Welcome to the vibrant world of Arabic cuisine! To truly appreciate it, you need to understand the ingredients. This comprehensive guide will teach you the names of vegetables in Arabic and give you the practical phrases you need for a successful trip to any Arab market.
The Arabic word for “vegetables” is خَضْراوات (khaḍrawāt), a term that’s a direct cousin of the word for “green” (أَخْضَر, akhḍar). Let’s expand your vocabulary so you can fill your basket with confidence!
Vegetables in Arabic
Learning the names of vegetables in arabic is a crucial step for any learner, opening up a world of conversation about delicious meals, market trips, and local traditions. This vocabulary will not only help you navigate grocery stores but also allow you to appreciate the rich, fresh ingredients that form the foundation of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Your Shopping List: Essential Vegetables (الخضروات الأساسية)
When you’re at the market, some vegetables are simply non-negotiable. These are the building blocks of classic Middle Eastern dishes and the ones you’ll use most often. Here’s a list of must-know terms to get you started.
- Onion in Arabic: بَصَل (baṣal) – A fundamental ingredient in almost every savory dish. Asking for onion in arabic is a phrase you’ll use often.
- Garlic in Arabic: ثَوْم (thawm) – The aromatic partner to onions.
- Carrot in Arabic: جَزَر (jazar) – A sweet and crunchy vegetable used in salads, stews, and juices. This keyword, jazar, is simple and easy to remember.
- Cucumber in Arabic: خِيَار (khiyār) – The small, crisp arabic cucumber is a local favorite, different from the larger varieties.
- Tomato in Arabic: طَمَاطِم (ṭamāṭim) – An absolute must-have for salads, sauces, and countless other recipes.
- Potato in Arabic: بَطَاطَا (baṭāṭa) – The versatile potato is a favorite in Arab kitchens.
- Eggplant in Arabic: بَاذِنْجَان (bādhinjān) – Also known as egg plant in arabic, this vegetable is the star of iconic dishes like musakka and baba ghanoush.
- Zucchini in Arabic: كُوسَا (kūsā) – The kusa vegetable in arabic is a popular choice for stuffing and is found in many stews.
- Corn in Arabic: ذُرَة (dhura) – Whether you call it corn in arabic or maize in arabic, this word will get you what you need.
- Lettuce in Arabic: خَسّ (khaṣṣ) – The base of many fresh salads.
- Spinach in Arabic: سَبَانِخ (sabānikh) – A leafy green used in pies and stews.
- Mushrooms in Arabic: فِطْر (fiṭr) or مَشْرُوم (mashrūm) – Used in a variety of dishes.
Discovering Seasonal Produce
Part of the joy of shopping at a local market is discovering what’s fresh and in season. Learning the names for seasonal vegetables helps you connect with the local rhythm of cooking and eating.
Spring Vegetables in Arabic (خضروات الربيع)
As the weather warms, markets are filled with light and crisp vegetables. These fresh finds are perfect for new salads and refreshing meals.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Peas in Arabic | بَازِلَّاء (bāzilāʼ) |
| Artichoke in Arabic | خَرْشُوف (kharshūf) |
| Fennel in Arabic | شَمَار (shamār) |
| Green Beans in Arabic | فَاصُولِيَا خَضْراء (fāṣūliyā khaḍrāʼ) |
| Asparagus in Arabic | هِلْيَوْن (hilyawn) |
| Radish in Arabic | فُجْل (fujl) |
| Parsley in Arabic | بَقْدُونِس (baqdūnis) |
| Mint in Arabic | نَعْنَاع (naʻnāʻ) |
| Cilantro in Arabic | كُزْبَرَة (kuzbara) |
Summer Vegetables in Arabic (خضروات الصيف)
Summer brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables that thrive in the sun. You’ll find juicy vegetables perfect for grilling and salads to beat the heat.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Bell Pepper in Arabic | فِلْفِل (filfil) |
| Okra in Arabic | بَامِيَة (bāmiya) |
| Pumpkin in Arabic | يَقْطِين (yaqṭīn) |
| Cucumber in Arabic | خِيَار (khiyār) |
| Corn in Arabic | ذُرَة (dhura) |
| Green Onion in Arabic | بَصَل أَخْضَر (baṣal akhḍar) |
| Chili Pepper in Arabic | فِلْفِل حَار (filfil ḥār) |
| Squash in Arabic | قَرْع (qarʻ) |
| Beetroot in Arabic | شَمَنْدَر (shamandar) |
Autumn Vegetables in Arabic (خضروات الخريف)
As the temperature cools, root vegetables and hearty squashes take center stage. These are perfect for warming stews and comforting roasted dishes.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato in Arabic | بَطَاطَا حُلْوَة (baṭāṭa ḥulwa) |
| Cauliflower in Arabic | قَرْنَبيط (qarnabīṭ) |
| Broccoli in Arabic | بُرُوكْلِي (brūkli) |
| Parsnip in Arabic | جَزَر أَبْيَض (jazar abyad) |
| Cabbage in Arabic | كُرُنْب (kurunb) |
| Butternut Squash in Arabic | يَقْطِين بُطَاطَا (yaqṭīn buṭāṭa) |
| Leek in Arabic | كُرَّاث (kurrāth) |
| Turnip in Arabic | لِفْت (lift) |
| Celery in Arabic | كَرَفْس (karafs) |
Winter Vegetables in Arabic (خضروات الشتاء)
Winter brings a selection of robust, earthy vegetables that are perfect for rich and nourishing meals. You’ll find these in hearty soups and baked dishes.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Beetroot in Arabic | شَمَنْدَر (shamandar) |
| Turnip in Arabic | لِفْت (lift) |
| Spinach in Arabic | سَبَانِخ (sabānikh) |
| Kohlrabi in Arabic | لِفْت أَلْمَانِي (lift almānī) |
| Leek in Arabic | كُرَّاث (kurrāth) |
| Celery in Arabic | كَرَفْس (karafs) |
| Swiss Chard in Arabic | سِلْق (silq) |
| Endive in Arabic | هِنْدِبَاء (hindibāʼ) |
| Fava Beans in Arabic | فُول (fūl) |
Beyond Vegetables: Legumes and Nuts
A trip to an Arabic food market isn’t complete without checking out the staples of the pantry. Learning the terms for these categories is key to understanding the foundation of many dishes.
