moto
“moto” means “motorcycle” in Spanish (two-wheeled vehicle).
motorcycle
Also: motorbike, scooter
📝 In Action
Quiero comprar una moto nueva para ir al trabajo.
A1I want to buy a new motorcycle to go to work.
Ella siempre lleva casco cuando conduce su moto.
A2She always wears a helmet when she rides her motorbike.
¿Viste qué rápido pasó esa moto roja?
A1Did you see how fast that red motorcycle went by?
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: moto
Question 1 of 2
Which article must you use before the word 'moto'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Moto' is a classic example of a clipped word, meaning it was shortened for convenience. It comes directly from the full word 'motocicleta,' which combines the idea of motion ('motor') and bicycle ('ciclo').
First recorded: Early 20th century, following the popularization of the vehicle itself.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'moto' feminine if it ends in -o?
'Moto' is an abbreviation of the longer, formal word 'motocicleta.' Since 'motocicleta' is feminine (ending in -a), the short form 'moto' retains the feminine gender, making it one of the few exceptions to the -o/-a rule.
¿Es 'moto' formal o informal?
'Moto' is the standard, neutral word used in almost all contexts, from casual speech to news reports. 'Motocicleta' is more formal or used when being very specific.