Portuguese Phrase
Sim, este ônibus vai pro centro.
Meaning
The speaker confirms that the bus they are pointing at or referring to goes to the city centre. It’s a short, polite way to answer a question about a bus route.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks you which bus to take, or if you need to confirm the destination of a specific bus. It works in casual conversations, at bus stops, or when giving directions to tourists.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sim,esteônibusvaiprocentro.
Sim
An affirmative particle meaning 'yes'. It can stand alone or start a sentence.
este
Demonstrative adjective meaning 'this' (near the speaker). It agrees in gender and number with the noun.
ônibus
Masculine noun meaning 'bus'.
vai
Third‑person singular present of the verb ir ‘to go’, used here to indicate the route of the bus.
pro
Contraction of para + o, informal spoken Portuguese meaning 'to the'.
centro
Masculine noun meaning 'downtown' or 'city centre'.
🗨In Conversation
Qual ônibus vai para o centro?
Which bus goes to downtown?
Sim, este ônibus vai pro centro.
Yes, this bus goes to downtown.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, esse ônibus vai pro centro.
Use ‘este’ for a bus that is near you; ‘esse’ would refer to a bus nearer the listener.
Sim, este ônibus vai para o centro.
In casual speech Brazilians prefer the contraction ‘pro’; using the full form sounds overly formal in a street‑level conversation.
Sim, este ônibus vai a centro.
The verb ‘ir’ requires the preposition ‘para’ (or its contraction ‘pro’) before a destination; ‘vai a’ is ungrammatical here.
↔Alternatives
Sim, este ônibus vai ao centro.
Yes, this bus goes to downtown.
Sim, esse ônibus vai para o centro.
Yes, that bus goes to downtown.
Claro, este ônibus vai pro centro.
Sure, this bus goes to downtown.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the contraction ‘pro’ (para + o) is very common in spoken language, especially among younger speakers and in informal settings. In formal writing or when speaking to strangers, you’ll hear ‘para o’ or ‘ao’ instead. Also, remember that ‘este’ refers to something close to you, while ‘esse’ points to something nearer the listener.