بطيخ
baṭṭīkheveryday
In Lebanese Arabic "watermelon" is بطيخ (baṭṭīkh). It is a collective noun, so it covers one watermelon and watermelon as a fruit.
People say بحبّ البطيخ بالصيف (bḥebb el-baṭṭīkh bi-ṣ-ṣēf), "I love watermelon in summer". A slice is شقفة بطيخ (shaqfet baṭṭīkh).
Meaning: a large green fruit with red flesh (noun)
Which one should you use?
Lebanese also has شمّام (shammām), a different melon with orange flesh, so the two words are not interchangeable.
Did you know?
- Watermelon is a classic summer fruit in Lebanon, often eaten with salty white cheese.
Examples in context
- بحبّ البطيخ بالصيف.bḥebb el-baṭṭīkh bi-ṣ-ṣēf.I love watermelon in summer.
- البطيخ بارد وحلو.el-baṭṭīkh bārid w-ḥelu.The watermelon is cold and sweet.
- جبت بطيخة كبيرة.jibt baṭṭīkha kbīre.I brought a big watermelon.
Example conversation
The Haddad family eats on a balcony in Saida on a summer evening.
- Fatherمين بدّو بطيخ؟mīn biddo baṭṭīkh?Who wants watermelon?
- Laraأنا! البطيخ بارد؟ana! el-baṭṭīkh bārid?Me! Is the watermelon cold?
- Fatherإي، من التلاجة.ē, mn et-tallāje.Yes, straight from the fridge.
