andar en bicicleta
/andaɾ en biθikleta/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'ride a bike' is translated into Spanish as andar en bicicleta.
The phrase is used to describe the act of traveling or moving about using a bicycle.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, andar en bicicleta means 'to walk/go on a bicycle'.
Which one should you use?
montar en bicicleta is a common alternative. If you want to express the specific idea of 'taking a ride on a bicycle', you can use the informal phrase dar una vuelta en bicicleta.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ir en bici is a very common, informal way to say 'to go by bike' in many Spanish-speaking regions.
How do you pronounce it?
/andaɾ en biθikleta/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, andar can be used to mean 'to be' in a specific state or mood, rather than just physical movement.
- The verb 'andar' has a strange history where its past tense forms likely evolved from the verb 'haber' ('to have'), rather than from its own original root.
- The Spanish word bicicleta combines a Latin prefix for 'two' with a Greek root for 'circle' or 'wheel'.
Examples in context
- Puedo ser viejo, pero todavía puedo andar en bicicleta.I may be old, but I can still ride a bike.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to use the form andar en bicicleta despite age.Tatoeba #1355731 by marcelostockle, translation #371912 by saeb
- No puedo andar en bicicleta.I can't ride a bike.This sentence is useful for expressing the inability to use the form andar en bicicleta.Tatoeba #11011021 by Adelpa, translation #5958511 by CK
- montar en una bicicleta eléctricaRide an electric bicycle
- Me encanta andar en bici en el campo.I love riding a bike in the countryside.
- Vamos a dar una vuelta en bicicleta este fin de semana.Let's take a ride on our bikes this weekend.
- Me gusta andar en bicicleta por el parque.I like to ride a bike through the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding how to get to the beach.
- Javier¿Quieres ir a la playa en coche?Do you want to go to the beach by car?
- ElenaNo, prefiero andar en bicicleta.No, I prefer to ride a bike.
- JavierEstá bien, es un buen ejercicio.That's fine, it is good exercise.
- Elena¡Sí, y así disfrutamos el paisaje!Yes, and that way we enjoy the scenery!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries andar, bicicleta, en, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
