What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 骑 (qí), which means to ride a mount that requires straddling and the noun 自行车 (zìxíngchē), meaning bicycle. The noun is a combination of 自 (self), 行 (to go or move) and 车 (vehicle), literally translating to 'self-moving vehicle'.
Which one should you use?
You can also say 骑单车 (qí dānchē), which is a common and slightly more colloquial way to say 'ride a bike' by using 单车 (single vehicle) instead of 自行车.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, people commonly use 騎腳踏車 (qí jiǎotàchē) to refer to riding a bicycle.
How does it change in a sentence?
This is a verb-object construction where the verb 骑 (qí) is followed directly by the noun 自行车 (zìxíngchē).
How do you pronounce it?
qí zìxíngchē
What mistakes should you avoid?
When talking about vehicles, use 骑 (qí) for things you straddle, like a bicycle, motorcycle or horse. However, do not use 骑 for vehicles where you sit inside or steer. For those, such as a car, use 开 (kāi).
Did you know?
- Because 自行车 (zìxíngchē) was once a luxury and a status symbol, owning one was often a prerequisite for marriage in some mid-century Chinese social circles.
- If you use the wrong verb and say you are 'riding' a car using 骑 (qí), you would sound as if you were sitting on top of the roof rather than inside it.
- In the mid-20th century, China was known as the 'Kingdom of Bicycles' because 自行车 (zìxíngchē) were among the most prized possessions a family could own.
Examples in context
- 我们明天一起去骑车吧！Let's go for a bike ride together tomorrow!
- 我经常踩自行车去买东西。I often pedal my bike to go shopping.
- 我每天骑自行车去学校。Wǒ měitiān qí zìxíngchē qù xuéxiào.I ride a bicycle to school every day.
- 你会骑自行车吗？Nǐ huì qí zìxíngchē ma?Do you know how to ride a bicycle?
- 他正在公园里骑自行车。Tā zhèngzài gōngyuán lǐ qí zìxíngchē.He is riding a bicycle in the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing outdoor activities.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你想去骑自行车吗？Jiāyí, nǐ xiǎng qù qí zìxíngchē ma?Jiayi, do you want to go ride a bicycle?
- 佳怡 Jiayi好啊，我也想骑自行车。Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng qí zìxíngchē.Sure, I want to ride a bicycle too.
- 伟 Wei那我们现在出发吧。Nà wǒmen xiànzài chūfā ba.Then let's set off now.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没问题，走吧！Méi wèntí, zǒu ba!No problem, let's go!
