Inklingo

How to Say "bike" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bici

BEE-see/'bi.si/

nounA1informal
Use 'bici' when you want to refer to a bicycle in a casual, everyday context, similar to saying 'bike' in English.
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/

nounA1
Use 'bicicleta' when you need the complete and standard word for bicycle, suitable for both informal and slightly more formal contexts.
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.

Bici vs. Bicicleta

The main confusion for learners is knowing when to use the shorter 'bici'. Remember that 'bici' is a friendly abbreviation, much like 'bike' itself, and is best used in informal chats with friends or family. 'Bicicleta' is always a safe and correct choice in any situation.

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