How to Pronounce Mate, Yerba and Bombilla
Mate is said "MAH-teh" with two syllables, not like the English word "mate". It is a small detail that makes you sound like you have been drinking it for years.
Mate
Say "MAH-teh": a long first syllable and a short, soft second one. The word means both the drink and the cup it is served in.
Yerba
In Argentina it is often said "SHER-bah". In many other Spanish-speaking places you will hear "YER-bah". Both are understood.
Bombilla
Say "bom-BEE-sha" in Argentina, or "bom-BEE-ya" elsewhere. It is the metal straw with a filter.
Cebador
Say "seh-bah-DOR". It is the person who prepares and serves the mate to the group.
Quick answers
Is mate pronounced like the English word?
No. It has two syllables: MAH-teh.
What does yerba mate mean?
Yerba means herb in Spanish, so yerba mate is the herb used to prepare mate.
Now that you can say it, try your first mate.
MATEAR Imperial Mate Kit, Stainless Steel Cup Wrapped in Handmade Leather, with Bombilla