自転車

• Reading: じてんしゃ
• Romaji: jitensha
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji) — self; 転 (ten) — turn, revolve; 車 (sha) — vehicle
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑi.teɴ.ɕa/

Meaning

Bicycle; bike. A very common mode of transport in Japan, especially for short commutes.

A noun meaning bicycle. Japan is a bicycle-friendly country, and many people ride 自転車 to school, work, or the train station. Most Japanese cities have dedicated bicycle parking areas near stations. The word literally means 'self-turning vehicle.'

Examples

1. 学校まで自転車で十五分です。 It's fifteen minutes to school by bicycle.
2. 駅の前に自転車を止めました。 I parked my bicycle in front of the station.
3. 日曜日に友達と自転車に乗りました。 I went cycling with my friend on Sunday.

Usage Guide

Context: commuting, school, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 自 (self), 転 (turn/revolve), and 車 (vehicle). Coined in the Meiji era as a translation for 'bicycle.'

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal