自転車

じてんしゃ

bicycle

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Overview

The word 自転車 (じてんしゃ) means "bicycle" in Japanese. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation to refer to the two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling.

Usage and Context

自転車 is used in various contexts such as commuting, exercise, or leisure. It is often combined with verbs like 行く (to go), 買う (to buy), or 乗る (to ride). The word is neutral in formality and can be used in casual and polite speech.

Common Collocations

  • 自転車に乗る (じてんしゃにのる): to ride a bicycle — the most common action associated with 自転車.
  • 自転車で行く (じてんしゃでいく): to go by bicycle — indicates the mode of transportation.
  • 自転車の鍵 (じてんしゃのかぎ): bicycle key — refers to the lock key.

Tips for Learners

Be careful not to confuse 自転車 with バイク (motorbike) or オートバイ (motorcycle). 自転車 always refers to a pedal-powered bicycle. When talking about riding a bicycle, the particle に is used with 乗る (乗るに自転車 is incorrect; correct is 自転車に乗る).

Using 自転車 in daily conversation is very common, especially when discussing transportation or hobbies.

Example Sentences

まいあさ、じてんしゃでがっこうにいきます。

I go to school by bicycle every morning.

あたらしいじてんしゃをかいました。

I bought a new bicycle.

じてんしゃのかぎをなくしてしまいました。

I lost the key to my bicycle.