حبار
hibbār
The English word "squid" is حبار (hibbār) in Arabic.
The word refers to the sea animal known as a squid.
Meaning: sea animal (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, you may use سَمَك الكَلَمَار to refer to squid (inkfish). In Levantine Arabic, the word كلمار is also used to refer to squid.
How do you pronounce it?
hibbār
Did you know?
- The term كلمار used in Egypt and the Levant is a loanword from the French 'calmar'.
- The word حبار shares a root with verbs related to 'decorating' or 'coloring' in some classical contexts, mirroring the squid's ability to change color.
- In some Levantine culinary contexts, كلمار refers specifically to the rings used in fried appetizers, while حبار might refer to the whole animal.
Examples in context
- أنا أحب طَعْم الكَلَمَارI love the taste of squid.
- هَل جَرَبْتَ الكَلَمَار مَرَّةً؟Have you ever tried squid?
- هذا حبار كبير.hadha habbar kabir.This is a large squid.
- اشتريت حباراً طازجاً اليوم.ishtaraytu habbaran tazajan al-yawm.I bought fresh squid today.
