What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
velo
Example
Je vais au travail en velo. (I go to work by bike.) [velo: noun]
Example
Nous avons fait une balade en velo dans la campagne. (We went for a bike ride in the countryside.) [velo: noun]
cycle
Example
I cycle to work every day. [cycle: verb]
Example
He's been training hard for the cycling competition next month. [cycling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cycle is more commonly used than velo in everyday language, especially in British English-speaking countries. Cycle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while velo is less common and mainly used in French-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between velo and cycle?
While cycle is typically associated with a formal and competitive tone, velo is more informal and casual, making it suitable for informal conversations and leisurely activities.
