When you combine them, 出 (to go out) + 租 (to rent) + 车 (a car) literally means an “exit-rent-car.” This perfectly describes the function of a taxi: a car you rent for an outing.
In China, the `出租车` has evolved from a relatively expensive luxury for the few to an everyday mode of transport for the urban masses. While taxis are a global concept, their role in China has a unique modern twist. The most significant cultural difference compared to the West is the near-total dominance of ride-hailing super-apps, primarily 滴滴出行 (Dīdī Chūxíng). In many American cities, you have a choice between Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi companies. In China, Didi is the undisputed king, and its app is used to hail both official, licensed `出租车` and private cars. For many young Chinese people, the act of “calling a taxi” (`打车`, dǎchē) is synonymous with opening the Didi or a similar app. Street-hailing still exists, but it can be more difficult during peak hours or in less central areas, as many drivers prioritize app-based fares. A key cultural practice is addressing the driver. Instead of silence or a simple “hello,” it's common and polite to address the driver as 师傅 (shīfu), which means “master” and is a term of respect for skilled, blue-collar workers. Using `师傅` immediately establishes a friendly and respectful tone for the ride.
`出租车` is a neutral term used in all contexts, from formal to informal. The most common verb associated with it, however, is not `坐 (zuò)` but `打 (dǎ)`.