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 (rōmaji chari)

(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

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

This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.