Kiwi is an interesting word with multiple meanings across different languages. In Urdu, kiwi refers to a few different things.
Kiwi as a Fruit
The most common meaning of kiwi in Urdu is the kiwi fruit. Known for its fuzzy brown peel and bright green flesh, the kiwi originated in China but became popular worldwide after being grown in New Zealand. In Urdu, kiwi fruit is called “kiwi”.
Kiwis are oval-shaped fruits about the size of a chicken egg. Their flesh is sweet and tangy with a unique tropical flavor. Inside the flesh are tiny edible black seeds. The fuzzy brown peel is not eaten but must be removed to access the inner fruit.
Kiwis contain lots of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. They have more vitamin C than oranges! Kiwis also provide fiber, antioxidants, and enzymes that aid digestion. Due to their many nutrients and unique taste, kiwis are considered a superfood.
In Urdu, common phrases using the word kiwi include:
- “Mai ne aaj kiwi khai” – I ate kiwi today
- “Kya aapko kiwi pasand hai?” – Do you like kiwi?
- “Kiwi mein bohat sara vitamin C hota hai” – Kiwi contains lots of vitamin C
So when referring to the oval-shaped fruit, kiwi simply means “kiwi fruit” in Urdu.
Kiwi as a Bird
Kiwi also refers to a flightless bird native to New Zealand. Known for its long beak and inability to fly, the kiwi bird is a national symbol of New Zealand.
In Urdu, the kiwi bird is called “kiwi chiriya”. It belongs to the Apteryx genus of birds. Kiwi birds are about the size of a chicken but have hair-like feathers, no tail, a long beak for digging up insects, and nostrils at the tip of their beak.
Some key facts about the kiwi bird in Urdu:
- “Kiwi chiriya urr nahi sakti” – The kiwi bird cannot fly
- “Iski naak lambi aur nuqtawar hai” – It has a long, pointed beak
- “Yeh New Zealand ka national pakshi hai” – It is the national bird of New Zealand
So when referring to the flightless brown bird, kiwi means “kiwi bird” in Urdu.
Kiwi as a Slang Term
In some contexts, kiwi is used as slang in Urdu to refer to someone or something related to New Zealand. This is because kiwi is an iconic symbol of New Zealand.
Some examples of kiwi as slang include:
- “Woh kiwi hai” – He/She is a New Zealander
- “Yeh kiwi team hai” – This is a New Zealand team
- “Kiwi accent” – New Zealand accent
So when used as slang, kiwi loosely refers to anything associated with New Zealand and New Zealanders.
Etymology of “Kiwi”
The origin of the word kiwi is interesting. In the Maori language indigenous to New Zealand, the word “kiwi” refers to the kiwi bird. It is an onomatopoeia imitating the noise the kiwi bird makes.
When the British settlers came to New Zealand, they adopted the Maori name “kiwi” for the unique flightless bird found there. Over time, “kiwi” became used as a nickname for people from New Zealand and anything associated with the country.
The word took on more meanings when New Zealand began exporting kiwi fruit in the 20th century. Kiwi fruit was named after the bird due to their shared fuzzy brown exterior.
So in summary, the original meaning of kiwi is the Maori word for the kiwi bird of New Zealand. All other meanings derive from this origin.
Cultural Significance
Kiwi has become an important part of New Zealand culture and identity. Both the kiwi bird and fruit are national symbols.
The kiwi bird is so cherished in New Zealand that it has been named the national bird. It appears on the 5 cent coin as well as the logo for the rugby team. Kiwi birds are a taonga (treasure) to the indigenous Maori people.
Kiwi fruit also represent New Zealand pride. New Zealand produces the most kiwi fruits globally, exporting millions worldwide. The fruit appears in many New Zealand products and tourists often try kiwi fruit when they visit the country.
Using “kiwi” as a nickname for New Zealanders also shows endearment. New Zealanders often call themselves “Kiwis”. The term connotes friendliness and pride.
So the multiple meanings of kiwi all symbolize different aspects of New Zealand heritage. The word holds a special place in the country’s culture.
Conclusion
In Urdu, kiwi is a multifaceted word with several meanings:
- Most commonly, it refers to the oval-shaped kiwi fruit originating from China but grown in New Zealand
- It can also mean the flightless brown kiwi bird native to New Zealand
- In slang, it loosely refers to anything relating to New Zealand – people, sports teams, products, etc
No matter which meaning, kiwi has become an iconic part of New Zealand’s national identity. Both the kiwi fruit and bird are cherished national symbols. So in Urdu, hearing the word “kiwi” will likely bring to mind images of fuzzy brown birds or oval fruits from New Zealand.
Meaning in Urdu | Definition |
---|---|
Kiwi | Kiwi fruit |
Kiwi chiriya | Kiwi bird |
Kiwi (slang) | Something or someone related to New Zealand |
The kiwi fruit and kiwi bird both represent New Zealand pride and culture. When you hear “kiwi” in Urdu, think fuzzy, brown, and New Zealand!