Inklingo

How to Say "bicycle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bici

BEE-see/'bi.si/

nounA1informal
Use 'bici' for a casual, everyday reference to a bicycle, especially in informal conversation or when the specific type of vehicle isn't the main focus.
A simple illustration of a bright red bicycle with wide tires, parked upright.

Examples

¿Quieres ir al mercado en bici o caminando?

Do you want to go to the market by bike or walking?

Mi bici nueva es muy rápida y cómoda.

My new bike is very fast and comfortable.

Dejé mi bici atada a ese poste.

I left my bike tied to that post.

Gender Trap

Even though 'bici' ends in an 'i', it is a feminine word (la bici) because it is a shortened version of the feminine noun 'la bicicleta'. Remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with it.

Mixing up Gender

Mistake: “El bici es rápido.”

Correction: La bici es rápida. (Since 'bici' is feminine, both the article 'la' and the adjective 'rápida' must match.)

bicicleta

bee-see-KLEH-tah/bi.siˈkle.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'bicicleta' when referring to the two-wheeled vehicle in a more formal context, when specifying it as a mode of transport, or when you want to be precise.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration of a bright red bicycle with two wheels and handlebars, parked on a patch of green grass.

Examples

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.

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'.

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.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

The most common mistake is using the full word 'bicicleta' in very casual settings where 'bici' would sound more natural. While 'bicicleta' is always correct, 'bici' adds a touch of everyday familiarity.

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