moto
/ˈmɔ.to/feminine
The English word 'motorcycle' is translated into Italian as moto. Wiktionary also lists motocicletta and motociclo.
Meaning: open-seated motor vehicle with handlebars instead of a steering wheel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moto | /ˈmɔ.to/ | feminine |
| motocicletta | /ˌmɔ.to.t͡ʃiˈklet.ta/ | feminine |
| motociclo | /ˌmɔ.toˈt͡ʃi.klo/ | masculine |
The word refers to an open-seated motor vehicle with handlebars. To express the act of traveling by motorcycle, Italians typically use the preposition 'in' with the phrase 'andare in moto'.
Which one should you use?
moto is the most common way to say motorcycle in everyday conversation, whereas motocicletta is more formal or technical.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms moto and motocicletta are feminine, but the form motociclo is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɔ.to/. The word has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While moto is the common term for the vehicle, the word moto also means 'motion' or 'movement' in a general sense. This shared root reflects the core essence of the machine.
- While moto is feminine, the related word for a motorcycle engine, motore, is masculine.
- The word bicicletta inside motocicletta comes from the French word 'bicyclette', showing how French influenced the early naming of these vehicles in Italy.
Examples in context
- Io ho una moto.I have a motorcycle.This sentence is useful for stating possession of a moto.Tatoeba #7756871 by Guybrush88, translation #6033413 by CK
- Io avevo una moto.I used to have a motorcycle.This sentence is useful for describing a past state of possession regarding a moto.Tatoeba #2423475 by Guybrush88, translation #1839515 by CK
- Dov'è la tua moto?Where's your motorcycle?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of someone's moto.Tatoeba #13383713 by Guybrush88, translation #10796406 by CK
- La motocicletta è un mezzo di trasporto molto comune in Italia.The motorcycle is a very common means of transportation in Italy.
- Ho visto una Vespa rossa bellissima per strada!I saw a beautiful red Vespa on the road!
- Facciamo un giro in ciclomotore questo pomeriggio?Shall we go for a ride on the moped this afternoon?
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend transport.
- AlessandroHai una moto nuova?Do you have a new motorcycle?
- MartinaSì, la mia moto è rossa.Yes, my motorcycle is red.
- AlessandroÈ molto bella la tua moto.Your motorcycle is very beautiful.
- MartinaGrazie, mi piace molto guidarla.Thanks, I really like riding it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motorcycle” translations and entries moto, motocicletta, motociclo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
