オートバイ

• Reading: おーとばい
• Romaji: ootobai
• Pronunciation: /oː.to.ba.i/

Meaning

Motorcycle; motorbike. A two-wheeled motor vehicle.

A Japanese-English hybrid word combining 'auto' and 'bi(ke).' This is the standard everyday term for motorcycle in Japanese. バイク (baiku) is a shorter, more casual alternative. Riding a motorcycle requires a special licence (二輪免許) in Japan, and helmet laws are strictly enforced.

Examples

1. 弟はオートバイの免許を取りました。 My younger brother got his motorcycle license.
2. オートバイで通勤する人が増えています。 More and more people are commuting by motorcycle.
3. あの赤いオートバイはかっこいいですね。 That red motorcycle looks really cool, doesn't it?

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, vehicles, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) compound from 'auto' + 'bi(cycle/ke).' Created in Japan during the early motorisation period. Not used in English-speaking countries, where 'motorcycle' or 'motorbike' is standard.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal