How to Say "Bicycle" in Japanese

自転車

jitensha[d͡ʑitẽ̞ɰ̃ɕa̠]

The Japanese word for bicycle is 自転車 (jitensha). Wiktionary also lists チャリンコ (charinko) and チャリ (chari).

Meaning: vehicle (noun)

Ways to say it

“bicycle” in Japanese
Japanese	Romanization (Wiktionary)	IPA	Note
自転車	jitensha	[d͡ʑitẽ̞ɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) [d͡ʑidẽ̞ɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow)
チャリンコ	charinko	[t͡ɕa̠ɾʲĩŋko̞] (narrow)	colloquial
チャリ	chari	[t͡ɕa̠ɾʲi] (narrow)	abbreviation

The term refers to a bicycle as a vehicle.

自転車 is the standard, neutral term used in all contexts. In contrast, チャリ is a slangy abbreviation.

チャリンコ is a colloquial, slightly playful or rough term. チャリ is a common slang abbreviation frequently used by younger people.

jitensha

One theory suggests チャリンコ was introduced to Japan by immigrants using a dialect from Jeju Island.
In Japan, many residents use 'mamachari', a type of utility bicycle equipped with a child seat and a heavy-duty basket for groceries.
Some believe the slang term チャリンコ might come from the onomatopoeia チャリン, which mimics the sound of a bicycle bell.

チャリ通です。
I go to school by bicycle.
This sentence is useful for talking about commuting to school with チャリ.
Tatoeba #10100368 by small_snow, translation #258202 by dobled
自転車が壊れた。
My bicycle broke.
This sentence is useful for stating that a 自転車 is broken.
Tatoeba #10774760 by small_snow, translation #7941336 by AlanF_US
自転車、買って。
Buy me a bicycle.
This sentence is useful for asking someone to buy a 自転車.
Tatoeba #12440014 by small_snow, translation #8024724 by Amastan
Watashi wa jitensha ga hoshii desu. (私は自転車が欲しいです。)
I want a bicycle.
Anata no jitensha wa kirei desu ne. (あなたの自転車はきれいですね。)
Your bicycle is beautiful.
272 more sentences on Tatoeba

Yui and Kenta are talking about commuting to school.

結衣 Yui

健太は学校までどうやって来るの？
Kenta wa gakkou made douyatte kuru no?
Kenta, how do you get to school?
健太 Kenta

僕はいつも自転車で来ているよ。
Boku wa itsumo jitensha de kite iru yo.
I always come by bicycle.
結衣 Yui

いいな。私も自転車が欲しいな。
Ii na. Watashi mo jitensha ga hoshii na.
That's nice. I want a bicycle too.
健太 Kenta

一緒に買いに行こうか。
Issho ni kai ni ikou ka.
Shall we go buy one together?

Sources

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