buite

Buite is an Afrikaans word meaning outside, outdoors, or exterior. It functions as an adverb and a preposition, used to indicate location relative to the outside of a place or object. For example, one might say “Ek bly buite” (I live outside) or “Ons eet buite” (We are eating outdoors). The phrase “buite die huis” means outside the house, and “buite die dorp” means outside the town. In everyday speech, buite is common in both casual and formal contexts.

Etymology and relation to Dutch: Buite derives from the historical Dutch spelling and vocabulary that contributed to Afrikaans, and it is closely related to the Dutch word buiten, meaning outside. In standard Dutch, the corresponding form is typically buiten, while buite appears mainly in Afrikaans and in older or regional Dutch spellings. The Afrikaans pronunciation and usage reflect its Cape Dutch roots, developed from 17th-century settlers in the region.

Usage notes: In Afrikaans, buite is widely used and is part of everyday spatial expressions. It can contrast with binne, meaning inside. While budging between languages, speakers should be aware that the Dutch language generally uses buiten, whereas buite is characteristic of Afrikaans and certain historical spellings.

See also: Afrikaans language, Dutch language, outside (general concept).