دَرَّاجَة
دَرَّاجَة in 30 Seconds
- A feminine noun meaning 'bicycle' in Arabic, derived from the root d-r-j.
- Commonly used for transport, exercise, and leisure across all Arabic dialects.
- Requires the adjective 'hawai'iyya' for precision and 'naariyya' for motorcycles.
- A key vocabulary word for A2 learners focusing on daily routines and hobbies.
- Morphology
- The word follows the 'fa''aalah' pattern, which is a common Arabic noun pattern used for tools, instruments, or machines that perform a repetitive action.
أُحِبُّ رُكُوبَ الـدَرَّاجَةِ فِي الصَّبَاحِ الْبَاكِرِ. (I love riding the bicycle in the early morning.)
- Social Context
- In many Arab countries, the bicycle was traditionally seen as a child's plaything or a delivery tool for shops, but this perception is shifting rapidly toward sports and fitness.
اشْتَرَى لِي أَبِي دَرَّاجَةً جَدِيدَةً بِمُنَاسَبَةِ عِيدِ مِيلادِي. (My father bought me a new bicycle for my birthday.)
- Regional Variations
- While 'darraajah' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) term, you might hear 'bisiklet' in Lebanon or parts of North Africa, derived from the French 'bicyclette'.
هَلْ تَعْرِفُ كَيْفَ تُصْلِحُ الـدَرَّاجَةَ؟ (Do you know how to fix the bicycle?)
الـدَرَّاجَةُ وَسِيلَةُ نَقْلٍ صَدِيقَةٌ لِلْبِيئَةِ. (The bicycle is an eco-friendly means of transport.)
تَسَابَقَ الأَطْفَالُ بِـدَرَّاجَاتِهِمْ فِي الْحَدِيقَةِ. (The children raced with their bicycles in the park.)
- Grammar Tip
- Remember that in a possessive construction (Idafa), the 'Ta Marbuta' of 'darraajah' is pronounced as a 't'. Example: 'darraajat al-walad' (the boy's bike).
يَذْهَبُ أَحْمَدُ إِلَى عَمَلِهِ بِالـدَرَّاجَةِ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ. (Ahmed goes to his work by bicycle every day.)
هَذِهِ الـدَرَّاجَةُ قَدِيمَةٌ وَلَكِنَّهَا تَعْمَلُ جَيِّدًا. (This bicycle is old but it works well.)
- Verbal Usage
- The verb 'to cycle' can be expressed as 'rakaba al-darraajah' or more formally as 'mumaarasat riyaadat al-darraajaat' (practicing the sport of cycling).
سَقَطَ الْوَلَدُ عَنِ الـدَرَّاجَةِ وَأَصَابَ رُكْبَتَهُ. (The boy fell off the bicycle and hurt his knee.)
أَيْنَ رَكَنْتَ دَرَّاجَتَكَ؟ (Where did you park your bicycle?)
تَحْتَاجُ الـدَرَّاجَةُ إِلَى صِيَانَةٍ دَوْرِيَّةٍ. (The bicycle needs regular maintenance.)
- News & Media
- Reporters often use 'darraajah' when discussing 'Tour de France' or local races like 'Tour of Oman'.
أَعْلَنَتِ الْبَلَدِيَّةُ عَنْ مَسَارَاتٍ جَدِيدَةٍ لِلـدَرَّاجَاتِ. (The municipality announced new paths for bicycles.)
يُفَضِّلُ الْكَثِيرُونَ اسْتِخْدَامَ الـدَرَّاجَةِ لِتَجَنُّبِ الازْدِحَامِ. (Many prefer using the bicycle to avoid traffic congestion.)
- Daily Life
- In the 'Souq' (market), you might hear people shouting to make way for a delivery bicycle.
هَلْ يُمْكِنُنِي اسْتِئْجَارُ دَرَّاجَةٍ هُنَا؟ (Can I rent a bicycle here?)
رَأَيْتُ مَجْمُوعَةً مِنَ الـدَرَّاجَاتِ فِي السِّبَاقِ. (I saw a group of bicycles in the race.)
تُعْتَبَرُ الـدَرَّاجَةُ رِيَاضَةً مُمْتِعَةً. (Cycling is considered an enjoyable sport.)
- Pronunciation Pitfall
- Ensure you emphasize the 'Ra' sound. It is not 'darajah' (degree), but 'dar-raajah' (bicycle).
خَطَأ: دَرَّاجَة كَبِير. صَوَاب: دَرَّاجَة كَبِيرَة. (Wrong: Big bike [masc]. Right: Big bike [fem].)
