moto
MOH-toh
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
A Feminine Exception
Even though 'moto' ends in -o (which usually means a word is masculine), it is a feminine word. This is because it is a shortened version of the full word 'motocicleta' (which clearly ends in -a).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: "El moto es rápida."
Correction: La moto es rápida. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' before 'moto' and use feminine adjectives like 'rápida'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Moto' Daily
In nearly all casual conversations, use 'moto' instead of the longer, more formal 'motocicleta.' It sounds much more natural and is always understood.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: moto
Question 1 of 2
Which article must you use before the word 'moto'?
📚 More Resources
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.