Meaning
To take a public bus for transportation.
Cultural Background
The yellow buses of Carris are iconic. In Lisbon, 'apanhar o 28' usually refers to the famous tram, but there is also a bus network that covers the whole city. You must validate your card upon entry. In Brazil, 'apanhar' means to get hit. Always use 'pegar' or 'tomar' for the bus ('ônibus'). Using 'apanhar' will cause laughter or confusion. In Luanda, you might hear the word 'machimbombo' for bus, though 'autocarro' is also used. 'Apanhar o machimbombo' is a very common local expression. In Porto, the STCP buses are the main transport. People are very helpful; if you look lost at a 'paragem', someone will likely tell you which bus to 'apanhar'.
The 'NH' Sound
Master the 'nh' in 'apanhar'. It's the same sound as the Spanish 'ñ'. If you can say 'España', you can say 'apanhar'!
Brazil vs Portugal
Remember: Apanhar = Portugal. Pegar = Brazil. Using the wrong one is the #1 giveaway of your dialect.
Meaning
To take a public bus for transportation.
The 'NH' Sound
Master the 'nh' in 'apanhar'. It's the same sound as the Spanish 'ñ'. If you can say 'España', you can say 'apanhar'!
Brazil vs Portugal
Remember: Apanhar = Portugal. Pegar = Brazil. Using the wrong one is the #1 giveaway of your dialect.
The Article is Key
Always say 'o autocarro'. Dropping the 'o' makes you sound like a robot or a very basic beginner.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'apanhar' in the present tense.
Eu _______ o autocarro todos os dias.
For the first person singular 'Eu', the ending is '-o'.
Which sentence is correct in European Portuguese?
How do you say 'I take the bus'?
'Apanhar' and 'autocarro' are the standard terms in Portugal.
Complete the dialogue with the missing word.
A: Onde posso _______ o autocarro? B: Na paragem ali.
'Apanhar' is the verb used for boarding the bus.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You missed the bus.
'Não consegui' means 'I couldn't/didn't manage to'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu _______ o autocarro todos os dias.
For the first person singular 'Eu', the ending is '-o'.
How do you say 'I take the bus'?
'Apanhar' and 'autocarro' are the standard terms in Portugal.
A: Onde posso _______ o autocarro? B: Na paragem ali.
'Apanhar' is the verb used for boarding the bus.
You missed the bus.
'Não consegui' means 'I couldn't/didn't manage to'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it sounds slightly more formal or Brazilian. In Portugal, 'apanhar' is the most natural choice.
No, it can also mean 'to get hit' (apanhar de alguém) or 'to pick up' (apanhar papéis). Context is everything!
Yes, but for very long distances, some people use 'expressos' or 'camionetas'.
Use 'Estou no autocarro'. 'Apanhar' is only for the act of getting on or the habit of taking it.
Related Phrases
Apanhar um táxi
similarTo take a taxi.
Perder o autocarro
contrastTo miss the bus.
Ir de autocarro
synonymTo go by bus.
Apanhar o comboio
similarTo take the train.
