チャリ

Japanese

Etymology

Short for チャリンコ (charinko).

Occasionally explained as a shortening of チャリオット (chariotto) from English chariot, from the sense of two-wheeled vehicle. However, this appears to be a folk etymology.

Ultimate derivation unknown. See チャリンコ for details.

Pronunciation

• (Tokyo) チャリ [cháꜜrì] (Atamadaka – [1])
• IPA^(key): [t͡ɕa̠ɾʲi]

Noun

チャリ • (chari) 

1. (slang) a bicycle

Usage notes

May have childish overtones. Not used in formal contexts.

Synonyms

• (bicycle): 自(じ)転(てん)車(しゃ) (jitensha)

Derived terms

Derived terms

• チャリ通(つう) (charitsū): commuting by bicycle
• ママチャリ (mamachari): a “mama bike”, with baskets in front and back, or possibly a child seat in back
• ババチャリ (babachari): (pejorative) an “old-lady bike”, a bicycle ridden by an elderly woman

• カマチャリ (kamachari): a “praying mantis bike”, a bicycle with the handlebars turned upwards to resemble the front legs of a praying mantis
• 原(げん)チャリ (genchari): a moped, a scooter