icuba
The Xhosa word for cigarette is icuba.
icuba is used to refer to a thin roll of tobacco made for smoking.
Meaning: thin roll of tobacco made for smoking (noun)
Which one should you use?
Isigareti is a formal way to say cigarette in Xhosa.
Did you know?
- Depending on the dialect, the pronunciation of the 'c' in icuba requires a sharp click, a phonetic feature that distinguishes it from the English 'k' sound.
- In many Xhosa-speaking communities, the word icuba can refer to any form of tobacco, including loose leaves or traditional preparations, not just a rolled cigarette.
- The word isigareti is a direct loanword from English, following the phonetic patterns of the Zulu and Xhosa languages.
Examples in context
- Ndifuna icuba nje.I just want a cigarette.
Example conversation
Siyabonga is standing outside and Zoleka asks him for something.
- ZolekaSiyabonga, unalicuba na?Siyabonga, do you have a cigarette?
- SiyabongaEwe, ndinalicuba apha.Yes, I have a cigarette here.
- ZolekaNdicela elinye, ndiyavuza.Please give me one, I am craving one.
- SiyabongaNantsi icuba yakho, Zoleka.Here is your cigarette, Zoleka.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry icuba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
