This is the 5524th most frequent Portuguese word.
táxi
Taxi: A car used for transporting passengers for payment.
In this context, 'táxi' is being used in a general sense to refer to the mode of transportation that the speaker prefers to utilize.
Eu prefiro pegar táxi durante a noite, é mais seguro.
I prefer taking a taxi during the night; it's safer.
In this sentence, 'táxi' is used as the object of the action (direct reference to the vehicle) being performed—that is, the taxi being called.
Eu chamei um táxi para ir ao aeroporto.
I called a taxi to go to the airport.
Here, 'táxi' is part of the term 'ponto de táxi,' referring to a taxi stand where these vehicles are commonly found or parked.