骑
qí
The English verb 'ride' is translated into Chinese as 骑 (qí).
骑 is used when you transport yourself by sitting on and directing something, such as a horse or a bicycle. It is very common to add 车 (vehicle) to form the phrase 骑车, which refers to riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
Meaning: to transport oneself by sitting on and directing a horse, bicycle etc. (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use 骑 for riding things you straddle, like horses or bicycles, but use 坐 for riding in vehicles like cars, buses or trains.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 着 after 骑 creates the continuous aspect, indicating the state of being in the middle of riding, such as 骑着马 (riding a horse).
How do you pronounce it?
qí
Did you know?
- In Chinese, you do not 骑 a motorcycle if you are the passenger. The person in the back is 坐 (sitting), regardless of the fact that they are on a straddle-seat vehicle.
- While English speakers say they 'ride' a motorcycle, Chinese speakers often use the verb 开 (to drive/operate) instead of 骑, especially if the motorcycle is large or heavy.
- Because the character 骑 contains the radical 马 (horse), it carries a deep historical connection to cavalry. In ancient times, using this word could denote someone's status as a member of the elite horseman class.
Examples in context
- 你会骑马吗？Can you ride a horse?This sentence uses 骑 to ask about the ability to ride a horse.Tatoeba #3376509 by go_oo, translation #15859 by CK
- 我要和汤姆一起骑车。I'll ride with Tom.This sentence uses 骑 to describe riding with someone.Tatoeba #9959087 by GlossaMatik, translation #2262016 by CK
- 那个女孩还不会骑车。That girl isn't able to ride a bicycle.This sentence uses 骑 to describe a lack of ability to ride a bicycle.Tatoeba #2317106 by User5120, translation #1494011 by CK
- 我喜欢骑行，因为可以锻炼身体。I like riding because it helps me exercise.
- 今天我需要乘坐地铁去办事情。Today, I need to take the subway to handle some business.
- 我通常喜欢骑自行车去上班。I usually like to ride a bicycle to work.
- 我坐了很长时间的飞机。I rode on the airplane for a long time.
- 他骑着摩托车穿过市中心。He rides his motorcycle through the city center.
- 妈妈带我去骑马。Mom takes me to ride horses.
- 我们在海边骑自行车的时候看到了美丽的日落。We saw a beautiful sunset while riding bicycles by the seaside.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding how to get around the park.
- 俊杰 Junjie我们骑自行车去公园吧。Wǒmen qí zìxíngchē qù gōngyuán ba.Let's ride bicycles to the park.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好啊，我也想骑车。Hǎo a, wǒ yě xiǎng qí chē.Okay, I want to ride too.
- 俊杰 Junjie你带头骑，我跟着你。Nǐ dàitóu qí, wǒ gēnzhe nǐ.You lead the ride, and I'll follow you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，出发吧！Méi wèntí, chūfā ba!No problem, let's go!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
