Understanding "自行车" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 自行车
• Pinyin: zì xíng chē
• Literal Meaning: "Self-propelled vehicle"
• Primary Meaning: Bicycle

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "自行车" is the standard term for "bicycle" in Mandarin Chinese. It is used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Unlike English, where "bike" can refer to both bicycles and motorcycles, "自行车" specifically means a pedal-powered bicycle. For motorcycles, Chinese uses "摩托车" (mótuō chē).

• Common in daily life for transportation, exercise, or leisure.

• Character Breakdown:

• 自 (zì): Means "self" or "oneself."
• 行 (xíng): Means "to move" or "to travel."
• 车 (chē): Means "vehicle" or "car."
• Together, the characters literally describe a vehicle that moves by itself (through human effort).

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我每天骑自行车去上班。
   Pinyin: Wǒ měi tiān qí zìxíngchē qù shàngbān.
   English: I ride a bicycle to work every day.

2. Chinese: 这辆自行车很贵，但是质量很好。
   Pinyin: Zhè liàng zìxíngchē hěn guì, dànshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.
   English: This bicycle is expensive, but the quality is very good.

3. Chinese: 在中国，自行车是一种常见的交通工具。
   Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, zìxíngchē shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de jiāotōng gōngjù.
   English: In China, bicycles are a common mode of transportation.

Cultural Notes

• Bicycles have been a significant part of Chinese urban life for decades. In the 20th century, China was known as the "Kingdom of Bicycles" due to their widespread use.
• Today, while cars and public transport have grown, bicycles remain popular, especially with the rise of bike-sharing apps like Mobike and HelloBike.
• Electric bicycles (电动车, diàndòng chē) are also very common, but they are distinct from traditional "自行车."

Conclusion

"自行车" (zì xíng chē) is the Chinese word for "bicycle," literally meaning "self-propelled vehicle." It is a practical and culturally significant term in China, used for transportation, exercise, and leisure. Remember the character breakdown: 自 (self) + 行 (move) + 车 (vehicle) to help reinforce your understanding!