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PhrasesTalking About HobbiesMi piace andare in bicicletta.
A1informal

Mi piace andare in bicicletta.

I like cycling.

Pronunciation

bi-ci-CLET-ta: stress on third syllable. In informal speech, Italians often shorten this to 'bici' (BEE-chi).

When to use it

Use this when talking about outdoor activities or transport-related hobbies. In Italian, cycling can mean recreational cycling, commuting by bike, or competitive cycling — context will clarify which. It is one of the most beloved Italian pastimes.

What it means

The expression 'andare in bicicletta' (or 'andare in bici') uses the preposition 'in' for vehicles and modes of transport: andare in macchina (drive), andare in treno (go by train), andare in moto (ride a motorbike).

Variations

Vado in bici tutti i fine settimana.

I go cycling every weekend.

Adds frequency — very natural and spoken

Faccio ciclismo agonistico.

I do competitive cycling.

'Agonistico' specifies competitive level

La bicicletta è il mio mezzo di trasporto preferito.

The bicycle is my favourite means of transport.

Frames cycling as lifestyle and commuting

Mini Dialogue

— Come ti piace passare i weekend? — Mi piace andare in bicicletta. — Fai percorsi lunghi? — Sì, la settimana scorsa ho fatto cinquanta chilometri!

— How do you like to spend your weekends? — I like cycling. — Do you do long routes? — Yes, last week I did fifty kilometres!

Cultural Note

Italy is the homeland of cycling champions. The Giro d'Italia is one of the three Grand Tours of professional cycling and a national event. Many Italians cycle recreationally on marked scenic routes ('ciclovie'), especially along the Po Valley and Tuscany.