Legumes (البقوليات)
Legumes, or alboqoliyat, are a cornerstone of the Arabic diet, providing essential protein and flavor in a variety of beloved meals.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Lentils in Arabic | عَدَس (ʻadas) |
| Chickpeas in Arabic | حِمَّص (ḥimmaṣ) |
| Fava Beans in Arabic | فُول (fūl) |
| Beans in Arabic | فَاصُولِيَا (fāṣūliyā) |
Nuts (المكسرات)
Nuts, or Almokasarat, are used in everything from desserts to savory dishes. They’re also a popular snack and a great source of energy.
| English Name | Arabic Name (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| Almonds in Arabic | لَوْز (lawz) |
| Walnuts in Arabic | جَوْز (jawz) |
| Pistachios in Arabic | فُسْتُق (fustuq) |
| Cashews in Arabic | كَاجُو (kājū) |
Practice Your Arabic: More Phrases for the Market
Now that you have more vocabulary, here are some practical phrases to use while shopping. Don’t be afraid to try them out—you’ll find that vendors are always happy to help!
| English Phrase | Arabic Phrase (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| “I want one kilo of potatoes.” | أُرِيدُ كِيلُو مِنْ البَطَاطَا – urīdu kīlū min al-baṭāṭa |
| “How much are the onions?” | بِكَمْ البَصَل؟ – bikam al-baṣal? |
| “Is this fresh?” | هَلْ هَذَا طَازَج؟ – hal hādhā ṭāzaj? |
| “Do you have eggplant?” | هَلْ عِنْدَكَ بَاذِنْجَان؟ – hal ʻindaka bādhinjān? |
| “I will take three cucumbers.” | سَآخُذُ ثَلَاثَة خِيَارَات – saʼākhudhu thalāthata khiyārāt |
| “I need some carrots.” | أَحْتَاجُ بَعْضَ الجَزَر – aḥtāju baʻḍa al-jazar |
| “Can I have this?” | هَلْ يُمْكِنُنِي أَنْ آخُذَ هَذَا؟ – hal yumkinunī an ākhudha hādhā? |
| “How much does a kilo of this cost?” | بِكَمْ كِيلُو مِنْ هَذَا؟ – bikam kīlū min hādhā? |
| “Is this squash ripe?” | هَلْ هَذَا الْقَرْع نَاضِج؟ – hal hādhā al-qarʻ nāḍij? |
| “I prefer the green peppers.” | أُفَضِّلُ الفِلْفِل الْأَخْضَر – ufaḍḍilu al-filfil al-akhḍar |
| “Do you have fresh mint?” | هَلْ لَدَيْكَ نَعْنَاع طَازَج؟ – hal ladayka naʻnāʻ ṭāzaj? |
| “I will buy half a kilo of lemons.” | سَأَشْتَرِي نِصْفَ كِيلُو مِنَ اللَّيْمُون – saʼashtarī niṣfa kīlū min al-laymūn |
| “Please, can you give me a bag?” | مِنْ فَضْلِكَ، هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ إِعْطَائِي كِيْسًا؟ – min faḍlika, hal yumkinuka iʻṭāʼī kīsan? |
| “This vegetable is delicious.” | هَذِهِ الْخَضْراوَاتُ لَذِيذَة – hadhihi al-khaḍrawātu ladhīdha |
Conclusion
You’ve now taken a great first step in your Arabic journey by learning essential vegetables in Arabic and practical market phrases. To turn this new vocabulary into fluent conversation, consistent practice is key. Keep your learning momentum going and download the Kaleela app to continue building your language skills today!
