aisikulimi
The Samoan word for ice cream is aisikulimi.
aisikulimi is a noun used to refer to the frozen dessert.
Meaning: dessert (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word aisikulimi is a loanword directly from the English phrase 'ice cream'.
Did you know?
- While aisikulimi refers to the dessert, the term for 'ice' in a general sense is ili, which comes from a completely different linguistic root than the English-based dessert name.
- Samoan grammar requires no plural form for aisikulimi when referring to multiple scoops, as the context or a number word handles the quantity.
- Because Samoan words traditionally end in vowels, the English consonant cluster in 'ice cream' is broken up by adding vowels to create the smooth sound of aisikulimi.
Example conversation
Tau and Talisa are at a small shop.
- TauTalisa, e te manao i se aisikulimi?Talisa, do you want an ice cream?
- TalisaIoe Tau, ou te manao.Yes Tau, I do.
- TauO le a le lanu o lau aisikulimi?What color is your ice cream going to be?
- TalisaSe fe'e vanda, fa'amolemole.Vanilla, please.
