Spanish word

bicicleta

Pronunciation

IPA/biθiˈkleta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbike

Example

Voy en bicicleta todos los días.

I go by bike every day.

Illustration for bicicleta (bike)

More examples

La bicicleta eléctrica me ayuda a subir las cuestas.

The electric bike helps me climb hills.

Core concept

Two-wheeled human-powered vehicle with pedals.

Common phrases

  • andar en bicicleta

    ride a bike

  • bicicleta eléctrica

    electric bike

  • estacionar la bicicleta

    park the bike

Similar words

bici: Pedal-powered two-wheeler mentioned in informal, everyday speech.
moto: Engine-powered two-wheeled vehicle (motorcycle or moped) mentioned colloquially.
patinete: Small platform with handlebars, ridden standing and propelled by kicking one foot.
triciclo: Small three-wheeled vehicle with extra stability, often for children or small loads.

Definition in Spanish

Vehículo ligero de dos ruedas con pedales que permite desplazarse usando la fuerza de las piernas.

Word origin

The Spanish word comes from French bicyclette, formed from bi- 'two' plus Greek kyklos 'wheel', and refers to a two-wheeled pedal vehicle.

Usage tips

  • Common verbs are ir en bicicleta, montar en bicicleta and andar en bicicleta, bici is the everyday short form, and coger la bicicleta can sound vulgar in many Latin American regions.

Opposites

Related words

  • biciclistacyclistnoun
  • bicicletadagroup bike ridenoun

Word lists with this word