Meaning and Usage
"オートバイ" is the Japanese loanword for "motorcycle." It is commonly used in everyday conversation and written language to refer to motorbikes of various types.
Common Collocations
- オートバイに乗る (ride a motorcycle): a very common phrase used when talking about riding.
- 新しいオートバイ (new motorcycle): often used when discussing buying or owning.
- オートバイの免許 (motorcycle license): related to legal permission to ride.
Usage Notes
When using "オートバイ," speakers often imply motorbikes that are street-legal and used for transportation or leisure. It is a neutral term without strong formality or slang connotations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "オートバイ" with "バイク," which is a more casual and shorter form often used in spoken Japanese. Both mean motorcycle, but "バイク" is more informal and common in daily speech. Using "オートバイ" sounds slightly more formal or technical.