- Vocabulary Confusion
- Do not confuse 'darraajah' with 'sayyaarah' (car) or 'haafilah' (bus). Even though they are all feminine vehicles, their usage is distinct.
خَطَأ: أَرْكَبُ الـدَرَجَة. صَوَاب: أَرْكَبُ الـدَرَّاجَة. (Wrong: I ride the degree. Right: I ride the bicycle.)
تَأَكَّدْ مِنْ ضَبْطِ سُرْعَةِ الـدَرَّاجَةِ. (Make sure to adjust the speed of the bicycle.)
اشْتَرَيْتُ دَرَّاجَاتٍ كَثِيرَةً لِلْمَحَلِّ. (I bought many bicycles for the shop.)
- Comparison: Darraajah vs. 'Ajala
- 'Darraajah' is Modern Standard Arabic and used in all formal writing. ''Ajala' is Egyptian dialect and very informal.
يُطْلِقُ الْمِصْرِيُّونَ عَلَى الـدَرَّاجَةِ اسْمَ 'عَجَلَة'. (Egyptians call the bicycle 'ajala'.)
- Related Vocabulary
- 'Sibaat al-darraajaat' (cycling race), 'khuudhat al-darraajah' (bicycle helmet).
تُفَضِّلُ أُخْتِي الـدَرَّاجَةَ الثَّابِتَةَ فِي الصَّالَةِ الرِّيَاضِيَّةِ. (My sister prefers the stationary bike in the gym.)
الـدَرَّاجَةُ النَّارِيَّةُ أَسْرَعُ مِنَ الـدَرَّاجَةِ الْهَوَائِيَّةِ. (The motorcycle is faster than the bicycle.)
نَظَّمَ النَّادِي جَوْلَةً بِالـدَرَّاجَاتِ حَوْلَ الْمَدِينَةِ. (The club organized a bicycle tour around the city.)
How Formal Is It?
"تُعَدُّ الدَّرَّاجَةُ وَسِيلَةَ نَقْلٍ مُسْتَدَامَةً."
"اشْتَرَيْتُ دَرَّاجَةً لِلرِّيَاضَةِ."
"خُد الْعَجَلَة وَرُوح السُّوق."
"دَرَّاجَتِي تَدُورُ وَتَدُورُ!"
"سَيْكَلِي مَشْرُوخ."
Fun Fact
The same root gives us 'darajah' (degree/grade), because both concepts involve moving from one point to another in a sequence.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as 'darajah' (one 'r'), which means 'degree'.
- Pronouncing the 'j' as a hard 'g' like in 'go'.
- Shortening the long 'aa' vowel.
- Forgetting the 'h' sound at the end (though it's often silent in casual speech, the 't' appears in Idafa).
- Using a flat English 'r' instead of a rolled Arabic 'r'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read due to common letters and standard feminine ending.
The 'shadda' and 'long alif' require attention to detail.
Rolling the 'r' with a shadda can be tricky for beginners.
Distinctive sound makes it easy to recognize in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gender Agreement
الدَّرَّاجَةُ السَّرِيعَةُ (The fast bicycle) - Both are feminine.
Preposition 'Bi'
بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ (By bicycle) - Used for instruments/means.
Sound Feminine Plural
دَرَّاجَة -> دَرَّاجَات (Replacing Ta Marbuta with Alif-Ta).
Idafa Construction
دَرَّاجَةُ سَارَةَ (Sarah's bicycle) - The first noun loses its nunation.
Object Case (Mansub)
أَقُودُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ (I drive the bicycle) - Ends with fatha.
Examples by Level
عِنْدِي دَرَّاجَةٌ حَمْرَاءُ.
I have a red bicycle.
Notice the feminine adjective 'hamraa' matching the feminine noun 'darraajah'.
الدَّرَّاجَةُ جَدِيدَةٌ.
The bicycle is new.
The 'Ta Marbuta' at the end of 'darraajah' makes it feminine.
أَيْنَ الدَّرَّاجَةُ؟
Where is the bicycle?
A simple question using the definite article 'al-'.
هَذِهِ دَرَّاجَتِي.
This is my bicycle.
The suffix '-i' indicates possession (my).
أُحِبُّ دَرَّاجَتِي.
I love my bicycle.
A basic Subject-Verb-Object sentence.
الدَّرَّاجَةُ فِي الْحَدِيقَةِ.
The bicycle is in the garden.
Using the preposition 'fi' (in).
رَكِبَ الْوَلَدُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ.
The boy rode the bicycle.
Past tense verb 'rakiba'.
دَرَّاجَةٌ صَغِيرَةٌ.
A small bicycle.
Indefinite noun-adjective pair.
أَذْهَبُ إِلَى الْمَدْرَسَةِ بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ.
I go to school by bicycle.
The preposition 'bi' is used for means of transport.
اشْتَرَى أَبِي لِي دَرَّاجَةً جَمِيلَةً.
My father bought me a beautiful bicycle.
The noun 'darraajah' is the direct object (mansub).
هَلْ تَعْرِفُ رُكُوبَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ؟
Do you know how to ride a bicycle?
Using the verbal noun (Masdar) 'rukuub'.
أُفَضِّلُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ عَلَى السَّيَّارَةِ.
I prefer the bicycle over the car.
Using the verb 'ufaddilu' (I prefer).
الدَّرَّاجَةُ النَّارِيَّةُ سَرِيعَةٌ جِدًّا.
The motorcycle is very fast.
Distinguishing the 'fire cycle' (motorcycle).
نَظَّفْتُ دَرَّاجَتِي أَمْسِ.
I cleaned my bicycle yesterday.
Past tense with the time adverb 'amsi'.
يُوجَدُ مَحَلُّ دَرَّاجَاتٍ قَرِيبٌ.
There is a bicycle shop nearby.
Plural 'darraajaat' in an Idafa construction.
سَقَطْتُ عَنِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ وَلَكِنِّي بِخَيْرٍ.
I fell off the bicycle but I am fine.
The preposition 'an' means 'off' or 'from' here.
رُكُوبُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ يُقَوِّي عَضَلَاتِ الرِّجْلَيْنِ.
Cycling strengthens the leg muscles.
Subject is the Masdar 'rukuub al-darraajah'.
تُسَاهِمُ الدَّرَّاجَةُ فِي حِمَايَةِ الْبِيئَةِ مِنَ التَّلَوُّثِ.
The bicycle contributes to protecting the environment from pollution.
Using the verb 'tusaahimu fi' (to contribute to).
يَجِبُ أَنْ تَرْتَدِيَ الْخُوذَةَ عِنْدَ رُكُوبِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
You must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
Using the modal 'yajibu an' (must).
اسْتَعَرْتُ دَرَّاجَةَ صَدِيقِي لِلذَّهَابِ إِلَى النَّادِي.
I borrowed my friend's bicycle to go to the club.
Idafa construction: 'darraajat sadiiqi'.
تُعْتَبَرُ الدَّرَّاجَةُ الْهَوَائِيَّةُ وَسِيلَةَ نَقْلٍ اِقْتِصَادِيَّةً.
The bicycle is considered an economical means of transport.
Passive verb 'tu'tabaru' (is considered).
هَلْ هُنَاكَ مَسَارَاتٌ خَاصَّةٌ لِلدَّرَّاجَاتِ فِي مَدِينَتِكَ؟
Are there special paths for bicycles in your city?
Plural 'darraajaat' with the preposition 'li-' (for).
تَعَلَّمْتُ رُكُوبَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ عِنْدَمَا كُنْتُ فِي السَّادِسَةِ.
I learned to ride a bicycle when I was six.
Using 'indama' (when) to connect clauses.
تَعَطَّلَتْ دَرَّاجَتِي وَأَنَا فِي طَرِيقِي إِلَى الْبَيْتِ.
My bicycle broke down while I was on my way home.
The verb 'ta'attalat' (broke down) matches the feminine subject.
تَسْعَى الْحُكُومَةُ لِتَشْجِيعِ الْمُوَاطِنِينَ عَلَى اسْتِخْدَامِ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ.
The government seeks to encourage citizens to use bicycles.
Using 'tas'a li-' (to seek to).
أَصْبَحَ سِبَاقُ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ رِيَاضَةً شَعْبِيَّةً فِي الْمِنْطَقَةِ.
Cycling races have become a popular sport in the region.
The verb 'asbaha' (to become) for change of state.
تَتَمَيَّزُ هَذِهِ الدَّرَّاجَةُ بِإِطَارٍ خَفِيفٍ مَصْنُوعٍ مِنَ الأَلْيَافِ الْكَرْبُونِيَّةِ.
This bicycle features a lightweight frame made of carbon fiber.
Technical vocabulary: 'al-alyaaf al-karbuuniyya'.
إِنَّ الِاعْتِمَادَ عَلَى الدَّرَّاجَةِ يُقَلِّلُ مِنَ الِاحْتِبَاسِ الْحَرَارِيِّ.
Reliance on the bicycle reduces global warming.
Abstract noun 'al-i'timaad' (reliance).
تَطَوَّرَتْ تِكْنُولُوجِيَا الدَّرَّاجَاتِ الْكَهْرُبَائِيَّةِ بِشَكْلٍ مَلْحُوظٍ.
Electric bicycle technology has developed remarkably.
Adverbial phrase 'bi-shaklin malhuuz' (remarkably).
تُوَاجِهُ الدَّرَّاجَاتُ تَحَدِّيَاتٍ كَبِيرَةً فِي الشَّوَارِعِ الْمُزْدَحِمَةِ.
Bicycles face great challenges in crowded streets.
Verb 'tuwaajihu' (to face) with a plural object.
يُمْكِنُ طَيُّ هَذِهِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ لِتَوْفِيرِ الْمِسَاحَةِ فِي الشَّقَّةِ.
This bicycle can be folded to save space in the apartment.
Passive-like construction 'yumkinu tayyu'.
قَامَ الدَّرَّاجُ بِرِحْلَةٍ طَوِيلَةٍ عَبْرَ الْقَارَّةِ بِدَرَّاجَتِهِ.
The cyclist took a long journey across the continent with his bicycle.
The noun 'darraaj' (cyclist) comes from the same root.
تَعْكِسُ الدَّرَّاجَةُ فِي فِيلْمِ 'وَجْدَة' تَطَلُّعَاتِ الْجِيلِ الْجَدِيدِ.
The bicycle in the film 'Wadjda' reflects the aspirations of the new generation.
Literary analysis using 'ta'kisu' (reflects).
إِنَّ انْتِشَارَ ثَقَافَةِ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ يَتَطَلَّبُ بِنْيَةً تَحْتِيَّةً مُتَطَوِّرَةً.
The spread of cycling culture requires a sophisticated infrastructure.
Complex phrase 'binya tahtiyya' (infrastructure).
تُعَدُّ الدَّرَّاجَةُ رَمْزًا لِلْحُرِّيَّةِ الْفَرْدِيَّةِ وَالِاسْتِقْلَالِيَّةِ.
The bicycle is considered a symbol of individual freedom and independence.
Philosophical use of 'ramz' (symbol).
نَاقَشَ الْبَاحِثُونَ الدَّوْرَ السُّوسِيُولُوجِيَّ لِلدَّرَّاجَةِ فِي الْمُجْتَمَعَاتِ النَّامِيَةِ.
Researchers discussed the sociological role of the bicycle in developing societies.
Academic register with 'al-dawr al-suusiyuuluuji'.
لَمْ تَعُدِ الدَّرَّاجَةُ مُجَرَّدَ لُعْبَةٍ، بَلْ أَدَاةً لِلتَّغْيِيرِ الِاجْتِمَاعِيِّ.
The bicycle is no longer just a toy, but a tool for social change.
Structure 'lam ta'ud... bal' (no longer... but).
تَتَطَلَّبُ صِيَانَةُ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ الِاحْتِرَافِيَّةِ مَهَارَةً تِقْنِيَّةً عَالِيَةً.
Maintenance of professional bicycles requires high technical skill.
Adjective 'ihtiraafiyya' (professional).
أَدَّى ارْتِفَاعُ أَسْعَارِ الْوَقُودِ إِلَى طَفْرَةٍ فِي مَبِيعَاتِ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ.
The rise in fuel prices led to a boom in bicycle sales.
Economic term 'tafrah' (boom/surge).
يُمَثِّلُ التَّدَرُّجُ فِي تَعَلُّمِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ مِثَالاً حَيًّا عَلَى اكْتِسَابِ الْمَهَارَاتِ.
Gradualism in learning the bicycle represents a living example of skill acquisition.
Using 'tadarruj' (gradualism) from the same root.
تَتَجَلَّى فَلْسَفَةُ التَّوَازُنِ فِي أَبْهَى صُوَرِهَا عِنْدَ قِيَادَةِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
The philosophy of balance is manifested in its finest forms when riding a bicycle.
Highly formal verb 'tatajalla' (manifests).
إِنَّ التَّمَاهِيَ بَيْنَ الإِنْسَانِ وَدَرَّاجَتِهِ يَلْغِي الْفَوَارِقَ بَيْنَ الْآلَةِ وَالْجَسَدِ.
The identification between man and his bicycle eliminates the differences between machine and body.
Abstract term 'al-tamaahi' (identification/merging).
تُثِيرُ الدَّرَّاجَةُ تَدَاعِيَاتٍ نَفْسِيَّةً تَرْتَبِطُ بِذِكْرَيَاتِ الطُّفُولَةِ الْمَنْسِيَّةِ.
The bicycle evokes psychological associations linked to forgotten childhood memories.
Psychological term 'tadaa'iyaat' (associations).
تَجَاوَزَتِ الدَّرَّاجَةُ مَفْهُومَ النَّقْلِ لِتُصْبِحَ مَانِيفِسْتُو لِلْحَيَاةِ الْبَسِيطَةِ.
The bicycle has transcended the concept of transport to become a manifesto for simple living.
Using the loanword 'maanifistoo' (manifesto).
يُعَدُّ الِانْخِرَاطُ فِي ثَقَافَةِ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ نَقْدًا ضِمْنِيًّا لِلنَّزْعَةِ الِاسْتِهْلَاكِيَّةِ.
Engagement in cycling culture is an implicit critique of consumerism.
Critical theory term 'al-naz'a al-istihlaakiyya'.
تَشْهَدُ الْحَوَاكِيرُ الْحَضَرِيَّةُ انْبِعَاثًا لِلدَّرَّاجَةِ كَأَدَاةٍ لِلصُّمُودِ الْبِيئِيِّ.
Urban settings are witnessing a rebirth of the bicycle as a tool for environmental resilience.
Poetic word 'al-hawaakiir' (urban plots/settings).
إِنَّ دِينَامِيكِيَّةَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ تَعْتَمِدُ عَلَى التَّنَاغُمِ بَيْنَ الْقُوَّةِ الطَّارِدَةِ وَالْجَاذِبِيَّةِ.
The dynamics of the bicycle depend on the harmony between centrifugal force and gravity.
Scientific register: 'al-quwwa al-taaridah'.
تَظَلُّ الدَّرَّاجَةُ أَيْقُونَةً خَالِدَةً فِي تَارِيخِ الِابْتِكَارِ الْبَشَرِيِّ.
The bicycle remains an eternal icon in the history of human innovation.
Strong adjective 'khaalidah' (eternal).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To ride the bicycle. The standard verb-noun combination.
رَكِبَ الْوَلَدُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ.
— Children's bicycle. Used for small bikes.
اشْتَرَيْتُ دَرَّاجَةَ أَطْفَالٍ لِابْنِي.
— Fixing the bicycle. Common when it breaks down.
تَصْلِيحُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ مُكْلِفٌ.
— Bicycle for sale. Seen in classified ads.
رَأَيْتُ لَافِتَةً: دَرَّاجَةٌ لِلْبَيْعِ.
— Old bicycle. Often used for nostalgia or scrap.
عِنْدِي دَرَّاجَةٌ قَدِيمَةٌ فِي الْمَخْزَنِ.
— World cycling race. Used in sports news.
فَازَ فِي سِبَاقِ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ الْعَالَمِيِّ.
— Bicycle handlebar. A specific part.
أَمْسِكْ مِقْوَدَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ جَيِّدًا.
— Bicycle wheel. Used when discussing tires.
عَجَلَةُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ مَفْقُودَةٌ.
Often Confused With
Means 'degree' or 'grade'. It lacks the shadda on the 'r' and the long 'alif'.
Means 'chicken'. It has a 'jeem' instead of a 'ra' after the 'dal'.
Means 'drawer'. It is masculine and much shorter.
Idioms & Expressions
— Life is like riding a bicycle. You must keep moving to keep your balance.
تَذَكَّرْ أَنَّ الْحَيَاةَ مِثْلُ رُكُوبِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
Philosophical— The bicycle of the wind. Used poetically for something very fast.
انْطَلَقَ كَأَنَّهُ عَلَى دَرَّاجَةِ الرِّيحِ.
Poetic— A bicycle without a handlebar. Refers to a situation out of control.
الْمَشْرُوعُ الآنَ مِثْلُ دَرَّاجَةٍ بِلَا مِقْوَدٍ.
Metaphorical— To go in a cycle. Refers to something repetitive.
تَدُورُ الأَيَّامُ دَوْرَةَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
Literary— To ride the bicycle of dreams. To be idealistic or delusional.
هُوَ يَرْكَبُ دَرَّاجَةَ الأَحْلَامِ وَلَا يَرَى الْوَاقِعَ.
Informal— Fell off the bicycle of luck. To experience a sudden misfortune.
بَعْدَ الْخَسَارَةِ، شَعَرَ أَنَّهُ سَقَطَ مِنْ دَرَّاجَةِ الْحَظِّ.
Literary— The bicycle of time. Refers to the passing of years.
دَرَّاجَةُ الْوَقْتِ لَا تَتَوَقَّفُ.
Poetic— To lead the bicycle of change. To be a pioneer.
الْمُفَكِّرُ يَقُودُ دَرَّاجَةَ التَّغْيِيرِ فِي الْمُجْتَمَعِ.
Formal— A bicycle in the wind. Something fragile or vulnerable.
