Translation guide
Expressing the idea of two or more people riding together in a vehicle, on a bike, or on an animal. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on the vehicle, the relationship between riders, and whether they are sharing a ride or simply traveling in the same vehicle.
Two or more people traveling together in a car or similar vehicle, often implying they are going to the same destination or sharing the ride.
I rode in the car together with my friend.
Would you like to ride together to the station?
More formal term meaning 'to ride together' or 'to be a passenger in the same vehicle'. Often used in official contexts or when talking about riding with someone of higher status.
I had the honor of riding in the company president's car.
Specifically means 'to share a ride' or 'to carpool'. Often used for sharing taxis or rides with strangers to split costs.
We shared a taxi and saved on the fare.
Two people riding on one bicycle or motorcycle, one as the rider and one as the passenger.
Standard term for two people riding on a single bicycle or motorcycle. Often used in traffic rules context (e.g.,禁止).
Riding double on a bicycle is dangerous.
We rode double on the motorcycle to the beach.
Literally 'to let someone ride on the back'. Used when the speaker is the rider and offers a ride to someone else.
I'll give you a ride on the back.
Literally 'to ride on the back'. Used when the speaker is the passenger.
I rode on the back of his motorcycle.
Two people riding on the same animal, typically a horse.
Being on the same train, bus, etc., not necessarily sharing a seat, but traveling together.
相乗り emphasizes sharing a ride, often to split costs or as a carpool. 同乗 is formal and often implies riding with a superior or in an official capacity. 一緒に乗る is the most general and casual way to say 'ride together'.
to share a taxi
to ride in the president's car
to ride the train with a friend
二人乗り specifically refers to two people on a bicycle or motorcycle. Do not use it for cars or other vehicles.
Riding double on a bicycle is prohibited.
I rode a horse together with her.