A simple, colorful storybook illustration of a bright red bicycle with two wheels and handlebars, parked on a patch of green grass.

bicicleta

bee-see-KLEH-tah

NounfA1

bicycle?two-wheeled vehicle,bike?informal short form

📝 In Action

Compré una bicicleta nueva para ir al trabajo.

I bought a new bicycle to go to work.

¿Sabes montar en bicicleta?

Do you know how to ride a bike?

La pista de bicicletas está muy concurrida los fines de semana.

The bike path is very busy on weekends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

bici (bike (informal))
cicla (bike (regional, Colombia/Ecuador))

Common Collocations

montar en bicicleta – to ride a bike
carril de bicicleta – bike lane
bicicleta de montaña – mountain bike

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check: La bicicleta

Even though 'bicicleta' ends in '-a', remember that it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La bicicleta es roja'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong preposition for riding

Mistake: "Voy *con* bicicleta."

Correction: Voy *en* bicicleta. Use the preposition 'en' (on/in) to talk about riding or traveling by bike.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Short Form 'Bici'

In casual conversation, almost everyone uses the shortened form 'bici' (also feminine: 'la bici'). This is perfectly normal and sounds natural.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: bicicleta

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly asks 'Do you know how to ride a bike'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

bicicletero(bike rack/cyclist (masculine)) - noun

ciclismo(cycling (sport)) - noun

ciclista(cyclist (person)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'bici' a real word, or just slang?

'Bici' is universally accepted and used in Spanish as the casual, shortened form of 'bicicleta.' It is not considered slang, but rather an informal standard abbreviation.

How do I talk about different types of bikes?

You can combine 'bicicleta' with adjectives, just like in English. For example, 'bicicleta de montaña' (mountain bike) or 'bicicleta eléctrica' (electric bike).