자전거 — meaning in English: bicycle

jajeongeo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for bike

집주인

jibju

사건

sageon

그릇

geuleus

사실

sasil

자전거

jajeongeo

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 자전거 (jajeongeo) when discussing transportation, fitness, or leisure activities. For example, you might hear someone say, 'I ride my 자전거 to work every day,' especially in cities with bike-friendly infrastructure.

Synonyms & nuances

Another word for bicycle in Korean is 바이크 (bike), which is borrowed from English. While 자전거 is used in everyday conversation, 바이크 might be used more in casual or trendy contexts, particularly among younger speakers.

Culture

The word 자전거 is a compound of '자' (self) and '전거' (vehicle), literally meaning 'self-vehicle.' Bicycles have become increasingly popular in South Korea, especially in urban areas, as part of a movement towards eco-friendly transportation and healthier lifestyles. The rise of bike-sharing programs has also made 자전거 a common sight in parks and along rivers.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 자전거?

The correct pronunciation is 'jajeongeo.' It's broken down into three syllables, with a soft 'j' sound at the beginning. Listening to native speakers can help you master the pronunciation.

Q.How do you say 'I ride a bicycle' in Korean?

'I ride a bicycle' can be translated to '나는 자전거를 타요' (naneun jajeongeoreul tayo). Here, '나는' means 'I,' '자전거를' is 'bicycle' in the object form, and '타요' means 'ride.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 자전거?

One common mistake is confusing 자전거 with the word 자전거를 (jajeongeoreul), which adds an object marker. Remember, 자전거 on its own refers to the noun 'bicycle,' while 자전거를 indicates that you are referring to it in an action context.

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