braai

USAGE SUMMARY

"braai" is a correct word and is used in some varieties of written English.
It is a noun from the Afrikaans language, and is used to refer to a type of barbeque or outdoor social event at which food is cooked and served. Example sentence: We enjoyed a delicious braai with friends last weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food & Drink

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The kitchen is roomy too, with a braai (barbecue) on the balcony.

The Guardian - Travel

He arranged the tour around our wishes: transport was in a comfortable 4x4 and he cooked a mean meal on the braai – all on a limited budget.

The Guardian - Travel

You don't have to be on a long hike to stay here, though: with a play area, a communal braai and cycling paths through the milkwood trees, it also appeals to outdoorsy families keen to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

The Guardian - Travel

The bodies of his victims were burned in pyres of wood and car tyres while the assassins stood around drinking and cooking meat in a grim parody of South Africa's famed braai, or barbecue.

The Economist

But it is now proving divisive.The holiday falls in the southern hemisphere's spring, offering a chance for the first braai of the season.

The Economist

But the beloved braai is at the centre of controversy over the rebranding of a September 24th bank holiday.

The Economist

The weekend "braai" (barbecue) is a ritual soaked in the legend of the Boer hunter; participants like beef, and lots of it.Trying to sell food across the colour bar is not impossible.

The Economist

The other main roads to the capital are controlled by militants.In this section Lighting a dark continent Unrest in the home of peace TG it's braai day Too many chiefs Houthis take over ReprintsThe army appears to be more serious about defending the city than surrounding settlements.

The Economist

But therein lies the problem: in a country still largely racially segregated, the vast majority of people braai with their own ilk.

The Economist

The official patron is Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who declared with a characteristic giggle that, "the braai, like rugby and sunny skies, is in our DNA!"In this section Lighting a dark continent Unrest in the home of peace TG it's braai day Too many chiefs Houthis take over ReprintsTo some South Africans, the rebranding is oblivious of the past.

The Economist

Nigeria, which has a population three times larger than South Africa's, generates just a tenth as much electricity.In this section Lighting a dark continent Unrest in the home of peace TG it's braai day Too many chiefs Houthis take over ReprintsPower from private generators costs $0.35 per kilowatt-hour or more, ten times more than electricity from the grid in most other countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider clarifying that a "braai" is South Africa's equivalent of a barbecue to ensure comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "braai" interchangeably with "barbecue" in contexts where the South African cultural significance is irrelevant or could cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "braai" is as a noun, referring to a barbecue or a social gathering centered around grilling. It can also function as a verb, meaning 'to barbecue'. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "braai" functions as a central element in describing social events and culinary practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

30%

Food & Drink

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "braai" is a South African word that describes a barbecue or grilling event. Analysis from Ludwig AI shows that it functions primarily as a noun but can also be used as a verb. It's commonly used in news, travel, and food-related content. When used outside of South Africa, providing context might be useful. The word carries a strong cultural significance, representing more than just cooking; it symbolizes community and tradition. While interchangeable with "barbecue" in some contexts, it's best to be aware of its origins and usage. Ludwig AI validates that "braai" is a recognized and used term, particularly within its cultural sphere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barbecue

Refers to a similar cooking method, but is more general and lacks the specific cultural connotation of "braai".

shisa nyama

Synonymous term, from South Africa, referring to an informal barbecue party with meats grilled.

barbeque party

Highlights the social event aspect, similar to a "braai", focusing on the gathering.

grilling session

Focuses on the act of grilling, but does not necessarily imply a social gathering.

outdoor cookout

Emphasizes the outdoor setting and cooking, similar to a "braai", but less specific.

open-air barbecue

Highlights the outdoor setting, adding the barbeque aspect.

cookout

Another term for an outdoor gathering where food is cooked, generally interchangeable in many contexts.

backyard barbecue

Specifies the location of the barbeque, making it more specific than "braai".

grill party

Focuses on grilled food and socializing.

heritage day barbecue

Referencing a specific holiday barbecue occasion.

FAQs

How to use "braai" in a sentence?

"Braai" is typically used as a noun to describe a barbecue or as a verb meaning to barbecue. For example, "We're having a "braai" this weekend" or "I'm going to "braai" some boerewors."

What is a "braai"?

A "braai" is a South African word for a barbecue or grill. It also refers to the social custom of having a barbecue.

What can I say instead of "braai"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "barbecue", "cookout", or "grilling party".

Is it appropriate to use the term "braai" outside of South Africa?

Yes, but it's helpful to provide context or explanation, especially if your audience is unfamiliar with South African culture. For instance, you could say, "We're having a "braai", which is a South African barbecue."