Is 'thebe' singular or plural?

It is both singular and plural (like 'sheep'). You would say 'one thebe' and 'fifty thebe'.

In which country is thebe used?

It is the fractional currency of Botswana, a country in Southern Africa.

Can I use 'thebes' as the plural?

No, the standard and correct form is 'thebe' for both singular and plural.

What is the origin of the word 'thebe'?

It comes from the Tswana word 'thebe', meaning 'shield', reflecting a symbol of protection for the nation's wealth.

Is “thebe” formal?

Thebe is usually formal, technical (economics, numismatics, travel) in register.

How do you pronounce “thebe”?

Thebe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛbeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛbeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

thebe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1 (Very low frequency; specialized term)

UK/ˈtɛbeɪ/US/ˈtɛbeɪ/

Formal, Technical (Economics, Numismatics, Travel)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “thebe” mean?

A subdivision of currency in Botswana, equating to one hundredth of a Botswana pula.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A subdivision of currency in Botswana, equating to one hundredth of a Botswana pula.

A fundamental unit of monetary measurement, representing the smallest practical denomination in a national economy; metaphorically, something of very little value.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage. Both British and American English use the term only in contexts referring to Botswana.

Connotations

Neutral, technical.

Frequency

Extremely low and equal in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “thebe” in a Sentence

[amount] + thebe (e.g., fifty thebe)thebe + coin

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Botswana thebefive thebecoinpula and thebe

medium

worth a few thebethebe coinsdenomination

weak

loose thebechangecurrency

Examples

Examples of “thebe” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

the thebe coin is rarely seen
a ten-thebe piece

American English

the thebe coin is rarely seen
a ten-thebe piece

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in financial reports or travel expense accounting related to Botswana.

Academic

Appears in economic studies, numismatic catalogues, or geographical texts about Southern Africa.

Everyday

Virtually unused except by travellers to Botswana or currency collectors.

Technical

Standard term in foreign exchange and international finance for the Botswanan currency system.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “thebe”

Neutral

cent (context-dependent)subunitfractional unit

Weak

small change trifle

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “thebe”

pulamajor unitnote dollar

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “thebe”

Using 'thebe' as a plural (it is already plural; the singular is also 'thebe').
Pronouncing it as /ðiːb/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is both singular and plural (like 'sheep'). You would say 'one thebe' and 'fifty thebe'.
: It is the fractional currency of Botswana, a country in Southern Africa.
: No, the standard and correct form is 'thebe' for both singular and plural.
: It comes from the Tswana word 'thebe', meaning 'shield', reflecting a symbol of protection for the nation's wealth.
: A subdivision of currency in Botswana, equating to one hundredth of a Botswana pula.
: Thebe is usually formal, technical (economics, numismatics, travel) in register.
: Thebe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛbeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛbeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“not worth a brass thebe (extremely rare, modelled on 'not worth a brass farthing')”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'THE Botswana E(conomy)' – THE BE is the small change of Botswana.

Conceptual Metaphor

VALUABLE OBJECT IS MONEY / A NATION'S IDENTITY IS ITS CURRENCY.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

One Botswana pula is subdivided into one hundred .

Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between a pula and a thebe?