一輪車
ichirinsha[it͡ɕiɾʲĩɰ̃ɕa̠]
The English phrase unicycle is 一輪車 (ichirinsha) in Japanese. Wiktionary also lists ユニサイクル (yunisaikuru).
Meaning: one-wheeled pedaled cycle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 一輪車 | ichirinsha | [it͡ɕiɾʲĩɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) |
| ユニサイクル | yunisaikuru |
A unicycle is a one-wheeled pedaled cycle.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 一輪車 (ichirinsha) is composed of 一 (one), 輪 (wheel) and 車 (vehicle/car), literally meaning "one-wheel vehicle".
Which one should you use?
The kanji-based term 一輪車 (ichirinsha) is the standard, more traditional way to refer to a unicycle. In contrast, the katakana loanword ユニサイクル (yunisaikuru) is used more frequently in the context of unicycle sports or modern hobbyist circles.
How do you pronounce it?
ichirinsha
Did you know?
- While ユニサイクル is a loanword, it is specifically used for the sport of unicycling to distinguish it from the common wheelbarrow meaning of 一輪車.
- Some Japanese schools have unicycle clubs that compete in 一輪車 dance routines, where large groups perform synchronized choreography while riding.
- The kanji 輪 (rin) in 一輪車 is the same character used in the word 輪廻 (rinne), which refers to the Buddhist concept of the cycle of death and rebirth.
Examples in context
- トムは新しい一輪車を見せてくれた。Tom showed me his new unicycle.Tatoeba #8587340 by small_snow, translation #8587337 by CK
- 彼は一輪車で公園を回っています。He is riding a unicycle in the park.
- サーカスパフォーマンスで単輪車を使います。We use unicycles in circus performances.
- ユニサイクルに挑戦するのが好きです。I enjoy challenging myself with a unicycle.
- 弟は公園で一輪車に乗っています。Otōto wa kōen de ichirinsha ni notte imasu.My younger brother is riding a unicycle in the park.
- 一輪車を練習するのは難しいですか？Ichirinsha o renshū suru no wa muzukashii desu ka?Is it difficult to practice riding a unicycle?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are at a park.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、一輪車が乗れるの？Kenta-kun, ichirinsha ga noreru no?Kenta, can you ride a unicycle?
- 健太 Kentaうん、練習して乗れるようになったよ。un, renshuu shite noreru you ni natta yo.Yeah, I practiced and became able to ride one.
- 陽葵 Himariすごい！私にも教えて！sugoi! watashi ni mo oshiete!Amazing! Teach me too!
- 健太 Kentaいいよ。一緒に練習しよう。ii yo. issho ni renshuu shiyou.Sure. Let's practice together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unicycle” translations and entries 一輪車, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
