus stand/station
बस का किराया
builds onBus fare
