طحينة
ṭaḥīna
The English phrase "tahini" is طحينة (ṭaḥīna) in Arabic.
طحينة refers to sesame paste.
Meaning: sesame paste (noun)
Which one should you use?
While طحينة is the standard term, you may also encounter the casual form تحنة.
How do you pronounce it?
ṭaḥīna
Did you know?
- In some dialects, if you ask for طحينة at a bakery, they may interpret your request as asking for the 'ground' flour rather than the sesame paste.
- In many Arabic-speaking countries, طحينة is the secret base for two distinct dips called طراطور and متبل, which foreigners often mistake for one another.
- Historically, the production of طحينة relied on heavy stone mills, and these traditional grinding methods are still used in some Middle Eastern markets today.
Examples in context
- أحب وجبات الحمص بالطحينة.I love hummus dishes with tahini.
- جربت السندويش بالتحنة؟Have you tried the sandwich with tihnah?
- أريد علبة طحينة من المتجر.Urīdu 'ulbata ṭaḥīna min al-matjar.I want a jar of tahini from the store.
Example conversation
Nour and Youssef are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- نور Nourهل لدينا طحينة في المطبخ؟Hal ladaynā ṭaḥīna fī al-maṭbakh?Do we have tahini in the kitchen?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، هي في الثلاجة يا نور.Na'am, hiya fī ath-thallāja yā Nour.Yes, it is in the fridge, Nour.
- نور Nourحسناً، سأستخدمها مع الحمص.Ḥasanan, sa-astakhdimuhā ma'a al-ḥumus.Okay, I will use it with the hummus.
- يوسف Youssefفكرة رائعة، يا نور.Fikra rā'i'a, yā Nour.Great idea, Nour.
