તેલ
tel/ˈt̪eːl/
The English word "oil" is તેલ (tel) in Gujarati.
તેલ refers to liquid fat.
Meaning: liquid fat (noun)
Which one should you use?
તેલ is the standard term, while ઓઇલ is an informal way to say oil.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as /ˈt̪eːl/ (tel).
Did you know?
- In Gujarati culture, the phrase તેલ નાખવું meaning 'to put oil' can be used idiomatically to describe the act of fueling a conflict or adding intensity to a situation.
- In Gujarati traditional medicine, તેલ is categorized by its 'temperature' effect on the body, such as 'cooling' or 'heating' oils, depending on the seed source.
- The word તેલ has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit word તૈલ, which specifically designated oil produced from sesame seeds.
Examples in context
- રસોઈ માટે તેલ જોઈએ છે.rasoi mate tel joie che.I need oil for cooking.
- આ તેલ બહુ મોંઘું છે.aa tel bahu monghu che.This oil is very expensive.
- તેલમાં શાકભાજી તળો.tel ma shakbhaji talo.Fry the vegetables in oil.
Example conversation
In a kitchen while preparing dinner.
- અંજલિ Anjaliહાર્દિક, રસોઈ માટે તેલ ક્યાં છે?Hardik, rasoi mate tel kya che?Hardik, where is the oil for cooking?
- હાર્દિક Hardikતે રસોડાના કબાટમાં છે.Te rasoda na kabat ma che.It is in the kitchen cabinet.
- અંજલિ Anjaliશું તેલ પૂરતું છે?Shu tel purtu che?Is there enough oil?
- હાર્દિક Hardikહા, અંજલિ, ઘણું બધું છે.Ha, Anjali, ghanu badhu che.Yes, Anjali, there is plenty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oil” translations and entries તેલ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries તેલ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
