バイク
baiku[ba̠ikɯ̟]
The Japanese word for motorcycle is バイク (baiku). Wiktionary also lists オートバイ (ōtobai) and 自動二輪車 (jidō nirinsha).
Meaning: open-seated motor vehicle with handlebars instead of a steering wheel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| バイク | baiku | [ba̠ikɯ̟] (narrow) |
| オートバイ | ōtobai | [o̞ːto̞ba̠i] (narrow) |
| 自動二輪車 | jidō nirinsha | [d͡ʑido̞ː ɲ̟iɾʲĩɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) |
| 単車 | tansha | [tã̠ɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) |
The terms in Japanese refer to an open-seated motor vehicle with handlebars instead of a steering wheel.
Which one should you use?
バイク is the most common, everyday way to say motorcycle in conversation. オートバイ is a slightly more formal or standard loanword compared to the more colloquial バイク. 自動二輪車 is a technical or legal term used in official documents and traffic laws. 単車 is a slang term often used by motorcycle enthusiasts or bikers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
バイク is an informal term for motorcycle. 自動二輪車 is a formal term for motorcycle.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is baiku.
Did you know?
- The term オートバイ is actually a descendant of the obsolete English word 'autobicycle' rather than the modern 'motorcycle'.
- In Japan, the term バイク can be used to refer to a motorized scooter, whereas English speakers often distinguish between a 'motorcycle' and a 'scooter'.
- In casual conversation, using the term 単車 can instantly signal to others that you are part of a specific subculture or a dedicated enthusiast.
Examples in context
- あのバイクはトムの？Is that motorcycle Tom's?This sentence is useful for asking about ownership of a バイク.Tatoeba #8748298 by bunbuku, translation #12303591 by CK
- オートバイを買うんだ。I'm going to buy myself a motorcycle.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to buy an オートバイ.Tatoeba #9236760 by small_snow, translation #9230456 by CK
- バイクを持っていますか。Do you have a motorcycle?This sentence is useful for asking if someone owns a バイク.Tatoeba #2739156 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #2739151 by CK
- 私は自動二輪車を運転しています。I am driving a motorcycle.
- 昨日、友達のバイクに乗りました。Yesterday, I rode my friend's motorcycle.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about transportation.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんはバイクに興味がありますか。Yui-san wa baiku ni kyoumi ga arimasu ka.Yui, are you interested in motorcycles?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、いつかバイクに乗りたいです。Hai, itsuka baiku ni noritai desu.Yes, I want to ride a motorcycle someday.
- 蓮 Renいいですね。僕のバイクで練習しましょう。Ii desu ne. Boku no baiku de renshuu shimashou.That's great. Let's practice with my motorcycle.
- 結衣 Yui本当ですか？ありがとうございます！Hontou desu ka? Arigatou gozaimasu!Really? Thank you so much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motorcycle” translations and entries バイク, オートバイ, 自動二輪車, 単車, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries オートバイ, バイク, 単車, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
