aarbei
/ˈɑːrˌbɛi̯/
The Afrikaans word for strawberry is aarbei.
aarbei is a noun used to refer to the strawberry, which is an accessory fruit.
Meaning: accessory fruit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of aarbei is aarbeie, which means strawberries.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɑːrˌbɛi̯/
Did you know?
- Afrikaans uses a specific system of diminutive forms, meaning a single small strawberry could be referred to as an aarbeitjie.
- The word aarbei shares the same root as the English word 'earth', as it literally translates to 'earth-berry' in its oldest forms.
- In South African culinary contexts, aarbei is often paired with room to create 'strawberries and cream', a dish that mirrors British colonial influence despite the Germanic roots of the word.
Examples in context
- Ek het 'n heerlike aardbei-ysroomskommel geniet.I enjoyed a delicious strawberry milkshake.
- Kan jy 'n goeie plek aanbeveel om vars aarbeie te koop?Can you recommend a good place to buy fresh strawberries?
- Ek dink aarbeie is die lekkerste vrugte in die somer. Wat dink jy?I think strawberries are the tastiest fruits in the summer. What do you think?
- Ek eet graag 'n vars aarbei.I like eating a fresh strawberry.
- Die aarbei is baie soet.The strawberry is very sweet.
- Wil jy 'n aarbei hê?Do you want a strawberry?
Example conversation
Liezel and Pieter are preparing dessert in the kitchen.
- LiezelPieter, kan jy die aarbei sny?Pieter, can you cut the strawberries?
- PieterJa, ek doen dit nou.Yes, I will do it now.
- LiezelSit asseblief alles in 'n bak.Please put everything in a bowl.
- PieterDit lyk heerlik, Liezel.It looks delicious, Liezel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strawberry” translations and entries aarbei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aarbei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
