ciclista
“ciclista” means “cyclist” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cyclist
Also: bike rider
📝 In Action
El ciclista lleva un casco para estar seguro.
A1The cyclist wears a helmet to be safe.
Muchos ciclistas usan el carril bici en esta ciudad.
A2Many cyclists use the bike lane in this city.
La ciclista profesional ganó la medalla de oro.
B1The professional cyclist won the gold medal.
cycling
Also: cyclist
📝 In Action
La federación ciclista organiza la carrera.
B1The cycling federation organizes the race.
Estamos mejorando la infraestructura ciclista del barrio.
B2We are improving the cycling infrastructure of the neighborhood.
Mañana comienza la ruta ciclista por los Alpes.
C1Tomorrow the cycling route through the Alps begins.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ciclista
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'the female cyclist'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish word 'ciclo' (cycle), which comes from the Greek 'kyklos' (circle), combined with the suffix '-ista', used to describe a person who practices a specific activity.
First recorded: 19th century (with the invention of the bicycle)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'ciclista' only mean a professional racer?
No, it refers to anyone riding a bike, whether they are doing it for fun, commuting to work, or racing professionally.
Why doesn't it end in 'o' for men?
Many Spanish words ending in '-ista' are gender-neutral. They come from a tradition where the suffix identifies the person by their role rather than their gender.
Can I use 'ciclista' to describe a bike path?
Technically yes (carril ciclista), but in most Spanish-speaking countries, people prefer the term 'carril bici'.

