braai
/brɑːi/
In Afrikaans, braai refers to a social gathering where meat and other foods are grilled over an open fire.
The word braai functions as both a noun for the social event itself and a verb for the act of grilling food over an open fire. While it is similar to a barbecue, a braai specifically emphasizes the use of wood or charcoal over an open flame rather than a controlled appliance.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a regular verb, the present tense form is braai and the past tense form is braai het.
How do you pronounce it?
/brɑːi/
When do people say it?
In South African culture, a braai is more than just cooking food. It is a central social ritual involving friends and family.
Did you know?
- In South Africa, the braai is such a cultural staple that the country has an official national holiday called 'Heritage Day' which is colloquially known as 'National Braai Day'.
- English speakers may be surprised to find that the Afrikaans braai is a linguistic relative of the English word 'broil'.
- While the word refers to the food and the event, the person in charge of the fire is often given a high level of respect and even a certain degree of 'authority' during the gathering.
Examples in context
- Nou gaan ons braaiWe are going to braai nowThis sentence shows how to use braai to express a future intention.
- Nou gaan ons braai!Now we braai!This sentence uses braai to express an immediate or general action.
- Ek mag nie vleis in my tuin braai nie.I am not allowed to braai meat in my garden.This sentence demonstrates how to use braai within a negative sentence regarding meat.
Example conversation
Johan and Nicola are deciding on their weekend plans.
- JohanWil jy en ek vanaand braai?Do you and I want to braai tonight?
- NicolaJa, dit klink heerlik.Yes, that sounds lovely.
- JohanEk sal die kole regmaak.I will get the coals ready.
- NicolaEk sal die vleis bring.I will bring the meat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry braai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries braai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
