braai: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare outside Southern AfricaInformal, Regional (Southern African)
Quick answer
What does “braai” mean?
To grill food over hot coals or an open fire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To grill food over hot coals or an open fire.
A social gathering centered around cooking food outdoors over a grill or fire, often involving a party or celebration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in general British or American English. In the UK, one might say 'barbecue' or 'BBQ'; in the US, 'barbecue', 'grill', or 'cookout'.
Connotations
For English speakers from Southern Africa, 'braai' connotes a specific, culturally-rich social event. For others, it is a foreign loanword with no specific connotation.
Frequency
Zero frequency in general British or American corpora. High frequency in South African and Namibian English.
Grammar
How to Use “braai” in a Sentence
[NP] braais [NP] (He braais the meat)[NP] has a braai[NP] is at a braaiVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “braai” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They braaied the lamb chops until they were perfectly done.
- He braais almost every weekend in summer.
American English
- We're going to braai some steaks and sausages.
- Can you braai the chicken while I prepare the salad?
adverb
British English
- The fish was cooked braai-style.
American English
- He prepared the meal braai-style.
adjective
British English
- He's a true braai master.
- We need more braai wood.
American English
- This is a great braai spot.
- She brought her special braai sauce.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in marketing for Southern African tourism or food exports.
Academic
Rare; appears in anthropological or sociolinguistic studies of Southern Africa.
Everyday
Common in Southern African English; otherwise unknown.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “braai”
- Using it as a synonym for any grill (e.g., gas grill). A braai typically uses wood or charcoal.
- Using it in non-Southern African contexts without explanation.
- Spelling it as 'bry' or 'bray'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is similar but carries stronger cultural connotations. A braai specifically implies cooking over wood or charcoal (not gas) and is as much about the social gathering as the food.
Only if you are explaining a South African cultural practice. In general American English, it would be misunderstood or seen as an obscure foreign term.
Meats like steaks, lamb chops, boerewors (a type of sausage), and sosaties (kebabs) are common. Side dishes like 'pap' (maize porridge) and salads are also typical.
It is used as both a noun ('Let's have a braai') and a verb ('I will braai the chicken').
To grill food over hot coals or an open fire.
Braai is usually informal, regional (southern african) in register.
Braai: in British English it is pronounced /brɑɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɑɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a braai without boerewors.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BRAzilians Also Invite people to a barbecue, but in South Africa it's a BRAAI.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL GATHERING IS A FIRE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'braai' for someone unfamiliar with the term?