Historically, horsemanship was a critical skill in China, central to military power, transportation, and communication across its vast empire. The image of a warrior or messenger on horseback is a powerful one in Chinese history and art. This is reflected in idioms like 马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng), meaning “instant success,” which literally translates to “success upon the horse's arrival.” In a more modern context, the object of 骑 (qí) has shifted dramatically, mirroring China's societal changes. In the late 20th century, China became known as the “Kingdom of Bicycles” (自行车王国 - zìxíngchē wángguó). The ability to 骑自行车 (qí zìxíngchē) was a rite of passage and a primary mode of transportation for hundreds of millions of people. Today, while bike-sharing is still popular, the most common vehicle for 骑 (qí) is the electric scooter or e-bike (电动车 - diàndòngchē). The sight of millions of people, especially delivery drivers (known as 骑手 - qíshǒu), zipping through city streets on e-scooters is a defining feature of modern urban China. This evolution from 骑马 (riding a horse) to 骑自行车 (riding a bike) to 骑电动车 (riding an e-scooter) provides a fascinating look into China's economic and social development.
骑 (qí) is an everyday verb used for specific modes of transport.
The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 骑 (qí) with 坐 (zuò). The English verb “to ride” covers both, but in Chinese, the distinction is mandatory and based on the physical action. The Rule of Thumb:
Examples of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage: