كُسْكُس
kuskusmasculine
The English phrase "couscous" is كُسْكُس (kuskus) in Arabic.
كُسْكُس refers to the North African pasta dish.
Meaning: pasta of North African origin (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
While كُسْكُس is the general term, the variation كسكسي is specifically common in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word كُسْكُس is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
kuskus
Did you know?
- Although كُسْكُس is associated with the Arabic language today, the dish and its name have roots in the indigenous Amazigh culture of North Africa.
- In North African Arabic, you may hear the phrase 'couscous of the seven vegetables', referring to a specific ceremonial version of كُسْكُس that uses seven different types of produce for luck and abundance.
- In the Maghreb region, كُسْكُس is not just a food but a symbol of community. It is traditionally served in one large communal platter where everyone eats from the same dish to signify unity and brotherhood.
Examples in context
- هل طهوتِ كُسْكُس اليوم؟Hal tahawti kuskus al-yawm?Did you cook couscous today?
- هذا كُسْكُس لذيذ جداً.Hadha kuskus ladhidh jiddan.This couscous is very delicious.
Example conversation
Laila and Youssef are having dinner at home.
- ليلى Laylaهل تريد كُسْكُس يا يوسف؟Hal turidu kuskus ya Youssef?Do you want couscous, Youssef?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، أنا جائع جداً.Na'am, ana ja'i' jiddan.Yes, I am very hungry.
- ليلى Laylaسأقدم لك كُسْكُس مع الخضار.Sa-uqaddimu laka kuskus ma'a al-khudar.I will serve you couscous with vegetables.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.Shukran laki ya Laila.Thank you, Laila.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “couscous” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
