زیرہ
zeera
The English word "cumin" is زیرہ (zeera) in Urdu.
زیرہ refers to the seed used as a spice.
Meaning: its seed used as spice (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northwestern regions, the term Kala Zeera is used predominantly to refer to black cumin.
How do you pronounce it?
zeera
Did you know?
- The term Kala Zeera refers to a seed that is botanically different from the standard زیرہ, as it often describes Nigella sativa, which is actually a member of the parsley family.
- The Urdu word زیرہ shares its exact same form and origin with the Persian word for the same spice. This makes it a cognate that works seamlessly across both languages.
- In Urdu culture, زیرہ is often used as a primary digestive aid, and it is common to chew a few raw seeds after a heavy meal to help the stomach.
Examples in context
- ہاں، میں نے "zira" اور "zeera" کا استعمال کیا ہے۔Yes, I used both "zira" and "zeera".
- کھانے میں زیرہ ڈالیں۔Khanay mein zeera dalein.Put some cumin in the food.
- مجھے زیرہ چاہیے تھا۔Mujhe zeera chahiye tha.I wanted some cumin.
- کیا یہ زیرہ ہے؟Kya yeh zeera hai?Is this cumin?
Example conversation
Ali and Sarah are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- سارہ Saraعلی، کیا آپ کے پاس زیرہ ہے؟Ali, kya aap ke paas zeera hai?Ali, do you have any cumin?
- علی Aliہاں، یہ رہا ایک ڈبہ۔Haan, yeh raha ek dibba.Yes, here is a container.
- سارہ Saraشکریہ، یہ سالن کے لیے اچھا ہے۔Shukriya, yeh salan ke liye acha hai.Thank you, this is good for the curry.
- علی Aliسارہ، کیا میں اور کچھ لاؤں؟Sarah, kya mein aur kuch laoon?Sarah, should I bring anything else?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries زیرہ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
