नींबू
Neembunoun, Hindi
A lemon is a नींबू (Neembu) (neembu). The word also covers small limes, which are far more common in India. A glass of नींबू पानी (neembu paani) is lemonade.
Meaning: sour citrus fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Indian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| नींबू | Neembu | noun, Hindi |
| नींबू पानी | Neembu paani | lemonade |
Lemon is squeezed over dal, salads and snacks and is mixed with salt and sugar in नींबू पानी (neembu paani), a common summer drink.
When do people say it?
Many shops hang a lemon with green chillies on a thread at the door. It is a traditional charm believed to ward off bad luck.
Did you know?
- The word नींबू (neembu) is also used in the Hindi phrase नींबू-मिर्च (neembu-mirchi), the lemon and chilli charm hung on shops and vehicles.
Examples in context
- दाल पर नींबू निचोड़ो।Daal par neembu nichodo.Squeeze lemon over the dal.
- एक गिलास नींबू पानी देना।Ek gilaas neembu paani dena.Give me a glass of lemonade.
- यह नींबू बहुत खट्टा है।Yeh neembu bahut khatta hai.This lemon is very sour.
Example conversation
On a hot day, Seema orders a drink at a roadside stall.
- Seemaभैया, एक नींबू पानी देना।Bhaiya, ek neembu paani dena.Brother, give me a lemonade.
- Sellerमीठा या नमकीन?Meetha ya namkeen?Sweet or salty?
- Seemaथोड़ा नमक डालिए।Thoda namak daaliye.Add a little salt.
