In Argentina, the equivalent of the word "camión" depends on the context. If you say, "Voy a tomar el camión" ("I'm going to take the truck"), an Argentine might think you are referring to a cargo vehicle, not a bus. Instead, the words "colectivo" and "micro" are used for public transport in cities. The term "colectivo" is the most common word for a city bus. It became standard in Argentina and neighboring countries like Uruguay and Paraguay in the 1920s. The word "micro" is also very popular, especially for long-distance buses that connect cities or provinces. However, for a cargo truck used to transport goods, the word "camión" is also used in Argentina, just as it is in Mexico. This linguistic feature reflects the richness and diversity of the Spanish language, which adapts to each culture and region while maintaining its essence.
Examples of everyday use:
Phrase in Mexico | Equivalent in Argentina --- | --- "Voy en camión al trabajo." | "Voy en colectivo al laburo." "El camión de pasajeros ya llegó." | "El colectivo ya vino." "El camión de carga lleva frutas." | "El camión lleva frutas." "Tomamos el camión a Guadalajara." | "Tomamos el micro a Rosario."
Thus, phrases like "Voy en colectivo" or "Esperá el colectivo en la esquina" are completely natural in the Río de la Plata Spanish.
