irayisi
The Zulu word for rice is irayisi.
This noun refers to the seeds used as food.
Meaning: seeds used as food (noun)
Did you know?
- The word irayisi is a loanword derived from the English 'rice'.
- In Zulu culture, rice is generally viewed as a modern convenience or luxury rather than a traditional indigenous staple like amabele (sorghum).
- The prefix i- in irayisi marks it as a noun in the class used for many borrowed words and some natural objects.
Examples in context
- Ngifuna ukuthenga irayisi.I want to buy rice.
- Ngicela unginike irayisi.Please give me some rice.
Example conversation
Thulani and Thandeka are planning their dinner menu.
- ThulaniSizidla ini namuhla, Thandeka?What are we eating today, Thandeka?
- ThandekaNgicabanga ukuthi sipheke irayisi.I think we should cook rice.
- ThulaniKulungile, ngizoyilanda ekhishini.Alright, I will get it from the kitchen.
- ThandekaNgiyabonga, Thulani.Thank you, Thulani.
