🚌⏰❗

How to Say ‘But the bus was late.’ in Portuguese

Mas o autocarro chegou atrasado.

mas oo ow-toh-KAH-roo sheh-GOH ah-trah-ZAH-doo

[mas oo ow-toh-KAH-roo sheh-GOH ah-trah-ZAH-doo]

Phrase Breakdown

Mas o autocarro

mas oo ow-toh-KAH-roo

But the bus

'Mas' means 'but'. 'Autocarro' is the European Portuguese word for 'bus'. In Lisbon 'mas' often sounds like 'mash', and it runs straight into 'o'.

Example

Mas o autocarro está cheio.

But the bus is full.

Words in this phrase

Mas

[mas]

But

Used to introduce something contrasting.

Example

Eu gostaria de ir, mas não posso.

I would like to go, but I can't.

[oo]

the

A masculine singular definite article used before nouns.

Example

O prazer de participar foi grande.

The pleasure of taking part was great.

autocarro

[ow-toh-KAH-roo]

bus

The European Portuguese word for a bus or coach.

Example

O autocarro está atrasado.

The bus is late.

chegou atrasado.

sheh-GOH ah-trah-ZAH-doo

arrived late.

'Chegou' is the past tense of 'chegar' (to arrive), and 'atrasado' means 'late'. The 'ch' sounds like English 'sh', and the final 'o' is a soft 'u'.

Example

O comboio chegou atrasado.

The train arrived late.

Words in this phrase

chegou

[sheh-GOH]

arrived

Past tense (he/she/it) of 'chegar', to arrive.

Example

Ela chegou ontem.

She arrived yesterday.

atrasado

[ah-trah-ZAH-doo]

late

Adjective meaning running late or behind schedule; feminine form is 'atrasada'.

Example

O comboio está atrasado.

The train is late.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer