Meaning
Operating a bicycle
Cultural Background
In rural Bangladesh, the bicycle is the primary mode of transport for teachers and small traders. It is often decorated with colorful stickers and tassels. The 'Sabujsathi' project has made bicycles a symbol of student life. Seeing groups of students in uniform cycling together is a common sight. Despite heavy traffic, Friday mornings see hundreds of cyclists on the streets for 'Critical Mass' rides to promote cycling lanes. Bicycles are often used in films to depict nostalgia, simple village life, or the beginning of a romance.
Verb Consistency
Remember that 'chalano' is used for cars, buses, and bikes. Mastering this one verb helps you talk about all transport.
Avoid 'Kora'
Never say 'Saikel kora'. It is the most obvious sign of a non-native speaker.
Meaning
Operating a bicycle
Verb Consistency
Remember that 'chalano' is used for cars, buses, and bikes. Mastering this one verb helps you talk about all transport.
Avoid 'Kora'
Never say 'Saikel kora'. It is the most obvious sign of a non-native speaker.
Use 'Chaliye'
To say 'by bike', use 'Saikel chaliye' (literally: having driven the cycle). Example: 'Ami saikel chaliye eshechi' (I came by bike).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'চালানো'.
আমি প্রতিদিন বিকেলে সাইকেল ______।
For 'I' (আমি) in the present tense, the verb 'চালানো' becomes 'চালাই'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
'চালাতে পারা' is the correct way to express the ability to ride a bike.
Match the Bengali phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard tense variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
রহিম: তুমি কি স্কুলে হেঁটে যাও? করিম: না, আমি ______ যাই।
'সাইকেল চালিয়ে যাওয়া' (going by riding a bike) is the most natural expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you can 'Chalano'
Vehicles
- • সাইকেল (Cycle)
- • গাড়ি (Car)
- • বাস (Bus)
Machines
- • সেলাই মেশিন (Sewing Machine)
- • কম্পিউটার (Computer - sometimes)
- • পাখা (Fan - sometimes)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesআমি প্রতিদিন বিকেলে সাইকেল ______।
For 'I' (আমি) in the present tense, the verb 'চালানো' becomes 'চালাই'.
Select the correct sentence:
'চালাতে পারা' is the correct way to express the ability to ride a bike.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard tense variations of the phrase.
রহিম: তুমি কি স্কুলে হেঁটে যাও? করিম: না, আমি ______ যাই।
'সাইকেল চালিয়ে যাওয়া' (going by riding a bike) is the most natural expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any context, from talking to friends to writing a newspaper article.
In urban areas, people will understand 'drive kora', but it sounds like 'Benglish'. 'Chalano' is much better.
The simple past is 'চালিয়েছি' (chaliyechi - I have ridden) or 'চালিয়েছিলাম' (chaliyechilam - I rode).
You say: 'আমি সাইকেল চালানো শিখছি' (Ami saikel chalano shikhchi).
Yes, 'সাইকেল আরোহী' (Saikel arohi), but usually people just say 'যে সাইকেল চালায়' (the one who rides a bike).
Related Phrases
গাড়ি চালানো
similarDriving a car
রিকশা চালানো
similarPulling/driving a rickshaw
ঘোড়ায় চড়া
contrastRiding a horse
প্যাডেল করা
specialized formTo pedal
