Meaning
To ask for the departure time of the bus.
Cultural Background
Buses are the primary mode of long-distance travel. 'Rodoviárias' are often like airports, with shops and VIP lounges. The word 'ônibus' is never used; 'autocarro' is the only term. Public transport is highly integrated with trains (comboios). The term 'machimbombo' is a charming regionalism for bus, though 'autocarro' is also used in formal settings. Shared vans called 'hiaces' are more common than large buses for inter-city travel.
The 'A' Secret
If you want to sound more educated or formal, always add the 'A' at the beginning: 'A que horas...'
Don't say 'Qual hora'
Even though English says 'What hour', Portuguese always uses 'Que horas' (plural).
Meaning
To ask for the departure time of the bus.
The 'A' Secret
If you want to sound more educated or formal, always add the 'A' at the beginning: 'A que horas...'
Don't say 'Qual hora'
Even though English says 'What hour', Portuguese always uses 'Que horas' (plural).
Small Talk
After asking the time, it's very common to complain about the heat or the delay to start a conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the sentence.
Que horas ___ o ônibus para o Rio?
The verb 'é' agrees with the singular subject 'o ônibus'.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for the bus time in Brazil?
Select the best option:
'Que horas' is the standard plural form for time, and 'é' matches the bus.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Pessoa A: Com licença. Pessoa B: Pois não? Pessoa A: ___________ para Salvador?
The context of asking for a destination (Salvador) implies asking for the schedule.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Each phrase has a distinct meaning related to time and transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQue horas ___ o ônibus para o Rio?
The verb 'é' agrees with the singular subject 'o ônibus'.
Select the best option:
'Que horas' is the standard plural form for time, and 'é' matches the bus.
Pessoa A: Com licença. Pessoa B: Pois não? Pessoa A: ___________ para Salvador?
The context of asking for a destination (Salvador) implies asking for the schedule.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase has a distinct meaning related to time and transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! Just say 'Que horas é o trem?'. It works for any scheduled event.
No. In Portugal it's 'autocarro', and in some African countries it's 'machimbombo'.
Because 'é' refers to the bus (singular), not the hours. You are asking 'At what time IS the bus'.
Say 'O ônibus já passou?'.
Related Phrases
Horário de pico
similarRush hour
Ponto de ônibus
builds onBus stop
Passagem de ônibus
similarBus ticket
Rodoviária
similarBus station
