زنجبيل
zanjabīl
The English word "ginger" is translated into Arabic as زنجبيل (zanjabīl).
Meaning: spice (noun)
Which one should you use?
While زنجبيل refers to the spice, the related form أَصْهَب is used as an adjective to describe a reddish-brown color.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the term زنجبيل is commonly used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
zanjabīl
Did you know?
- The word زنجبيل appears in the Quran to describe a fragrant drink served in Paradise.
- The root of زنجبيل can be traced back to the Old Tamil word iñcivēr, meaning ginger root.
- In many Arabic-speaking households, زنجبيل is not just a cooking ingredient but a primary ingredient for a warming hot drink used to soothe colds.
Examples in context
- زنجبيل مفيد للصحة.Ginger is beneficial for health.
- زنجبيل مبشورGrated Ginger
- شاي بالزنجبيلGinger Tea
- السلطة مع زنجبيل مبشورSalad with Grated Ginger
- هل يوجد زنجبيل في هذا الشاي؟Hal yujadu zanjabeel fi hadha al-shay?Is there ginger in this tea?
- اشتريت زنجبيل طازج اليوم.Ishtaraytu zanjabeel tazij al-yawm.I bought fresh ginger today.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are in the kitchen making tea.
- ليلى Laylaيا يوسف، هل نضع زنجبيل في الشاي؟Ya Yusuf, hal nada'u zanjabeel fi al-shay?Yusuf, should we put ginger in the tea?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، الزنجبيل مفيد جداً.Na'am, al-zanjabeel mufeed jiddan.Yes, ginger is very beneficial.
- ليلى Laylaهل لدينا زنجبيل في المطبخ؟Hal ladayna zanjabeel fi al-matbakh?Do we have ginger in the kitchen?
- يوسف Youssefلا، سأذهب لشرائه الآن.La, sa'adhhabu li-shira'ihi al-an.No, I will go buy it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries زنجبيل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
