Language/Xhosa/Vocabulary/Fruits
Hi Xhosa learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn some fruit vocabulary in Xhosa. Fruits are an essential part of our daily diet and knowing the names of fruits in Xhosa could be very useful if you plan to visit a Xhosa speaking country.
Don't forget to check the Find native speakers and ask them any questions to improve your Xhosa language. Also, you can check out the Polyglot Club for more language practice opportunities. 😎
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Below is a table showing the vocabulary words for fruits in Xhosa, English translations, and pronunciations:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| intlungu | in-tloo-ngoo | Banana |
| imfe | im-feh | Avocado |
| ubungqele | oo-boong-gweh-leh | Blueberry |
| indlebe | in-dleh-beh | Apricot |
| ipele | ee-peh-leh | Apple |
| imasipala | ee-ma-see-pa-la | Pineapple |
| intolwana | in-tohl-waa-na | Clementine |
| iqhamuka | ee-khah-moo-ka | Grapefruit |
| imbomvu | im-boh-mvoo | Cherry |
| inhlokozi | in-hloh-koh-zee | Peach |
| iziqhamo | ee-zee-khah-mo | Dates |
| i-grenade | ee-greh-naa-deh | Pomegranate |
| isaphethu | ee-saa-peh-too | Plum |
| i-spongebob | ee-spo-nge-boob | Pineapple (slang term) |
Culture and Fun facts[edit | edit source]
- Xhosa people have a traditional dance called "umgidi" which is done after the harvest season to celebrate the fruits of the season. - The pineapple fruit has a special place in Xhosa culture. In Xhosa tradition, pineapples are used to send important messages during marriage negotiations. If a pineapple is cut in half and served to visitors, it means that they should stay longer as the hosts enjoy their company. But, if they are served with the leaves still attached, it means that the guests should leave immediately.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
To make learning more effective, we've come up with a dialogue between two people. Read and practice the pronunciation:
- Person 1: Ufunani na imfe? (Do you want an avocado?)
- Person 2: Ewe, ndifuna imfe. (Yes, I want an avocado.)
- Person 1: Ndikhangele ukuba uzi jonga kwi-imeyile. (Please show me where the avocado is.)
- Person 2: Le lentlungu ichaphazele kaloku. I-Avocado ibe iile. (This banana is also ripe already. The avocado should be ready.)
- Person 1: Enkosi, ndizakucela naleyo. (Thank you, I will take that.)
- Person 2: Mandiziqhelise kwakhona kulemonti. (Let me finish this clementine)
- Person 1: Yebo. Andikwazi ukucela ukutya i-intolwana namhlanje kuba ndikhangele amaza. ( Yes, I cannot buy the clementine now because I need water.)
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Xhosa Vocabulary - Fruits and Vegetables
- English to Xhosa Meaning of fruit - isithelo
- Nineteenth-century Xhosa literature
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Feelings and Emotions
- Greetings
- Animals
- How to say Good Bye?
- Clothes
- Colors
- Numbers
- Geography
- Drinks
- Days of the Week