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Italian Phrase

Prendo i mezzi pubblici.

/ˈprɛn.do i ˈmɛt.tsi ˈpub.bli.tʃi/
Meaning"I take public transport."
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Meaning

Literally, ‘I take the public means’, which in everyday English is rendered as ‘I take public transport.’ It’s a neutral statement about how you travel, typically used when describing a regular habit or a specific trip.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to tell someone how you get around a city, when you’re explaining your commute, or when you’re answering a question like “Come vai al lavoro?” (How do you get to work?).

✦Grammar Breakdown

Prendoimezzipubblici

1

Prendo (presente indicativo)

‘Prendo’ is the first‑person singular present indicative of the verb *prendere* (to take, to grab).

2

Definite article i

‘i’ is the masculine plural definite article, used before plural nouns that begin with a consonant.

3

mezzi (noun, plural)

‘mezzo’ means ‘means’ or ‘vehicle’; its plural is *mezzi*.

4

pubblici (adjective agreement)

The adjective *pubblico* must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, so it becomes *pubblici* (masc. plural).

🗨In Conversation

A

Come vai al centro città?

How do you get to the city centre?

Prendo i mezzi pubblici.

I take public transport.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Prendo il mezzi pubblici.

    ‘mezzi’ is plural, so the article must be the plural ‘i’, not the singular ‘il’.

  • Prendo i mezzo pubblici.

    The noun must agree in number with the article; use the plural ‘mezzi’.

  • Prendo i mezzi pubblica.

    Adjectives must match the gender and number of the noun; ‘pubblici’ is the correct masculine plural form.

↔Alternatives

  • Uso i trasporti pubblici.

    I use public transport.

  • Mi sposto con i mezzi pubblici.

    I get around with public transport.

  • Viaggio con i mezzi pubblici.

    I travel by public transport.

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Cultural Tip

In Italy, ‘i mezzi pubblici’ covers buses, trams, metro, regional trains and, in some cities, ferries. In everyday speech many Italians simply say ‘prendo il bus’ or ‘prendo la metro’, but the full phrase is useful in formal contexts, travel guides, or when you need to be clear about the type of transport you’re using. Remember that ticket validation rules differ from city to city, so it’s good to ask locals which ticket is required for the specific ‘mezzo’.