Language/Xhosa/Vocabulary/Common-Foods
Food is an essential part of culture and society. Knowing the names of common foods in Xhosa can not only help you navigate menus and grocery stores but also give you a deeper understanding of the Xhosa culture. In this lesson, you will learn the names of common foods in Xhosa, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains.
Fruits
Fruits are a great snack and a healthy addition to meals. Here are some common fruits in Xhosa:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| i-apuli | ee-ah-poo-lee | Apple |
| amasi | ah-mah-see | Apricot |
| ubusuku | oo-boo-su-koo | Avocado |
| i-berry | ee-beh-ree | Berry |
| i-peach | ee-peh-ch | Peach |
| i-pear | ee-peh-ah | Pear |
| i-ananas | ee-ah-nah-nahs | Pineapple |
| ikhowa | ee-koh-wah | Mango |
| i-godu | ee-goh-doo | Orange |
| i-lichili | ee-lee-chee-lee | Chili |
| i-kiwi | ee-kee-wee | Kiwi |
| i-lemoni | ee-leh-moh-nee | Lemon |
| i-litchi | ee-lee-chee | Lychee |
| i-orange | ee-oh-rah-nje | Orange |
| i-paw-paw | ee-pow-pow | Papaya |
| i-nuts | ee-noots | Nuts |
| ima-cupu | ee-mah-tchoo-poo | Pineapple |
| i-figy | ee-fee-jee | Fig |
| i-grenate | ee-grey-nah-teh | Pomegranate |
| i-quava | ee-kwa-vah | Guava |
| i-gud | ee-goo-d | Grapefruit |
| i-teytsho | ee-teh-eet-shoh | Tangerine |
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of nutrition, and they are used in many Xhosa dishes. Here are some common vegetables in Xhosa:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| i-apsis | ee-ahp-sis | Asparagus |
| i-broot | ee-broh-oh-t | Beetroot |
| imboga | eem-boh-gah | Cabbage |
| ikarotsi | ee-kah-roh-tsee | Carrots |
| i-ilmik | ee-ihl-meek | Greens |
| imifuno | ee-mee-foo-noh | Sweet potatoes |
| i-khosikazi | ee-koh-see-kah-zee | Cauliflower |
| idulu | ee-doo-loo | Pumpkin |
| i-peperi | ee-peh-peh-ree | Pepper |
| isitshwala | ee-see-chwah-lah | Corn |
| ihlaba lehlabathi | ih-lah-bah leh-lah-bah-tee | Spinach |
| i-lower | ee-loh-wehr | Lettuce |
| imithumba | ee-mee-toom-bah | Tomatoes |
| inyanya | ee-nyah-nyah | Onions |
| iflaiyirawa | ee-fla-ee-rah-wah | Broccoli |
| indenge | ee-n-deh-neh | Eggplant |
| i-qare | ee-kah-reh | Garlic |
| imfino | ee-mee-fee-noh | Wild spinach |
Meats and Proteins
Meat and protein are essential nutrients in any diet. Here are some common meats and proteins in Xhosa:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| idimsa | ee-deem-sah | Beef |
| ivundu | ee-voon-doo | Pork |
| ukutya nyama | oo-koo-tyah nyah-mah | Meat |
| inyama | ee-nyah-mah | Meat |
| infiwe | ee-n-fee-weh | Mutton/Lamb |
| imbewu | eem-beh-woo | Liver |
| intloko | een-tloh-koh | Head |
| amanxeba | ah-mah-n-xeh-bah | Tripe |
| napu | nah-poo | Smoked Beef |
Grains and Starches
Grains and starches are staples in many Xhosa dishes. Here are some common grains and starches:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ubaba | oo-bah-bah | Cornmeal |
| umphokoqo | oo-m-phoh-koh-qoh | Malt |
| usembe | oo-sehm-beh | Bread |
| ujeqe | oo-jeh-kweh | Steamed bread |
| amasi | ah-mah-see | Sour milk |
| ukhuthu | oo-khoo-thoo | Maize meal |
| isijingi | ee-see-jee-nghee | Stewed mealie |
| umngqusho | oo-mng-koo-shoh | Samp and beans |
| isitshwala | ee-see-chwah-lah | Porridge |
| ukutya umnqusho | oo-koo-tyah oom-ng-koo-shoh | Eat samp and beans |
Beverages
Beverages are an important part of meals and social gatherings. Here are some common beverages in Xhosa:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| amanzi | ah-mah-nzee | Water |
| umqombothi | oo-m-koh-m-boh-tee | Traditional Xhosa beer |
| i-kaffir lime | ee-kah-fir leh-m | Kaffir lime |
| i-preMix | ee-preh-meeks | Premixed |
| umqombothi | oo-m-koh-m-boh-tee | Sorghum beer |
| i-ice tea | ee-ice tear | Iced tea |
| i-soda | ee-soh-dah | Soda |
| i-soda pop (cold drink) | ee-soh-dah pohp | Soft drink |
| i-juice | ee-joo-si | Juice |
| i-coffee | ee-koh-fee | Coffee |
| i-tea | ee-teh-ah | Tea |
Now that you know the names of common foods in Xhosa, you can explore Xhosa cuisine more deeply and appreciate the unique flavors and ingredients.