baiskeli
The Swahili word for bicycle is baiskeli. Wiktionary also lists baiskili and baisikeli.
Meaning: vehicle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swahili | Note |
|---|---|
| baiskeli | |
| baiskili | |
| baisikeli | class 10, class 9 |
baiskeli refers to a bicycle. To express the action of riding one, you use the verb kuendesha, forming the phrase kuendesha baiskeli.
Which one should you use?
baiskeli is the standard form, while baisikeli and baiskili are alternative spellings. baisikeli is categorized under noun classes 9 and 10.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word baiskeli belongs to the N-class (classes 9/10), which means it uses the subject prefix i- in sentences.
When do people say it?
Note that piki-piki refers specifically to a motorcycle, and bodaboda refers to a bicycle or motorcycle taxi.
Did you know?
- The term baiskeli ultimately traces back to the Ancient Greek word kúklos, meaning 'circle'.
- The word piki-piki for motorcycle is a separate term from baiskeli and is an onomatopoeic word mimicking the sound of a small engine.
- Swahili uses the same verb kuendesha for riding a baiskeli as it does for driving a car or steering a boat.
Examples in context
- Unaweza kuwa na wazo ni nani aliyeiba baisikeli yangu?Do you have any idea who might have stolen my bicycle?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows who stole the baisikeli.Tatoeba #10855524 by ecorralest101, translation #2951660 by CK
- kuendesha baiskeliTo ride a bicycleThis phrase is useful for expressing the action to ride a baiskeli.
- Nina baiskeli.I have a bicycle.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a baiskeli.Tatoeba #10816532 by ecorralest101, translation #258209 by CK
- Je, una baiskeli?Do you have a bicycle?
- Ninaenda kununua baiskeli mpya.I am going to buy a new bicycle.
- Baiskeli yangu ni nyeusi.My bicycle is black.
Example conversation
Aisha and Juma are talking in a village market.
- AishaJuma, una baiskeli?Juma, do you have a bicycle?
- JumaNdiyo, nina baiskeli moja.Yes, I have one bicycle.
- AishaJe, baiskeli hiyo ni nzuri?Is that bicycle good?
- JumaNdiyo, baiskeli yangu ni nzuri sana.Yes, my bicycle is very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bicycle” translations and entries baiskeli, baisikeli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baiskeli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
