Bike in different languages

Bike in Different Languages

Discover 'Bike' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

Ah, the humble bike. A symbol of freedom, adventure, and sustainable transportation, the bike has been a trusted companion for people of all ages and backgrounds for over a century. From the first chain-driven bicycle, the 'boneshaker', invented in 1863, to the sleek and sophisticated models we see today, the bike has come a long way.

Beyond its practical uses, the bike holds a special place in our collective cultural imagination. From the thrill of the Tour de France to the nostalgia of a leisurely Sunday ride, bikes evoke a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and joy. And let's not forget the environmental benefits - bikes produce zero emissions, making them a smart choice for our planet's future.

So why might someone want to know the translation of 'bike' in different languages? Well, for one, it's a fun and interesting way to explore the world's diverse languages and cultures. Plus, if you're a cycling enthusiast planning a trip abroad, knowing the local word for 'bike' can come in handy!

Without further ado, here are some translations of 'bike' in different languages:

Bike


Bike in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansfiets
Fiets is derived from the French word ' bicyclette' and originally referred to a velocipede with a front wheel of at least a metre wide.
Amharicብስክሌት
The word "ብስክሌት" is derived from the French word "bicyclette", which in turn comes from the Latin word "bis" (meaning "twice") and the Greek word "kyklos" (meaning "wheel").
Hausakeke
The word "keke" in Hausa can also mean "to tremble" or "to shake".
Igboigwe kwụ otu ebe
Igwe kwụ otu ebe, also a play on Igbo words which means 'machine that is stationary in one location', is locally manufactured by a blacksmith.
Malagasybisikileta
The word "bisikileta" is derived from the French word "bicyclette" and is cognate with the English word "bicycle".
Nyanja (Chichewa)njinga
Njinga can also mean a 'bicycle race' and 'the act of riding a bicycle'.
Shonabhasikoro
In Shona, "bhasikoro" literally translates to "that which causes one to move faster."
Somalibaaskiil
Baaskiil is the Somali word for 'bicycle' and originates from the Italian word 'bicicletta'.
Sesothobaesekele
"Baesekele" derives from the English "bicycle," but in Sesotho, it can also refer to a motorcycle.
Swahilibaiskeli
In Swahili, "baiskeli" can also mean "bicycle pump" or "bicycle rider."
Xhosaibhayisekile
The word ibhayisekile, or "bike", is a combination of the words ibhayisekeli, meaning "to spin" or "to rotate," and -ile, a suffix denoting an "instrument."
Yorubakeke
The Yoruba word "keke" can also mean "quickly" or "speedily".
Zuluibhayisikili
In Zulu, 'ibhayisikili' is derived from 'ukubhayisa,' meaning 'to fear' or 'be astonished,' and 'isikili,' meaning 'metal.'
Bambaranɛgɛso
Ewegasɔ̃
Kinyarwandabike
Lingalavelo
Lugandagaali
Sepedipaesekela
Twi (Akan)sakre

Bike in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicدراجة هوائية
Historically "دراجة هوائية" also meant "sewing machine" but fell out of use after "ماكينة خياطة" became more popular.
Hebrewאופניים
The word "אופניים" is derived from the plural form of the Greek word "δίκυκλος", meaning "two-wheeled."
Pashtoموټرسايکل
The Pashto word "موټرسايکل" can also refer to a motorbike, motorcycle, or any other two-wheeled vehicle.
Arabicدراجة هوائية
Historically "دراجة هوائية" also meant "sewing machine" but fell out of use after "ماكينة خياطة" became more popular.

Bike in Western European Languages

Albanianbiciklete
The word "biciklete" is derived from the French word "bicyclette" and the Italian word "bicicletta".
Basquebizikleta
"Bizikleta" is the fusion of the words "bizi" (path, way) and "kleta" (machine).
Catalanbicicleta
The Catalan word "bicicleta" comes from the French "bicyclette," which itself comes from the Latin "bis" (two) and "rotare" (to roll).
Croatianbicikl
"Bicikl" comes from the French word "bicyclette" but also means "spectacles" or "eyeglasses" in colloquial Croatian.
Danishcykel
"Cykel" derives from the Greek "kuklos" (circle) via the French "cycle" and Latin "cyclus".
Dutchfiets
The word 'fiets' in Dutch is derived from the French word 'vélocipède' which means 'fast foot'.
Englishbike
The word "bike" is derived from the Old Norse word "vik", meaning "bay" or "inlet", and was originally used to refer to a small wooden boat.
Frenchbicyclette
The French word "bicyclette" derives from the Greek word "kyklos" (meaning "wheel") and the Latin suffix "-ette" (meaning small).
Frisianfyts
The word "fyts" in Frisian not only means "bike", but also a "fight" or "battle".
Galicianbicicleta
Galician "bicicleta" comes from the French "bicyclette" and the Latin "bi-(two)," "rota-(wheel)."
Germanfahrrad
German word "Fahrrad" literally translates to "driving wheel" or "riding wheel"
Icelandichjól
The word "hjól" has an alternate meaning of "wheel" in Icelandic.
Irishrothar
The Irish word 'rothar' comes from the Greek word 'trochos', meaning 'wheel', and was originally used to describe a one-wheeled vehicle.
Italianbicicletta
In Sicilian, "bicicletta" originally meant "small tricycle" and is a dialectal diminutive of "bicocca", which means "small hovel" or "cabin".
Luxembourgishvëlo
The word "Vëlo" in Luxembourgish is derived from the French word "vélocipède", which means "fast foot". The word "vélo" was first used in Luxembourgish in the early 1900s and has since become the standard word for "bike".
Malteserota
"Rota" likely derives from the Italian "ruota" (wheel), but may also refer to the Latin word "rota" (circle).
Norwegiansykkel
The word "sykkel" originated from the Norwegian word "sykle" meaning "to cycle"
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)bicicleta
"Bicicleta" derives from Latin "bi-" and "rota", meaning "two wheels".
Scots Gaelicbaidhc
The term "baidhc" in Scots Gaelic can also mean "boat" or "craft" and is rooted in the Old Norse word "bátr".
Spanishbicicleta
The word "bicicleta" comes from the Latin "bis" (twice), "cyclus" (wheel), and the Greek "pedon" (foot), referring to its two wheels and foot-powered propulsion.
Swedishcykel
Cykel ultimately derives from the French word "cycle," meaning wheel, and "cykelbana" is the Swedish word for "cycle path."
Welshbeic
The Welsh word "beic" is derived from the Old English word "bicgle", meaning "small horse" or "pony".

