Swahili · Food & Drink
yai
Egg
Beginnernoun
Definition
An egg laid by a hen; plural mayai.
Example
Ninakula mayai mawili kila asubuhi.
I eat two eggs every morning.
Etymology
'Yai' comes from the Arabic word 'بَيضَة' (bayda), reflecting the influence of Arabic on Swahili vocabulary, particularly in food contexts.
How & Where It’s Used
'Yai' is primarily used in informal settings, especially when referring to meals or recipes. The term is widespread among Swahili speakers in East Africa.