Translation guide
The English word 'bus' refers to a large motor vehicle carrying passengers by road, typically along a fixed route. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is バス (basu), a loanword from English. This guide covers how to talk about buses in Japanese, including taking the bus, bus stops, types of buses, and related expressions.
Referring to a bus as a mode of transport, especially city buses or long-distance coaches.
Expressing the action of riding or catching a bus.
The most common way to say 'take the bus' or 'get on the bus'.
I'll take the bus here.
Referring to a place where buses stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
The standard word for 'bus stop'. Used for both city bus stops and highway bus stops.
Specifying different kinds of buses, such as city bus, highway bus, or shuttle bus.
Common phrases used when using the bus, such as getting off, missing the bus, or asking about fares.
To get off the bus.
In Japanese cities, バス often complements the train network. When asking for directions, people may specify バス or 電車. For example, バスで行けますか？ (Can I go by bus?). Note that バス is sometimes used for long-distance coaches as well, so context matters.
A formal, technical term for 'bus', literally 'shared-ride automobile'. Rarely used in everyday conversation; mostly seen in legal or official contexts.
bus transportation business
Literally 'go by bus'. Used when stating your method of travel.
I go to the station by bus.
Where is the bus stop?
Refers to a bus terminal or bus station, usually a larger facility with multiple bays, often for long-distance buses.
We depart from Shinjuku Bus Terminal.
City bus or local bus that runs on a fixed route.
The city bus comes every 10 minutes.
Highway bus or express bus, often used for intercity travel.
I'll go to Osaka by highway bus.
Shuttle bus, often free, running between specific points like airports and hotels.
There is a shuttle bus to the airport.
Sightseeing bus or tour bus.
We'll tour the city by sightseeing bus.
Community bus, often a small bus serving local neighborhoods, sometimes free or low-cost.
This town has a community bus.
I'll get off the bus at the next stop.
To miss the bus (fail to catch it).
I missed the bus.
Bus fare.
How much is the bus fare?