In 15 Seconds
- Ask for the specific bus number or route.
- Use 'sit' (zuò) instead of 'take' for transport.
- Perfect for directions or small talk at stops.
Meaning
This is how you ask someone which specific bus number or route they are taking to get somewhere.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a stranger at a bus stop
去火车站坐几路车？
Which bus goes to the train station?
Texting a friend about a meetup
你坐几路车过来？
Which bus are you taking to get here?
Asking a colleague in the office
请问，去市中心坐几路车？
Excuse me, which bus do I take to the city center?
Cultural Background
Public buses are the primary mode of transport in many cities. Similar usage, though '公车' is often used for bus.
Remember the classifier
Always use '路' for buses.
In 15 Seconds
- Ask for the specific bus number or route.
- Use 'sit' (zuò) instead of 'take' for transport.
- Perfect for directions or small talk at stops.
What It Means
坐几路车 is your go-to phrase for navigating Chinese public transport. It literally asks 'sit which route car?' because in Chinese, you 'sit' a bus rather than 'take' it. The word 几 (jǐ) asks for a number. You are specifically asking for the bus line number, like the 101 or the 32.
How To Use It
You can use this as a full question or part of a sentence. If you see a friend at a bus stop, just say 你坐几路车？ (Nǐ zuò jǐ lù chē?). It is short, punchy, and gets straight to the point. Most people will just answer with the number, like 602路 (liù líng èr lù).
When To Use It
Use this when you are lost and need directions from a local. Use it when planning a meetup with friends to coordinate travel. It is perfect for small talk while waiting at a station. It shows you are practical and know how the city works. Plus, it is a great way to double-check you are on the right platform.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are talking about subways or taxis. For subways, you usually ask about the 'line' number using 几号线 (jǐ hào xiàn). If you are in a car already, it sounds a bit weird. Also, do not use it if you are asking about the destination name. This phrase is strictly about the bus number or route.
Cultural Background
In Chinese cities, the bus system is the lifeblood of the morning commute. Bus culture is a mix of chaotic boarding and surprisingly organized route numbers. Asking 坐几路车 is a common way to show concern for a friend's commute. It is a very 'down-to-earth' question that bridges the gap between strangers. In older times, people relied heavily on these numbers before GPS apps existed.
Common Variations
You might hear 坐哪路车 (zuò nǎ lù chē), which means 'which route' instead of 'how many route.' They are interchangeable. In the south, people might drop the 车 (chē) and just ask 坐几路？. If you are in a hurry, you can even just point at the bus sign and say 几路？ with a questioning look. It is the ultimate survival phrase for the urban jungle.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all social situations. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you use it for numbered routes (buses/trams) rather than lines (subway).
Remember the classifier
Always use '路' for buses.
Examples
6去火车站坐几路车？
Which bus goes to the train station?
A very common way to ask for directions.
你坐几路车过来？
Which bus are you taking to get here?
Checking on a friend's progress.
请问，去市中心坐几路车？
Excuse me, which bus do I take to the city center?
Adding 'qǐngwèn' makes it polite for the office.
大哥，你到底坐几路车啊？
Bro, which bus are you actually taking?
Using 'dàgē' (big brother) adds a humorous, slightly impatient vibe.
这么晚了，你坐几路车回家？
It's so late, which bus are you taking home?
Shows care and concern for someone's safety.
师傅，这台是几路车？
Master (driver), which bus number is this?
Using 'shīfu' is the standard way to address drivers.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
去公园，_____路车？
The verb 坐 comes before the question word 几.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '坐几路车？'
Just '几路？' with friends.
几路？
Standard way to ask anyone.
坐几路车？
Polite inquiry to a stranger.
请问坐几路车？
Where to use '坐几路车？'
At a bus stop
Asking a local for the right line.
On the phone
Asking a friend how they are traveling.
Hotel Lobby
Asking the concierge for transport info.
Leaving a party
Checking if friends have a ride.
Practice Bank
1 exercises去公园，_____路车？
The verb 坐 comes before the question word 几.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use '号线' for trains.
Related Phrases
坐几号线
similarWhich subway line?
怎么去
builds onHow to get there?
