kirana
In Indian English, a kirana is the neighbourhood convenience store — the local grocer where you grab everyday essentials like spices, pulses, oil, and snacks.
Definitions
In Indian English, a kirana is the neighbourhood convenience store — the local grocer where you grab everyday essentials like spices, pulses, oil, and snacks. Kirana stores are the backbone of Indian retail, run by families and stacked floor-to-ceiling with everything you need. The term has become part of business and fintech conversations as digital payment apps and e-commerce compete to win over these millions of small shops across the country.
I'll stop at the kirana on the corner to grab some dal and cooking oil.
Comments
(India) convenience store.
Kirana means: convenience store.. It is mainly Indian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
kirana means: convenience store.. Register: informal, Indian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
“Citra Kirana: Wajah Baru METOO dengan Inovasi & Positive Vibes”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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