Japanese dictionary
How to say "bicycle" in Japanese
自転車じてんしゃ · jitensha
"Bicycle" in Japanese is 自転車 (jitensha), literally "self-turning vehicle."
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Ways to say "bicycle" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 自転車じてんしゃ · jitensha | Bicycle. The standard word. |
| チャリちゃり · chari | Bike. Slang. |
| ママチャリままちゃり · mamachari | City bike with a basket. |
How to use it
To ride a bicycle is 自転車に乗る (jitensha ni noru). Use で for "by bicycle": 自転車で行く.
In Japan, bicycles must be parked in designated areas, 駐輪場 (chūrinjō). Bikes left elsewhere may be removed.
Example sentences
- 自転車で駅まで行きます。Jitensha de eki made ikimasu.I ride my bicycle to the station.
- 自転車に乗れますか。Jitensha ni noremasu ka.Can you ride a bicycle?
- 駅の駐輪場に自転車を止めました。Eki no chūrinjō ni jitensha o tomemashita.I parked my bicycle at the station bike lot.
- 自転車を借りて町を回りました。Jitensha o karite machi o mawarimashita.I rented a bike and rode around town.
- 雨の日は自転車に乗りません。Ame no hi wa jitensha ni norimasen.I don't ride my bike on rainy days.
- 自転車は歩道ではなく車道を走ってください。Jitensha wa hodō de wa naku shadō o hashitte kudasai.Please ride your bicycle on the road, not the sidewalk.
Kanji in this word
Questions
What is a ママチャリ?
A ママチャリ (mamachari) is the common Japanese city bike with a front basket, used for shopping and commuting.
Where can you park a bicycle in Japan?
Use a 駐輪場 (chūrinjō), a bicycle parking area. Many are near stations and some charge a small fee.
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.