xe đạp
[sɛ˧˧ ʔɗaːp̚˧˨ʔ]
The English word "bicycle" is xe đạp in Vietnamese.
xe đạp is the noun used to refer to the vehicle itself. You can specify the type of bicycle by adding điện (electric) to the end to form xe đạp điện, which means "electric bicycle".
Meaning: vehicle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term xe đạp is composed of xe, meaning "vehicle" and đạp, meaning "to pedal".
Which one should you use?
While xe đạp is the noun for the bicycle itself, the verb phrase đạp xe is used to describe the action of riding a bicycle.
Related words
Did you know?
- In the mid-20th century, the xe đạp was a powerful symbol of social status and wealth in Vietnam, often costing as much as a small piece of land.
- The word đạp in xe đạp literally means 'to step on' or 'to stomp', describing the physical action of the foot on the pedal.
- Vietnamese uses the word xe to describe things that aren't always motorized, such as xe đẩy for a baby stroller or a shopping cart.
Examples in context
- Tôi chạy xe đạpI can ride a bicycle.Tatoeba #2820318 by trieuho, translation #258206 by CK
- Tôi có xe đạp mà.I do have a bicycle.Tatoeba #13897648 by leucammieuvu, translation #13897520 by Adelpa
- Ôtô nhanh hơn xe đạp.A car is faster than a bicycle.Tatoeba #1552378 by trieuho, translation #1550977 by FiRez
- Bạn có xe đạp không?Do you have a bicycle?
- Tôi thích đi xe đạpI like riding a bicycle
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hung and Chi are talking about how to get to school.
- HùngChi đi học bằng gì?How do you go to school, Chi?
- ChiChi đi học bằng xe đạp.I go to school by bicycle.
- HùngXe đạp của Chi màu gì?What color is your bicycle, Chi?
- ChiNó là một chiếc xe đạp màu đỏ.It is a red bicycle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bicycle” translations and entries xe đạp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
