How to Say “Eat” in 20 Languages —( Rare & Endangered )

Looking for a fun and fascinating way to explore global languages? The word “eat” is one of the most basic actions we do every day—but how is it said around the world? In this post, you’ll discover how to say “eat” in 20 different languages, including rare, indigenous, and endangered tongues.

This is a great resource for language lovers, travelers, or anyone curious about how different cultures express everyday ideas. You might recognize a few, but most will surprise you!

1. Ainu (Japan)

   • Kor (koh-rr) — to eat

2. Tibetan (Central)

   • ཟ་ (za) — [zah] — eat

3. Basque (Spain/France)

   • Jan — [yahn] — eat

4. Mapudungun (Chile/Argentina)

   • Ülka — [ool-kah] — eat

5. Cherokee (USA)

   • ᎦᎵᏉᎩ (gal(i)quogi) — [gah-lee-kwoh-gee] — eat (future tense: will eat)

6. Sami (Northern Europe)

   • Borrat — [bor-raht] — to eat

7. Georgian (Caucasus)

   • ჭამა (ch’ama) — [chah-mah] — eat

8. Kalaallisut (Greenland)

   • Nerivunga — [neh-ree-voong-ah] — I eat

9. Ladino (Judeo-Spanish)

   • Komer — [koh-mehr] — eat

10. Nahuatl (Mexico)

• Cua — [kwah] — to eat

11. Xhosa (South Africa)

• Ukutya — [oo-koo-tyah] — to eat

12. Hmong (China/Southeast Asia)

• Noj — [naw] — eat

13. Inuktitut (Canada)

• Niqiliuq — [nee-kee-lee-ook] — (he/she eats)

14. Manchu (China)

• Futuru — [foo-too-roo] — eat

15. Yuchi (USA)

• T’íhka — [tee-hkah] — to eat

16. Quechua (Andes)

• Mikuy — [mee-kooy] — to eat

17. Romani (Europe)

• Xal — [khal] — eat

18. Sranan Tongo (Suriname)

• Nyan — [nyahn] — to eat

19. Tsou (Taiwan)

• ’ozo — [oh-zoh] — to eat

20. Wolof (Senegal)

• Lekkal — [lehk-kahl] — eat

final thoughts

Language connects us all, and basic words like “eat” give us a glimpse into how different cultures describe shared human experiences. Whether you’re learning languages for fun, research, or personal connection, starting with simple words like this can open the door to deeper understanding.