Meaning
To board a bus to travel.
Cultural Background
In many Brazilian cities, you must signal (wave your hand) for the bus to stop at the 'ponto'. If you just stand there, the driver might pass you by. The word 'ônibus' is virtually unknown in Portugal; you must use 'autocarro'. Using 'pegar' for transport in Lisbon might sound like you are going to physically lift the vehicle. The 'busão' is a place of intense social interaction. It is common to see people selling snacks or even giving impromptu speeches/performances.
The Article is Key
Always include 'o' (the). Saying 'pegar ônibus' sounds like you are talking about the general concept of buses rather than your specific trip.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, use 'apanhar o autocarro'. If you are in Rio, use 'pegar o ônibus'.
Meaning
To board a bus to travel.
The Article is Key
Always include 'o' (the). Saying 'pegar ônibus' sounds like you are talking about the general concept of buses rather than your specific trip.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, use 'apanhar o autocarro'. If you are in Rio, use 'pegar o ônibus'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pegar' in the present tense.
Eu sempre _______ o ônibus às 7h.
The first person singular (Eu) form of 'pegar' is 'pego'.
Which sentence is correct for Brazilian Portuguese?
How do you say 'I took the bus'?
The past tense requires the 'u' to maintain the hard 'g' sound.
Match the term to its region/register.
Match the following:
These are the three main ways to express the concept across registers and regions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Como você vai para a escola? B: Eu ______ o ônibus.
'Pego' is the standard verb for taking transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Transport Verbs in Brazil
Public Transport
- • Pegar o ônibus
- • Pegar o metrô
- • Pegar o trem
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu sempre _______ o ônibus às 7h.
The first person singular (Eu) form of 'pegar' is 'pego'.
How do you say 'I took the bus'?
The past tense requires the 'u' to maintain the hard 'g' sound.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three main ways to express the concept across registers and regions.
A: Como você vai para a escola? B: Eu ______ o ônibus.
'Pego' is the standard verb for taking transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, 'tomar o ônibus' is correct and understood, but it sounds slightly more formal or regional (South of Brazil). 'Pegar' is the most natural choice for daily conversation.
It is both! You distinguish by the article: 'o ônibus' (one bus) vs 'os ônibus' (multiple buses).
Related Phrases
Perder o ônibus
contrastTo miss the bus
Ponto de ônibus
builds onBus stop
Descer do ônibus
builds onTo get off the bus