Bike in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianровар
The word "ровар" in Belarusian derives from the Polish "rower" or the German "Radler".
Bosnianbicikl
The word "bicikl" originated in French with the words "bi" meaning "two" and "cycle" meaning "wheel".
Bulgarianмотор
Bulgarian word “мотор” can refer to either a motorcycle or an electric motor.
Czechkolo
Kolo can also mean "wheel" in Czech, as in kolo od vozu, meaning "wheel of a wagon".
Estonianjalgratas
The Estonian word "jalgratas" originates from the German "Fahrrad" and literally means "foot-wheel".
Finnishpyörä
"Pyörä" also means "wheel" in Finnish, and is cognate with the English word "sphere".
Hungarianbicikli
In Hungarian, the word "bicikli" comes from the French "bicyclette" but also refers to a "motorcycle," whereas "kerékpár" specifically means "bicycle."
Latvianvelosipēds
"Velosipēds" is derived from Latin "velox" ("swift") and Greek "pous" ("foot") or Latin "pedis" (gen. of "pes" - "foot"), referring to the speed and the use of feet to propel the vehicle.
Lithuaniandviratis
Lithuanian "dviratis" (bike) comes from the words "dviratinis" (two-wheeled) and "vežimas" (carriage).
Macedonianвелосипед
The word "велосипед" ultimately derives from the Latin roots "vēlōx" (swift) and "pēs" (foot), suggesting its initial perception as a swift, foot-propelled device.
Polishrower
The Polish word "rower" can also refer to a person who rows a boat or operates a rowing machine.
Romanianbicicletă
The Romanian word "bicicletă" comes from the French word "bicyclette".
Russianвелосипед
The word "велосипед" is derived from the Latin word "velox" meaning "swift" and the Greek word "ped" meaning "foot". It was coined in France in the 19th century.
Serbianбицикл
In Serbian, "бицикл" was originally used to describe a "high bicycle," but now it can refer to any type of bicycle.
Slovakbicykel
The word "bicykel" is derived from the Latin word "bi" meaning "two" and the Greek word "kyklos" meaning "circle". It originally referred to a two-wheeled velocipede with a large front wheel and a small rear wheel.
Sloveniankolo
In Slovenian, "kolo" also means "wheel", and it shares roots with the English word "cycle".
Ukrainianвелосипед
"Велосипед" is derived from Greek words "велос" (swift, fast) and "педион" (field).

Bike in South Asian Languages

Bengaliবাইক
The word "বাইক" ('bike') can also refer to a bicycle or motorcycle in Bengali.
Gujaratiબાઇક
The Gujarati word "બાઇક" can also refer to a motorcycle, which is a vehicle with two wheels and a motor.
Hindiबाइक
"बाइक" comes from the French "bicyclette," meaning "small two-wheeled vehicle."
Kannadaಬೈಕು
"ಬೈಕು" (bike) is derived from the English word "bicycle" and also means "bicycle" in Kannada.
Malayalamബൈക്ക്
In Malayalam, 'bike' also refers to a bicycle, while in English it exclusively means a motorcycle.
Marathiदुचाकी
The word "दुचाकी" in Marathi literally translates to "two wheels", reflecting its function as a two-wheeled vehicle.
Nepaliबाइक
Nepali "बाइक/bike" is derived from English "bicycle" and also means "motorcycle".
Punjabiਸਾਈਕਲ
Sinhala (Sinhalese)බයික්
The word "බයික්" (bike) in Sinhala is derived from the English word "bicycle" and has come to encompass any two-wheeled vehicle, including motorcycles.
Tamilஉந்துஉருளி
Teluguబైక్
In Telugu, "బైక్" can specifically refer to a bicycle, while in English, "bike" exclusively refers to a motorcycle.
Urduموٹر سائیکل
The word 'موٹر سائیکل' in Urdu, comes from the English 'motorcycle', as this kind of vehicle was not originally from the Subcontinent

