pula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, financial, geographic/economic context.
Quick answer
What does “pula” mean?
The basic monetary unit of Botswana.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The basic monetary unit of Botswana.
A unit of currency, specifically the currency of Botswana, symbolizing "rain" or "let there be rain" in Setswana, reflecting the value placed on water in a dry country.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in international finance/business contexts. British sources may discuss it more frequently in Commonwealth economic contexts.
Connotations
Neutral financial term. No significant difference in connotation between UK and US usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, encountered almost exclusively in financial reports, travel guides to Botswana, or economic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “pula” in a Sentence
[The] pula + VERB (e.g., fell, rose, strengthened)[Number] + pulaExchange + [currency] + for + pulaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pula” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- pula-denominated bonds
American English
- pula-denominated assets
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The Botswana pula remained stable against major currencies this quarter.
Academic
The introduction of the pula in 1976 was a key moment in Botswana's post-independence economic development.
Everyday
You'll need to exchange your dollars for pula when you arrive in Gaborone.
Technical
The Bank of Botswana manages pula liquidity through its monetary policy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pula”
- Using it as a plural (e.g., 'ten pulas' – correct: 'ten pula').
- Not capitalizing it in running text.
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈpjʊlə/ instead of /ˈpuːlə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In English, 'pula' is used for both singular and plural forms (e.g., one pula, ten pula).
In Setswana, 'pula' means 'rain', which is a blessing in the arid climate of Botswana.
Yes, 'pula' is a valid Scrabble word, referring to the currency.
Yes, the currency symbol for the pula is 'P' (e.g., P100).
The basic monetary unit of Botswana.
Pula is usually formal, financial, geographic/economic context. in register.
Pula: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpuːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpuːlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "PULA pays for things in Botswana, where water (rain) is a PURE luxury." (PULA sounds like 'pure luxury').
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A LIFE-GIVING RESOURCE (from its original meaning of 'rain').
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'pula'?