مُسْتَقْبَلُهُ مِثْلُ دَرَّاجَةٍ فِي مَهَبِّ الرِّيحِ.
Literary— With the power of a bicycle. Meaning with simple, human effort.
أَنْجَزَ الْعَمَلَ بِقُوَّةِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
InformalEasily Confused
Both start with 'darraajah'.
The second word 'naariyya' (fire) specifies it has an engine.
اشْتَرَى أَخِي دَرَّاجَةً نَارِيَّةً سَرِيعَةً.
Both are feminine vehicles.
A car has four wheels and an engine; a bike has two and pedals.
السَّيَّارَةُ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ.
Both are feminine transport nouns.
A bus is for many people; a bike is for one.
أَرْكَبُ الْحَافِلَةَ لِلْمَسَافَاتِ الطَّوِيلَةِ.
Both are vehicles.
A cart or carriage, often pulled by animals or pushed.
عَرَبَةُ التَّسَوُّقِ مَلِيئَةٌ.
Similar 'fa''aalah' pattern.
An airplane flies; a bike stays on the ground.
سَافَرْتُ بِالطَّيَّارَةِ إِلَى مِصْرَ.
Sentence Patterns
هَذِهِ [اسم]
هَذِهِ دَرَّاجَةٌ.
[اسم] + [صفة]
دَرَّاجَةٌ زَرْقَاءُ.
أَذْهَبُ بِـ [اسم]
أَذْهَبُ بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ.
أُرِيدُ أَنْ [فعل]
أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَرْكَبَ الدَّرَّاجَةَ.
[اسم] مَصْنُوعٌ مِنْ [مادة]
الدَّرَّاجَةُ مَصْنُوعَةٌ مِنَ الْحَدِيدِ.
بِسَبَبِ [اسم]، [فعل]
بِسَبَبِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ، تَحَسَّنَتْ صِحَّتِي.
رَغْمَ أَنَّ [جملة]، إِلَّا أَنَّ [جملة]
رَغْمَ أَنَّ الدَّرَّاجَةَ بَطِيئَةٌ، إِلَّا أَنَّهَا مُفِيدَةٌ.
يُعَدُّ [اسم] رَمْزاً لِـ [اسم]
تُعَدُّ الدَّرَّاجَةُ رَمْزاً لِلْبَسَاطَةِ.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very common in daily life, sports, and environmental discussions.
-
Saying 'darraajah sarii''
→
دَرَّاجَة سَرِيعَة
Adjectives must be feminine to match 'darraajah'.
-
Pronouncing it 'darajah'
→
دَرَّاجَة
The missing shadda changes the meaning to 'degree'.
-
Using 'sayyaarah' for bike
→
دَرَّاجَة
Don't confuse different vehicles; 'sayyaarah' is a car.
-
Writing 'darraajah' with a 'tha'
→
دَرَّاجَة
It starts with a 'dal' (د), not a 'tha' (ث).
-
Using 'fi' instead of 'bi' for transport
→
بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ
In Arabic, you travel 'with/by' (bi) a vehicle, not 'in' (fi) it when it's a bike.
Tips
Feminine Agreement
Always match your adjectives to the feminine 'darraajah'. Say 'darraajah sarii'a' (fast bike), not 'darraajah sarii''.
The Shadda
Don't forget to double the 'r' sound. It's 'dar-raajah'. If you say 'darajah', people will think you mean 'degree'.
Precision
Use 'darraajah hawai'iyya' in formal writing to be 100% clear you are talking about a bicycle.
Egyptian Slang
If you are in Cairo, use 'ajala' (wheel) to sound like a local when talking about your bike.
Parts of the Bike
Learn 'ajala' (wheel) and 'miqwad' (handlebar) to describe your bike in more detail.
Helmet
The word for helmet is 'khuudha'. Always mention 'khuudhat al-darraajah' for safety contexts.
Action Verbs
Use 'rakiba' for the act of getting on/riding and 'qaada' for the act of steering/driving.
Plural Rules
The plural 'darraajaat' is used for all types of cycles. It is a 'sound feminine plural'.
Transportation
The preposition 'bi-' is your best friend for transport. 'Bi-l-darraajah' is the standard way to say 'by bike'.
Media
Watch the movie 'Wadjda' to hear 'darraajah' used in a powerful cultural story.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Dar-Raajah'. 'Dar' sounds like 'door'. Imagine a bicycle leaning against a DOOR while a RAGE (raajah) of cyclists passes by.
Visual Association
Visualize the two 'R's in the word (due to the shadda) as the two wheels of the bicycle.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'darraajah' in a sentence describing your favorite color and a destination.
Word Origin
From the Arabic root د-ر-ج (d-r-j), which relates to walking, stepping, or moving gradually. This root is ancient and found in various Semitic languages.
Original meaning: A thing that moves in steps or degrees. In the context of a bicycle, it refers to the rhythmic, circular motion of the pedals.
Semitic -> Afroasiatic -> Arabic.Cultural Context
In some traditional areas, adult women riding bicycles might still be viewed with curiosity, though this is changing rapidly in urban centers.
English speakers might assume 'bike' always means bicycle, but in Arabic, 'darraajah' is often specified as 'hawai'iyya' (air) to avoid motorcycle confusion.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Commuting
- أَذْهَبُ بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ
- مَسَارُ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ
- رَكْنُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ
- زَحْمَةُ السَّيَّارَاتِ
Shopping
- كَمْ سِعْرُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ؟
- دَرَّاجَةٌ لِلْكِبَارِ
- ضَمَانُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ
- تَخْفِيضَاتٌ عَلَى الدَّرَّاجَاتِ
Repair
- الْعَجَلَةُ مَثْقُوبَةٌ
- سِلْسِلَةُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ
- زَيْتُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ
- مِضَخَّةُ هَوَاءٍ
Sports
- سِبَاقُ الدَّرَّاجَاتِ
- لِيَاقَةٌ بَدَنِيَّةٌ
- دَرَّاجٌ مُحْتَرِفٌ
- مَسَافَةٌ طَوِيلَةٌ
Childhood
- دَرَّاجَةٌ بِثَلَاثِ عَجَلَاتٍ
- تَعَلَّمَ الرُّكُوبَ
- هَدِيَّةُ عِيدِ الْمِيلَادِ
- لَعِبَ فِي الشَّارِعِ
Conversation Starters
"هَلْ تُحِبُّ رُكُوبَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ فِي وَقْتِ فَرَاغِكَ؟ (Do you like riding a bicycle in your free time?)"
"كَمْ مَرَّةً تَسْتَخْدِمُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ فِي الأُسْبُوعِ؟ (How many times do you use the bicycle per week?)"
"مَا هُوَ أَفْضَلُ مَكَانٍ لِقِيَادَةِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ هُنَا؟ (Where is the best place to ride a bike here?)"
"هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ الدَّرَّاجَةَ آمِنَةٌ فِي هَذِهِ الْمَدِينَةِ؟ (Do you think the bicycle is safe in this city?)"
"مَتَى تَعَلَّمْتَ رُكُوبَ الدَّرَّاجَةِ لأَوَّلِ مَرَّةٍ؟ (When did you learn to ride a bicycle for the first time?)"
Journal Prompts
صِفْ أَوَّلَ دَرَّاجَةٍ مَلَكْتَهَا فِي طُفُولَتِكَ وَكَيْفَ كَانَ شُعُورُكَ. (Describe the first bicycle you owned in your childhood and how you felt.)
اُكْتُبْ عَنْ فَوَائِدِ اسْتِخْدَامِ الدَّرَّاجَةِ بَدَلاً مِنَ السَّيَّارَةِ. (Write about the benefits of using a bike instead of a car.)
تَخَيَّلْ مَدِينَةً تَعْتَمِدُ فَقَطْ عَلَى الدَّرَّاجَاتِ، كَيْفَ سَتَكُونُ الْحَيَاةُ فِيهَا؟ (Imagine a city that relies only on bicycles; how would life be there?)
هَلْ رُكُوبُ الدَّرَّاجَةِ رِيَاضَةٌ أَمْ وَسِيلَةُ نَقْلٍ فَقَطْ؟ نَاقِشْ ذَلِكَ. (Is cycling a sport or just a means of transport? Discuss.)
اُكْتُبْ قِصَّةً قَصِيرَةً عَنْ رِحْلَةٍ قُمْتَ بِهَا بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ. (Write a short story about a journey you took by bicycle.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is feminine because it ends with a Ta Marbuta (ة). This means you must use feminine adjectives like 'sarii'a' (fast) and feminine demonstrative pronouns like 'hadhihi' (this).
You say 'Arkabu al-darraajah' (أَرْكَبُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ). The verb 'rakiba' is the most common one used for bikes.
'Darraajah' is the general term, often implying a bicycle (hawai'iyya). 'Darraajah naariyya' specifically means a motorcycle (literally 'fire cycle').
The plural is 'darraajaat' (دَرَّاجَات). It follows the regular feminine plural pattern by adding 'aat' at the end.
Yes, it is Modern Standard Arabic and is understood everywhere. However, in Egypt, 'ajala' is more common in the street, and in Lebanon, 'bisiklet' is frequent.