Bike in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)自行车
The term 自行车 literally translates to 'self-moving car'
Chinese (Traditional)自行車
自行車 can refer to either a bicycle or a motorbike
Japanese自転車
自転車 (jitensha) literally means "self-rotating-vehicle" in Japanese, as it is a vehicle that is propelled by the rider's own power.
Korean자전거
"자전거" literally means "self-turning wheel" in Korean.
Mongolianдугуй
The Mongolian word "дугуй" is derived from the Russian word "дуга" (arc) and refers to the shape of the bike's frame.
Myanmar (Burmese)စက်ဘီး

Bike in South East Asian Languages

Indonesiansepeda
The word "sepeda" is derived from the Dutch word "fiets" and originally referred to a two-wheeled vehicle with pedals.
Javanesepit
Javanese word "pit" means "bicycle," possibly derived from Dutch "fiets"
Khmerកង់
កង់ (kang) can also mean "a type of boat propelled by paddles" or "a stick or beam used to connect parts of a structure".
Laoລົດ​ຖີບ
Malaybasikal
The Malay word "basikal" has its roots in the Dutch word "fiets", which refers to the two-wheeled vehicle.
Thaiจักรยาน
The word "จักรยาน" in Thai is derived from the Sanskrit word "cakra" meaning "wheel" and "yana" meaning "vehicle", thus literally translating to "wheel vehicle".
Vietnamesexe đạp
The word "xe đạp" is a fusion of the Chinese characters "xe" (car) and "đạp" (pedal), and can also refer to a tricycle.
Filipino (Tagalog)bisikleta

Bike in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanivelosiped
Velosiped can also mean "train" or "carriage" in Azerbaijani.
Kazakhвелосипед
The Kazakh word "велосипед" comes from the Russian word велосипед, which in turn comes from the French word vélocipède, meaning "fast foot".
Kyrgyzвелосипед
The Kyrgyz word "велосипед" also means "an individual of short stature".
Tajikвелосипед
The word "велосипед" is derived from the French "vélocipède", meaning "fast foot". The Tajik word "дучарка" was used to refer to a bicycle until the mid-20th century.
Turkmenwelosiped
Uzbekvelosiped
The word "velosiped" comes from the Latin words "velox" (swift) and "pes" (foot), and it originally referred to a type of tricycle invented in the 1800s.
Uyghurۋېلىسىپىت

Bike in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianpaikikala
The word "paikikala" is derived from the Hawaiian words "paikī" (to ride) and "kala" (wheel).
Maoripahikara
The word “pahikara” is also used in Maori to mean “to pedal” or “to cycle”.
Samoanuila
The Samoan word "uila" also means "lightning".
Tagalog (Filipino)bisikleta
The name originated from the Spanish word "bicicleta", itself derived from the Latin "bis" (two) and "cyclus" (wheel).

Bike in American Indigenous Languages

Aymarawisikilita
Guaraniapajerekõi

Bike in International Languages

Esperantobiciklo
The Esperanto word "biciklo" is derived from the French "bicyclette" and the Spanish "bicicleta", both of which ultimately derive from the Latin "birotula" meaning "two-wheeled vehicle".
Latincursoriam
The Latin word

Bike in Others Languages

Greekποδήλατο
"Ποδήλατο" comes from the Greek words "πούς" (foot) and "δέος" (wheel).
Hmongtsheb tuam
'Tsheb tuam' literally means 'two-wheeled car'.
Kurdishbike
The word "bike" is also used in the Kurdish language to refer to "motorcycle".
Turkishbisiklet
Bisiklet is derived from the French word 'bicyclette', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'bis' (twice) and the Greek word 'kyklos' (wheel).
Xhosaibhayisekile
The word ibhayisekile, or "bike", is a combination of the words ibhayisekeli, meaning "to spin" or "to rotate," and -ile, a suffix denoting an "instrument."
Yiddishבייק
The Yiddish word בייק can also refer to a leg, limb, or foot.
Zuluibhayisikili
In Zulu, 'ibhayisikili' is derived from 'ukubhayisa,' meaning 'to fear' or 'be astonished,' and 'isikili,' meaning 'metal.'
Assameseমটৰচাইকেল
Aymarawisikilita
Bhojpuriबाइक
Dhivehiބައިސްކަލު
Dogriबाइक
Filipino (Tagalog)bisikleta
Guaraniapajerekõi
Ilocanobisikleta
Kriobayk
Kurdish (Sorani)پایسکڵ
Maithiliबाइक
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯕꯥꯏꯛ ꯊꯧꯕꯥ꯫
Mizothirsakawr
Oromobiskileettii
Odia (Oriya)ବାଇକ୍
Quechuabicicleta
Sanskritयन्त्रद्विचक्रिका
Tatarвелосипед
Tigrinyaብሽክሌታ
Tsongaxithuthuthu

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