Taxi
Literally 'a free one,' used to hail or ask if a taxi is available.
Used for shared taxis or vans that follow a fixed route. Cheaper than a private taxi.
Used for ride-sharing apps, which are common in most large Latin American cities.
I need a taxi to the airport, please.
Is there a taxi stand around here?
Taxi! Are you free/available?
How much does a taxi to the city center cost?
The word 'taxi' is a universal cognate, but the verb used to 'take' a taxi is critical. Use 'tomar un taxi' in Latin America.
The standard verb is 'coger un taxi' (to catch a taxi). The verb 'coger' is perfectly normal here but should be avoided in Latin America.
Official taxi stands are called 'sitios'. 'Colectivos' are very common for shared transport between towns or along main avenues.
'Tacho' is a very common and informal slang word for taxi. You will hear locals use it constantly.
A 'colectivo' is a specific type of shared taxi that looks like a regular car but follows a fixed route like a bus.
Quiero coger un taxi. — Quiero tomar un taxi. — In Spain, 'coger un taxi' is correct. However, in many Latin American countries, 'coger' is a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse. To be safe everywhere, always use 'tomar un taxi'.
Pronouncing it like the English 'tack-see'. — Pronouncing it 'TAHK-see'. — The Spanish 'a' has a pure 'ah' sound, as in 'father'. The 'x' is pronounced like 'ks'. Avoid the flat 'a' sound from the English word 'cat'.
Asking for a 'colectivo' when you want a private ride. — Asking for a 'taxi'. — A 'taxi' is a private car for you or your group. A 'colectivo' is a shared ride that follows a fixed route and picks up other passengers. Be clear about which service you want.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
how to say car in spanish
phrase