Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
公共汽车(公共汽車)gōnggòngqìchē(gong1gong4qi4che1)
公共汽车 refers to a bus, a common mode of public transportation in urban areas. It is often used in everyday conversations when discussing travel or commuting options. The term emphasizes its public nature, distinguishing it from private vehicles.
Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Public buses are a vital part of China's urban infrastructure, reflecting the emphasis on accessible transportation for all citizens. Many cities have extensive bus networks that integrate with other forms of public transport like subways.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'public' bus that goes 'gong' (like the sound of a gong) to pick up passengers. The character '公' means public, and '共' means shared, together suggesting a bus that is shared by everyone. The '汽车' part means vehicle, linking it to transportation.
Meanings of 公共汽车
gōnggòngqìchē(gong1gong4qi4che1)
1bus
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 公共汽车
公共汽车Simplified
公共汽車Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
机构团体míngcíorganisation name (org.n.)Part of Speech
#1Frequency Rank
辆Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 公共汽车
Podcast: 公共汽车
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 公共汽车
Quick Contrast
公交车 (gōngjiāochē) - use 公共汽车 for formal contexts or when emphasizing the public aspect, while 公交车 is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a 'public' bus that goes 'gong' (like the sound of a gong) to pick up passengers. The character '公' means public, and '共' means shared, together suggesting a bus that is shared by everyone. The '汽车' part means vehicle, linking it to transportation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 公共汽车 with other types of vehicles like taxis (出租车) or trains (火车). This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, while in formal settings, you might use 公交车. Common collocations include '坐公共汽车' (to take the bus) and '公共汽车站' (bus station).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 2 level word, 公共汽车 connects with other transportation vocabulary like 火车 (train) and 出租车 (taxi). Focus on using it in sentences about travel plans or directions to practice contextually.
Cultural Note
Public buses are a vital part of China's urban infrastructure, reflecting the emphasis on accessible transportation for all citizens. Many cities have extensive bus networks that integrate with other forms of public transport like subways.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say '我坐车公共汽车' instead of the correct '我坐公共汽车'. Also, some may use it in contexts where other transportation words are more appropriate, such as with private vehicles.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公共汽车
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 公共汽车 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 公共汽车 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 公共汽车
公共汽车 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The bus drew up in the village square and disgorged its passengers.
9
公共汽车继续往前开。
gōng gòng qì chē jì xù wǎng qián kāi。
The bus continued onward.
10
公共汽车开过时溅了我们一身泥。
gōng gòng qì chē kāi guò shí jiàn le wǒ mén yī shēn ní。
As the bus passed, it spattered us with mud.
Cultural Notes for 公共汽车
🏮Cultural insight
Public buses are a vital part of China's urban infrastructure, reflecting the emphasis on accessible transportation for all citizens. Many cities have extensive bus networks that integrate with other forms of public transport like subways.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公共汽车
You can say '公共汽车的时间表是什么?' (What is the bus schedule?)
Both terms refer to buses, but 公交车 is more commonly used in everyday speech.
