French Conversation · Level 22
90 words
French word
moto
Pronunciation
IPA/moto/
Meaning
- feminine nounmotorcycle
Example
Il a acheté une moto hier.
He bought a motorcycle yesterday.
More examples
Sa moto ne démarre pas ce matin.
His motorcycle won't start this morning.
Core concept
A compact motorized two-wheeler with handlebars, carrying a seated rider through city streets or on leisure trips.
Common phrases
aller en moto
go by motorcycle
faire de la moto
ride a motorcycle
conduire une moto
drive a motorcycle
Similar words
motocyclette: The official term for an engine-powered two-wheeled vehicle.
scooter: A small engine-powered two-wheeler with a footboard for the rider.
cyclomoteur: A lightweight, low-powered two-wheeler with a small engine.
vélo: A two-wheeled vehicle driven by pedaling rather than an engine.
Definition in French
Véhicule à deux roues motorisé, fréquemment utilisé en ville ou pour les loisirs, conduit en position assise.
Word origin
Moto is a shortened form of French motocyclette, a word formed from moto- for a motor and -cyclette related to bicyclette.
Usage tips
- Moto is feminine, so standard forms include une moto, la moto, and cette moto, despite the vehicle being associated with a masculine noun in some languages.