Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Bicycle'

English Word: Bicycle

Key Russian Translations:

• велосипед [vʲɪləsʲɪˈpʲet] - [Common, Neutral]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner)

Pronunciation (Russian):

велосипед: [vʲɪləsʲɪˈpʲet]

Note on велосипед: Stress falls on the last syllable, which is common for many Russian nouns of foreign origin. The "е" sounds like "ye" in "yes."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling

Translation(s) & Context:

• велосипед - General term for a bicycle, used in all contexts (everyday speech, formal writing, etc.).

Usage Examples:

• Я езжу на велосипеде каждый день.

  I ride a bicycle every day.

• У него новый горный велосипед.

  He has a new mountain bike.

• Где можно арендовать велосипед?

  Where can I rent a bicycle?

• Велосипед сломался, и я не могу поехать.

  The bicycle broke down, and I can’t ride.

• Она купила детский велосипед для своего сына.

  She bought a children’s bicycle for her son.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

велосипед is a masculine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• велик (informal, colloquial)

Note: "велик" is a shortened, informal version of "велосипед," often used in casual speech among friends or younger people.

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable (as "bicycle" does not have a direct opposite in common usage).

Related Phrases:

• горный велосипед - Mountain bike, used for off-road cycling.
• ездить на велосипеде - To ride a bicycle, a common expression for the activity.
• велосипедная дорожка - Bicycle lane, referring to a designated path for cyclists.

Usage Notes:

• The term "велосипед" is the standard and most widely used word for "bicycle" in Russian. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• The informal "велик" should be avoided in formal writing or speech, as it may sound overly casual or childish.
• In Russian, when talking about riding a bicycle, the preposition "на" (on) is used, as in "ездить на велосипеде" (to ride on a bicycle).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong preposition when talking about riding a bicycle. English speakers might mistakenly say "в велосипеде" (in a bicycle) instead of "на велосипеде" (on a bicycle).

  Incorrect: Я езжу в велосипеде.

  Correct: Я езжу на велосипеде.

  Explanation: In Russian, "на" is used for vehicles or modes of transport you sit on, such as bicycles, horses, or motorcycles.

• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation. Beginners often stress the first syllable of "велосипед" instead of the last.

  Incorrect pronunciation: [ˈvʲɪləsʲɪpʲet]

  Correct pronunciation: [vʲɪləsʲɪˈpʲet]

  Explanation: Stress on the last syllable is critical for correct pronunciation and understanding.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, bicycles are popular for both recreation and commuting, especially in urban areas with dedicated bike lanes. However, in rural areas or smaller towns, they might be less common due to infrastructure limitations. The word "велосипед" itself is a loanword from French ("vélo" + "pède"), reflecting the historical influence of European languages on Russian vocabulary.

Related Concepts:

• мотоцикл (motorcycle)
• самокSAVE (scooter)
• транспорт (transport)