Food is a central part of Arab culture, and knowing food vocabulary is essential for dining out, shopping at the market, and having everyday conversations. Arabic has a rich culinary vocabulary that reflects the diverse cuisines of the Arab world.
Essential Food Words
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| خبز | khubz | bread |
| أرز | ruzz | rice |
| لحم | lahm | meat |
| دجاج | dajāj | chicken |
| سمك | samak | fish |
| خضار | khuḍār | vegetables |
| فاكهة | fākiha | fruit |
| بيض | bayḍ | eggs |
| جبن | jubn | cheese |
| حليب | haliib | milk |
| زيت | zayt | oil |
| ملح | milḥ | salt |
| سكر | sukkar | sugar |
| فلفل | filfil | pepper |
| بصل | basal | onion |
| ثوم | thūm | garlic |
| طماطم | tamaatim | tomatoes |
| خيار | khiyār | cucumber |
| بطاطس | baṭāṭis | potatoes |
| تفاح | tuffāḥ | apples |
| موز | mawz | bananas |
| برتقال | burtuqāl | oranges |
| عنب | 3inab | grapes |
| رمان | rummān | pomegranate |
| زيتون | zaytūn | olives |
Drinks
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ماء | maa’ | water |
| شاي | shāy | tea |
| قهوة | qahwa | coffee |
| عصير | 3aseer | juice |
| حليب | haliib | milk |
Food in Sentences
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| أريد خبزاً | urīdu khubzan | I want bread |
| هل تحب اللحم؟ | hal tuḥibbu l-lahm? | do you like meat? |
| الطعم لذيذ | a-ṭa3m ladheeth | the taste is delicious |
| هذا طعام حار | haadha ṭa3ām ḥār | this is hot food |
| أريد ماءً من فضلك | urīdu maa’ min faḍlak | I want water please |
| القهوة ساخنة | al-qahwa sākhina | the coffee is hot |
| العصير بارد | al-3aseer bārid | the juice is cold |
Restaurant Vocabulary
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| قائمة | qaa’ima | menu |
| طلب | ṭalab | order |
| فاتورة | fātūra | bill |
| مطعم | maṭ3am | restaurant |
| مطبخ | maṭbakh | kitchen |
| جالس | jālis | sitting |
| واقف | wāqif | standing |
Cultural Notes
- Arabic cuisine varies greatly by region: Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf, North African, etc.
- الخبز (bread) is a staple in most Arab countries
- الشاي (tea) and القهوة (coffee) are served to guests as a sign of hospitality
- Many Arab countries have specific dishes for special occasions like العيد ( Eid) and رمضان (Ramadan)
Listen and Repeat
Bread
khubz
Rice
ruzz
Meat
lahm
Chicken
dajāj
Water
maa'
Tea
shāy
Coffee
qahwa
Practice
How do you say 'I want bread' in Arabic?
hint: Use 'أريد' for 'I want'
What is 'دجاج' in English?
hint: It is a very common food item
How do you ask 'do you like meat?' in Arabic?
hint: Use 'هل تحب' for 'do you like'
Match each pair — start with Arabic (left)
0 / 8Arabic
English
← Select an Arabic word, then tap its meaning →
Ready for essential phrases? Continue to Common Phrases.
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