Uber
Meaning: A rideshare service, or generically, any app-based car service. Also used as a verb meaning to take a rideshare.
Uber has become the Kleenex of ridesharing — Americans say 'let's Uber there' even if they're using Lyft. The company fundamentally changed American transportation habits, especially for going out at night, airport trips, and replacing taxis. It's also become a verb and an adjective in casual speech.
Examples
- Let's just Uber to the party. 我们打个Uber去派对吧。Vamos en Uber a la fiesta.パーティーにはUberで行こう。파티에 우버 타고 가자.
- My Uber is three minutes away. 我叫的Uber三分钟就到。Mi Uber llega en tres minutos.Uberがあと3分で来るよ。우버가 3분 후에 도착해.
- I Uber everywhere — I don't even own a car anymore. 我去哪儿都打Uber——我连车都不买了。Voy en Uber a todas partes — ya ni tengo coche.どこに行くにもUberだよ——もう車すら持ってない。어디를 가든 우버야 — 이제 차도 없어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: transportation, going out, travel
Tone: casual, practical
✓ Do Say
- I'll Uber home after the party.派对结束后我打Uber回家。Volveré a casa en Uber después de la fiesta.パーティーの後はUberで帰るよ。파티 끝나고 우버 타고 갈게.
- Call an Uber — it'll be faster than finding parking.叫个Uber吧——比找停车位快。Pide un Uber — será más rápido que buscar aparcamiento.Uber呼んで——駐車場探すより速いよ。우버 불러 — 주차 자리 찾는 것보다 빨라.
✗ Don't Say
- Uber drivers may prefer you say 'rideshare' — not all drivers work for UberUber司机可能更希望你说'网约车'——不是所有司机都为Uber工作Los conductores de Uber pueden preferir que digas 'transporte compartido' — no todos los conductores trabajan para UberUberのドライバーは「ライドシェア」と言って欲しいかもしれない——すべてのドライバーがUberで働いているわけではない우버 기사들은 '라이드쉐어'라고 하길 선호할 수 있다 — 모든 기사가 우버 소속은 아니다
Origin & History
From Uber Technologies, founded in San Francisco in 2009. The name comes from the German word 'über' meaning 'above' or 'over.' The service launched in 2011 and quickly became synonymous with ridesharing in America.
Cultural Context
Era: 2010s onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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