जीरा
jīrā/d͡ʒiː.ɾɑː/
The English word "cumin" is translated into Hindi as जीरा (jīrā). Wiktionary also lists ज़ीरा (zīrā).
Meaning: its seed used as spice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ज़ीरा | zīrā | /ziː.ɾɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) /d͡ʒiː.ɾɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| जीरा | jīrā | /d͡ʒiː.ɾɑː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
This term refers to the seed used as a spice.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides two variations: ज़ीरा (zīrā) and जीरा (jīrā).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is jīrā. It consists of two syllables: /dʒiː.ɾɑː/.
Did you know?
- The Sanskrit ancestor जीरक is related to the root 'to digest' or 'to facilitate digestion', reflecting the spice's traditional medicinal role.
- In many Indian households, जीरा water is consumed as a traditional digestive aid, where the seeds are soaked overnight and the water is drunk on an empty stomach.
- While they sound almost identical, ज़ीरा is a Persian loanword, whereas जीरा is an ancient word inherited from the Sanskrit word जीरक.
Examples in context
- जीरा बहुत खुशबूदार होता है।jeera bahut khushbudaar hota hai.Cumin is very aromatic.
- क्या आपके पास जीरा है?kya aapke paas jeera hai?Do you have cumin?
- दाल में जीरा डाल दो।daal mein jeera daal do.Put some cumin in the lentils.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing lunch.
- राहुल Rahulक्या हमें जीरा चाहिए?kya humein jeera chahiye?Do we need cumin?
- पूजा Poojaहाँ, थोड़ा सा जीरा ला दो।haan, thoda sa jeera la do.Yes, please bring a little cumin.
- राहुल Rahulयह रहा जीरा।yeh raha jeera.Here is the cumin.
- पूजा Poojaशुक्रिया, राहुल।shukriya, Rahul.Thank you, Rahul.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cumin” translations and entries ज़ीरा, जीरा, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ज़ीरा, जीरा, CC BY-SA 4.0.
