French word

vélo

Pronunciation

IPA/velo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbike

Example

Je vais au travail en vélo tous les jours.

I go to work by bike every day.

Illustration for vélo (bike)

More examples

Mon vélo a un pneu crevé.

My bike has a flat tire.

Core concept

A person pedals a two-wheeled vehicle for everyday travel.

Common phrases

  • faire du vélo

    ride a bike

  • garer son vélo

    park one's bike

  • faire réparer son vélo

    have one's bike repaired

Similar words

bicyclette: A two-wheeled vehicle propelled by foot pedals.
vélo électrique: A bicycle assisted by an electric motor, making hills easier to climb.
scooter: A light two-wheeled vehicle powered by a small engine or electric motor and ridden seated.

Definition in French

Désigne un moyen de transport individuel à deux roues, propulsé par le pédalage, utilisé pour des trajets quotidiens.

Word origin

Vélo is a shortening of vélocipède, formed from Latin velox, meaning fast, and pes, meaning foot.

Usage tips

  • The fixed expression aller à vélo describes travel, while faire du vélo usually describes cycling as an activity or leisure.

Opposites

Related words

  • vélostationbike stationnoun
  • vélotaxibike taxinoun

Word lists with this word