Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bicicletta | /bi.t͡ʃiˈklet.ta/ | feminine |
| bici | /ˈbi.t͡ʃi/ | feminine, informal |
| velocipede | /ve.loˈt͡ʃi.pe.de/ | masculine |
All forms of the word refer to the vehicle known as a bicycle.
Which one should you use?
bicicletta is the standard term for a bicycle. bici is a shortened version used in everyday speech, while velocipede is an archaic, highly formal or technical term that is rarely used in modern conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bicicletta is the standard form. bici is an informal shortened form and is the most common way to say bicycle in everyday spoken Italian. velocipede is a masculine-gendered term used in highly formal or technical contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the mode of transport 'by bicycle', Italians use the prepositional phrase in bici rather than using a verb like 'ride'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /bi.tʃiˈklet.ta/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word bicicletta uses a diminutive suffix, meaning it literally translates to something like 'little bicycle'.
- The archaic term velocipede literally translates from Latin as 'swift foot'.
- While bicicletta is feminine, the rare formal term velocipede is masculine.
Examples in context
- La bici è mia.The bicycle is mine.This sentence shows how to use the informal bici to state ownership.Tatoeba #1075945 by Guybrush88, translation #736614 by Darkmaster
- Io ho una bici.I have a bicycle.This sentence demonstrates using the informal bici with the verb 'to have'.Tatoeba #5829279 by Guybrush88, translation #258209 by CK
- Va mai in bici?Do you ever ride a bicycle?This sentence shows the use of the phrase in bici to mean 'by bicycle'.Tatoeba #6945841 by Guybrush88, translation #6944092 by CK
- Vorrei comprare una bicicletta nuova.I would like to buy a new bicycle.
- Vado in bici al parco ogni giorno.I go biking to the park every day.
- Abbiamo appena comprato due bici nuove.We just bought two new bicycles.
- 636 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are talking in a park.
- FrancescoSofia, la tua bicicletta è bellissima!Sofia, your bicycle is beautiful!
- SofiaGrazie, Francesco, è un regalo.Thanks, Francesco, it is a gift.
- FrancescoPosso provare la tua bicicletta?Can I try your bicycle?
- SofiaSì, certo, prendila pure.Yes, of course, go ahead and take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bicycle” translations and entries bicicletta, bici, velocipede, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bici, bicicletta, velocipede, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
