Portuguese Phrase
Procura o símbolo do ônibus.
Meaning
The sentence is a polite command asking someone to look for the bus symbol, for example on a transit map, an app, or a sign. It uses the informal imperative, so it’s suitable for friends, classmates, or colleagues in a casual setting.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a fellow traveler, a colleague, or a friend to locate the bus icon on a map, a schedule board, or a digital interface. It works well in both everyday conversation and in a classroom setting where you’re practicing directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Procuraosímbolodoônibus
Procura (imperative)
‘Procura’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘procurar’ (to look for). In Brazil the usual form is ‘procure’, while ‘procura’ is common in Portugal.
o (definite article)
Masculine singular article that agrees with the noun ‘símbolo’.
símbolo (noun)
Masculine noun meaning ‘symbol’; note the acute accent on the í.
do (contraction)
Contraction of ‘de + o’, used before masculine singular nouns like ‘ônibus’.
ônibus (noun)
Masculine noun for ‘bus’. Its plural is identical to the singular (ônibus).
🗨In Conversation
Procura o símbolo do ônibus no mapa, por favor.
Please look for the bus symbol on the map.
Já encontrei, está aqui ao lado da linha de metrô.
I’ve found it, it’s right here next to the subway line.
✕Common Mistakes
Procure o símbolo do ônibus.
‘Procure’ is the Brazilian Portuguese imperative; using it with ‘o símbolo do ônibus’ is fine in Brazil but sounds odd in Portugal where ‘procura’ is expected.
Procura o símbolo da ônibus.
‘Ônibus’ is masculine, so the correct contraction is ‘do’, not ‘da’.
Procura o simbolo do ônibus.
Missing the accent on í changes the pronunciation and is considered a spelling error.
↔Alternatives
Busca o símbolo do ônibus.
Search for the bus symbol.
Encontra o símbolo do ônibus.
Find the bus symbol.
Localiza o símbolo do ônibus.
Locate the bus symbol.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the most common way to give this command would be ‘Procure o símbolo do ônibus’ or ‘Busca o símbolo do ônibus’, because ‘procura’ is typical of European Portuguese. Also, remember that ‘ônibus’ never changes in the plural (os ônibus), which can be confusing for learners. When you see the bus icon on apps like Moovit or Google Maps, it usually looks like a stylised bus silhouette – the same symbol used on most Brazilian transit signs.