バス

• Reading: バス
• Romaji: basu
• Pronunciation: /ba.sɯ/

Meaning

Bus. A common mode of public transport in Japan, used for both city routes and long-distance travel.

A katakana loanword from English 'bus.' Japanese cities have extensive bus networks, and in rural areas buses are often the primary form of public transport. Common phrases include バスに乗る (to ride a bus) and バスを降りる (to get off a bus).

Examples

1. バスで学校に行きます。 I go to school by bus.
2. 次のバスは三時に来ます。 The next bus comes at three o'clock.
3. バスの中で本を読みました。 I read a book on the bus.

Usage Guide

Context: public transport, commuting, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'bus,' itself shortened from 'omnibus' (Latin for 'for all'). Entered Japanese during the Taishō era.

Cultural Context

Era: Taishō

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal