Meaning

Primary

Wheel

Word Type

noun

Explanation

What part of your car are car rings? The wheels, of course!

But 車輪 isn't just for cars! You'll spot this word rolling along with bicycles, motorcycles, carts, strollers, trolleys… you name it. It has a slightly formal or technical tone, so in everyday talk, you'll more often hear タイヤ (tire) when talking about vehicle wheels.

Reading

しゃりん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 車輪の下

    underneath the wheel

    車輪の回転

    the turn of a wheel

    車輪のあと

    tire tracks

Context Sentences

バイクの車輪が外れてしまいました。

My motorcycle's wheel came off.

え、四角い車輪なんてあるんですか?

Wait, do square wheels exist?

三輪車の車輪で足の小指を打ったんです!

I hit my little toe with the wheel of a tricycle!

Kanji Composition