Portuguese Phrase
Os ônibus noturnos passam com menos frequência.
Meaning
The sentence states that night‑time buses run less often than they do during the day. It can imply longer waiting times for passengers who travel after dark.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about public‑transport schedules, especially when explaining why you might need to plan ahead for a night trip or when comparing day‑time and night‑time service levels.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Osônibusnoturnospassamcommenosfrequência.
Definite article + noun agreement
The article "Os" must agree in gender (masculine) and number (plural) with the noun "ônibus".
Adjective placement & agreement
"Noturnos" is an adjective that follows the noun and matches it in gender and number.
Verb conjugation (present indicative)
"Passam" is the third‑person plural form of "passar" used because the subject is plural.
Preposition "com" + noun
"Com" introduces the manner or degree, here linking to "menos frequência".
Comparative "menos"
"Menos" is used to compare quantity or frequency, equivalent to "less" in English.
🗨In Conversation
Os ônibus noturnos passam com menos frequência?
Do the night buses run less frequently?
Sim, geralmente a cada 30 minutos, enquanto de dia passam a cada 10 minutos.
Yes, usually every 30 minutes, while during the day they come every 10 minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Os ônibus noturnos passam com menor frequência.
"Menos" is correct for a comparative of quantity; "menor" would be used for size or quality, not frequency.
Os ônibus noturnos passa com menos frequência.
The verb must agree with the plural subject "ônibus"; "passa" is singular.
Ônibus noturnos passam com menos frequência.
Do not omit the article; "Ônibus noturnos" without "os" sounds incomplete in standard Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Os ônibus da noite circulam com menor frequência.
The night buses circulate with lower frequency.
À noite, os ônibus vêm com menos regularidade.
At night, the buses come less regularly.
Os ônibus noturnos têm intervalos maiores entre as passagens.
Night buses have longer intervals between runs.
Cultural Tip
In most Brazilian cities, night bus lines (often marked with a "N" or a different color) run on a reduced schedule to match lower demand and to cut operating costs. This can affect safety perceptions, so many locals prefer taxis or rideshare apps after dark. Knowing the phrase helps you ask locals or transit staff about the exact timetable and plan your journey accordingly.