Italian Phrase
Prendo l'autobus.
Meaning
Literally ‘I take the bus.’ It can describe a habitual action (I usually take the bus) or an action you are about to do (I’m going to take the bus now).
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone how you travel, when you’re explaining your daily routine, or when you’re about to board a bus.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prendol'autobus.
Prendo
First‑person singular present indicative of *prendere* (to take).
l'
Elided form of the masculine definite article *il* before a vowel.
autobus
Masculine singular noun meaning ‘bus’; the article contracts to *l'*.
🗨In Conversation
Come vai al lavoro?
How do you go to work?
Prendo l'autobus.
I take the bus.
✕Common Mistakes
Prendo il autobus.
The article must be elided before a vowel; use *l'* instead of *il*.
Prendo l'autobuso.
Do not add an extra *o*; the correct noun is *autobus*.
Prendere l'autobus.
When speaking about yourself, conjugate the verb: *prendo*, not the infinitive *prendere*.
↔Alternatives
Mi sposto in autobus.
I travel by bus.
Uso l'autobus.
I use the bus.
Salgo sull'autobus.
I board the bus.
Cultural Tip
In most Italian cities the word *autobus* is used in formal contexts (timetables, signs). In everyday speech people often say *bus* or *il bus*, especially in the north. Remember to elide the article (*l'autobus*) because the noun starts with a vowel; saying *il autobus* sounds unnatural to native speakers.