seemeeu
The Afrikaans word for seagull is seemeeu.
The term refers to a common web-footed bird that lives near the sea.
What does it mean word for word?
The word seemeeu is a compound of see, meaning sea and meeu, meaning gull.
Did you know?
- South Africans often distinguish between the seemeeu and the keelmeeu (black-headed gull), using the word keel which means 'throat'.
- The term keelmeeu uses the word keel, which in many contexts can also mean 'throat' or even 'anger' in certain Afrikaans idioms.
- While 'seagull' in English is a very common term, Afrikaans speakers sometimes use the more specific strandmeeu to refer to gulls specifically found on the shore.
Examples in context
- Daar was 'n paar seevoëls op die strand.There were a few seagulls on the beach.
- Die seevoël vlieg elegant oor die oseaan.The seagull flies gracefully over the ocean.
- Ek het 'n pragtige soutwatermeeu by die hawe gesien.I saw a beautiful saltwater seagull at the harbor.
- Die seemeeu vlieg hoog.The seagull flies high.
- Daar is 'n seemeeu op die sand.There is a seagull on the sand.
- Pasop vir daardie honger seemeeu!Watch out for that hungry seagull!
Example conversation
Nicola and Andries are walking along the coast.
- NicolaKyk daar na daardie groot seemeeu!Look at that big seagull!
- AndriesHy lyk baie honger.He looks very hungry.
- NicolaEk dink hy wil my brood hê.I think he wants my bread.
- AndriesMoenie vir hom iets gee nie, Nicola.Don't give him anything, Nicola.
