Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| montar | /monˈtaɾ/ |
| cabalgar | /kabalˈɡaɾ/ |
| caballear | /kabaʝeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| andar | /anˈdaɾ/ |
The verb for ride depends on what you are riding and the context. Use montar for riding things you sit on, such as a bicycle, a horse or a motorcycle. When talking about riding public transportation, you can also use the verb tomar in both formal and informal contexts. The noun paseo can be used to refer to a ride or an outing.
Which one should you use?
Montar is a general term for riding things you sit on. In contrast, cabalgar is used specifically for riding a horse, typically within a literary, poetic or epic context. The form caballear is also related to riding a horse. Andar can be used to mean to ride or to go around in certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, andar can be used informally to mean 'to ride' or 'to go around'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using montar to mean riding a vehicle like a bike or horse, it is often followed by the preposition en, such as in montar en bici. For horses, the standard phrase is montar a caballo.
How do you pronounce it?
/monˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say montar un coche when you mean riding in a car. Instead, use ir en coche or viajar en coche.
Did you know?
- While montar means 'to ride', it is also used in Spanish to describe the act of assembling furniture or setting up a tent.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the expression montar un negocio is used to mean 'to start a business', treating the venture like something one mounts and rides.
- The verb cabalgar is the root of the English word 'cavalry', referring to soldiers who fight on horseback.
Examples in context
- Puedo andar a caballo.I can ride a horse.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to ride a horse using andar.Tatoeba #536461 by Leono, translation #259905 by CK
- ¿Sabes montar en bici?Do you know how to ride a bike?This sentence is useful for asking about the ability to ride a bike using montar.Tatoeba #6789193 by arh, translation #6788833 by CK
- Me gusta andar en tren.I like to ride on trains.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for riding trains using andar.Tatoeba #1334894 by marcelostockle, translation #326169 by CK
- Me gusta montar en bicicleta los fines de semana.I enjoy riding a bicycle on weekends.
- Vamos a dar un paseo en coche por la ciudad.We're going to take a ride around the city by car.
- Vamos a ir en bici al parque.We're going to ride our bikes to the park.
- Después de cenar, vamos a echar un paseo por la playa.After dinner, we're going to take a ride/walk on the beach.
- Tengo que tomar el autobús para ir a trabajar.I have to take the bus to go to work.
- Mi hija se monta en su bicicleta y sale a pasear por el vecindario.My daughter rides her bike and goes for a ride around the neighborhood.
- ¡Qué lindo paseo en barco hicimos ayer!What a lovely boat ride we took yesterday!
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at a park with horses.
- DanielSofía, ¿quieres montar este caballo?Sofía, do you want to ride this horse?
- SofíaSí, pero no sé montar muy bien.Yes, but I don't know how to ride very well.
- DanielNo te preocupes, yo te ayudo.Don't worry, I will help you.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel. ¡Tengo muchas ganas!Thanks, Daniel. I'm really looking forward to it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ride” translations and entries montar, cabalgar, andar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