Yes, a cyclist is called a 'darraaj' (دَرَّاج) for a male and 'darraajah' (same as bike) or 'darraajatu' for a female, though 'darraaj' is the common profession/hobby name.
You say 'darraajah jabaliyya' (دَرَّاجَة جَبَلِيَّة). 'Jabaliyya' comes from 'jabal', which means mountain.
The root is D-R-J (د-ر-ج), which relates to steps, degrees, and moving gradually.
Use the preposition 'bi' attached to the definite article: 'bi-l-darraajah' (بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ).
This happens in an 'Idafa' (possession) construction, like 'darraajat al-walad' (the boy's bike), where the Ta Marbuta is pronounced as a 't'.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write 'This is my bicycle' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'A red bicycle' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I go to work by bicycle' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'My father bought a bike' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about cycling and health.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I need to fix my bike' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about the benefits of cycling for the environment.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'The motorcycle is faster than the bicycle' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Darraajah' as a symbol.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about the importance of cycling infrastructure.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'The bicycle is new' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I love my bike' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Where is the bicycle shop?' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'I have two bicycles' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'The boy fell off the bike' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'Cycling is an enjoyable sport' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'The city built new bike paths' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write 'You must wear a helmet' in Arabic.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about the history of the bicycle in one sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a philosophical sentence about balance and cycling.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say 'I have a red bicycle' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Where is the bike?' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I go by bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'This is a fast bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explain why you like cycling in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Ask a friend if they have a bike.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe your bike in three sentences.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Talk about the importance of bike helmets.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss the impact of cycling on city traffic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a cycling race you watched.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'New bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Small bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I ride the bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Mountain bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'I fix the bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Bike path' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Electric bike' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Bicycle shop' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say 'Sustainable transport' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Discuss the etymology of the word.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and identify: 'Darraajah'.
Listen: 'Indi darraajah'. What does the speaker have?
Listen: 'Adhhabu bi-l-darraajah'. How are they going?
Listen: 'Darraajah naariyya'. Is it a bike or a motorcycle?
Listen: 'Al-darraajah kabiira'. Is the bike big or small?
Listen: 'Sibaat al-darraajaat'. What event is it?
Listen: 'Masar al-darraajaat'. What is being mentioned?
Listen: 'Khuudhat al-darraajah'. What item is this?
Listen: 'Al-binya al-tahtiyya'. What is the topic?
Listen: 'Al-darraaj al-fa'iz'. Who won?
Listen: 'Darraajah hamraa'. What color?
Listen: 'Darraajah jadeedah'. Is it old or new?
Listen: 'Tashliih al-darraajah'. What is happening?
Listen: 'Darraajah kahruba'iyya'. What type?
Listen: 'Al-himaaya al-bi'iyya'. What is the benefit?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'darraajah' (دَرَّاجَة) is the standard Arabic term for bicycle. It is feminine, follows the 'fa''aalah' pattern for tools, and is essential for discussing transport and fitness. Example: 'I go to school by bicycle' (أَذْهَبُ إِلَى الْمَدْرَسَةِ بِالدَّرَّاجَةِ).
- A feminine noun meaning 'bicycle' in Arabic, derived from the root d-r-j.
- Commonly used for transport, exercise, and leisure across all Arabic dialects.
- Requires the adjective 'hawai'iyya' for precision and 'naariyya' for motorcycles.
- A key vocabulary word for A2 learners focusing on daily routines and hobbies.
Feminine Agreement
Always match your adjectives to the feminine 'darraajah'. Say 'darraajah sarii'a' (fast bike), not 'darraajah sarii''.
The Shadda
Don't forget to double the 'r' sound. It's 'dar-raajah'. If you say 'darajah', people will think you mean 'degree'.
Precision
Use 'darraajah hawai'iyya' in formal writing to be 100% clear you are talking about a bicycle.
Egyptian Slang
If you are in Cairo, use 'ajala' (wheel) to sound like a local when talking about your bike.
Example
ركبتُ دَرَّاجَتي إلى المتجرِ القريب.
Related Content
More travel words
عاد
A1Returned, to return; to come or go back to a place.
عَادَ
A1To return, to go back.
أعود
A1I return, to come or go back to a previous place.
عاصمة
A1Capital city.
عَبَرَ
A2To go across or pass over something, such as a road or border.
عمرة
A2Minor pilgrimage (to Mecca).
عودة
A1Return, coming back (the act of going or coming back).
إِجَازَة
B1A period of time away from work or school for rest or recreation. It can also mean a permit or license in some contexts.
أغادر
A1I leave, to go away from a place or person.
إقلاع
A2Takeoff, the act of ascending into the air.