Public bus is the most essential and affordable way to travel within a Chinese city.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A common public transport vehicle in Chinese cities.
- Used for daily commuting and short-distance travel.
- Often referred to as 'Gongjiao' in spoken language.
概述：公交车（Gōngjiāochē）是“公共交通汽车”的简称，是现代城市最普及的公共交通方式之一。它不仅价格低廉，而且覆盖范围广，是大多数普通市民日常通勤的主要选择。
- 1使用模式：在中文口语中，人们常将“公交车”简称为“公交”或“车”。使用时常见的动词搭配有：坐公交车（take a bus）、等公交车（wait for a bus）、挤公交车（crowded bus）、换乘公交车（transfer buses）。例如：“我每天坐公交车上班”。
- 1常见语境：公交车常出现在讨论交通状况、通勤方式或城市生活的语境中。在高峰期，公交车往往非常拥挤，因此“挤公交”成了许多上班族和学生的共同经历。此外，公交车也是城市基础设施的重要组成部分，其准点率和舒适度直接影响市民的生活质量。
- 1近义词辨析：与“大巴”（Coach/Long-distance bus）相比，“公交车”特指城市内的公共交通；与“地铁”（Subway）相比，公交车在路面上行驶，受交通路况影响较大，但覆盖的站点更密集，到达性更强。
Examples
我每天坐公交车去学校。
everydayI take the bus to school every day.
请问去博物馆坐哪路公交车？
formalWhich bus should I take to the museum?
今天公交车上人太多了。
informalThe bus is too crowded today.
城市公交车系统是公共交通的核心。
academicThe urban bus system is the core of public transport.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
下一站
Next stop
公交站台
Bus platform
直达
Direct route
Often Confused With
Refers to long-distance coaches for intercity travel, whereas Gongjiaoche is for local city transit.
Refers to taxis which are private hire vehicles, while Gongjiaoche is public transport with fixed routes.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '坐' as the verb for taking a bus. '公交车' is the standard term, but '公交' is more common in casual speech. It is considered a neutral register word suitable for all situations.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say '乘' instead of '坐', which is technically correct but less common in daily life. Also, some learners forget to add '车' and just say '公交', which is fine, but '公交车' is clearer for beginners.
Tips
Use the short form Gongjiao
In daily conversation, you can simply say 'Gongjiao' instead of the full 'Gongjiaoche'. It sounds more natural and native.
Avoid confusing with private cars
Remember that 'Gongjiaoche' strictly refers to public transportation. Do not use it to describe private vehicles or taxis.
Bus lanes in China
Many Chinese cities have dedicated 'bus lanes' to ensure public transport efficiency during traffic jams. Look for markings on the road.
Word Origin
The term is a compound of '公共' (public) and '交通' (traffic) and '汽车' (automobile). It emerged as mass transit became vital in the 20th century.
Cultural Context
Buses are the backbone of Chinese urban life. In many cities, bus cards are integrated with other services, showing the high level of digitalization in Chinese public transport.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Gong' (Public) + 'Jiao' (Traffic) + 'Che' (Vehicle). It is the 'Public Traffic Vehicle'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions公交车通常指城市内短途公共交通，站点密集；而大巴通常指城市间的长途客运汽车，座位更舒适，站点较少。
你可以说“我在等公交车”。如果是在公交站台，也可以说“我在车站等车”。
现在中国大部分城市的公交车支持手机扫码支付（如支付宝、微信）或刷交通卡，部分老旧线路仍接受现金投币。
这是一个描述性词汇，指在上下班高峰期，公交车内非常拥挤，乘客很多的情况。
Test Yourself
我每天早上都要去车站坐___上班。
在城市通勤中，坐公交车是非常普遍的出行方式。
问：你怎么去学校？
表示交通工具时，通常使用“坐+交通工具”结构。
【很 / 挤 / 公交车 / 上班 / 的 / 坐】
正确的语序是主语+谓语+宾语，形容词作补语。
Score: /3
Summary
Public bus is the most essential and affordable way to travel within a Chinese city.
- A common public transport vehicle in Chinese cities.
- Used for daily commuting and short-distance travel.
- Often referred to as 'Gongjiao' in spoken language.
Use the short form Gongjiao
In daily conversation, you can simply say 'Gongjiao' instead of the full 'Gongjiaoche'. It sounds more natural and native.
Avoid confusing with private cars
Remember that 'Gongjiaoche' strictly refers to public transportation. Do not use it to describe private vehicles or taxis.
Bus lanes in China
Many Chinese cities have dedicated 'bus lanes' to ensure public transport efficiency during traffic jams. Look for markings on the road.
Examples
4 of 4我每天坐公交车去学校。
I take the bus to school every day.
请问去博物馆坐哪路公交车？
Which bus should I take to the museum?
今天公交车上人太多了。
The bus is too crowded today.
城市公交车系统是公共交通的核心。
The urban bus system is the core of public transport.
