In 15 Seconds
- The standard term for any public bus stop in China.
- Essential for navigation, meeting friends, and giving directions to drivers.
- Combines public transport, vehicle, and station into one clear noun.
Meaning
This is the place where you wait for the bus. It is a simple, essential term for navigating any Chinese city.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking for directions
请问，最近的公交车站在哪儿？
Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?
Texting a friend your location
我在公交车站等你。
I am waiting for you at the bus stop.
Formal announcement on a bus
下一站是人民广场公交车站。
The next stop is People's Square bus station.
Cultural Background
Bus stops often have digital signs showing how many stops away the bus is. They often use 'gongche' instead of 'gongjiaoche'.
Look for the sign
Bus stops in China are marked with a tall pole and a sign listing all bus numbers.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard term for any public bus stop in China.
- Essential for navigation, meeting friends, and giving directions to drivers.
- Combines public transport, vehicle, and station into one clear noun.
What It Means
公交车站 is the standard term for a bus stop. It combines 公交 (public transport), 车 (vehicle), and 站 (station). Think of it as your gateway to the city. It is where you stand and wait for your ride.
How To Use It
You use it just like in English. You can say you are 'at' the stop or 'going to' the stop. Use the verb 在 (at) or 去 (go to). It is a noun, so it fits easily into sentences. You will see it on maps and street signs everywhere.
When To Use It
Use it when giving directions to a driver. Use it when meeting a friend for lunch. It is perfect for texting your location. If you are lost, ask for the nearest 公交车站. It is a universal survival word for urban life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for train stations or subways. Those use 火车站 or 地铁站. If you are in a tiny village, they might just say 站. Avoid using it for private car pick-up spots. It specifically refers to the official public bus infrastructure.
Cultural Background
In China, bus stops are social hubs. You will see elderly people chatting or students checking phones. Many stops now have digital screens showing wait times. In big cities like Shanghai, they are sleek and modern. In older neighborhoods, they might just be a simple pole. They are the heartbeat of the daily commute.
Common Variations
People often shorten it to 公交站. In some regions, they might say 巴士站. If you are talking about the final stop, use 终点站. For a large terminal, use 公交枢纽. Most locals just stick to the three-character 公交站 for speed.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social context. It is neither too formal nor too slangy, making it a safe bet for A1 learners.
Look for the sign
Bus stops in China are marked with a tall pole and a sign listing all bus numbers.
Examples
6请问，最近的公交车站在哪儿？
Excuse me, where is the nearest bus stop?
A polite way to ask for help when lost.
我在公交车站等你。
I am waiting for you at the bus stop.
Very common for coordinating meetups.
下一站是人民广场公交车站。
The next stop is People's Square bus station.
Standard phrasing used in automated announcements.
公交车站太热了，我快中暑了！
It's so hot at the bus stop, I'm getting heatstroke!
A relatable complaint during a Chinese summer.
他在公交车站跟我挥手告别。
He waved goodbye to me at the bus stop.
A classic cinematic or emotional moment.
我家门口就有一个公交车站。
There is a bus stop right at my doorstep.
Used when discussing convenience of a location.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
我要去____。
It is a location.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises我要去____。
It is a location.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but it is vague. It could mean a bus or train station.
Related Phrases
公交车
builds onPublic bus
地铁站
similarSubway station
