Arabic Words & Phrases You Need At The Butcher
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The Arabic language is rich with terminology related to meat and butchery, and this is because the Arabs have a rich culinary tradition.
Whether you're a chef, foodie, or simply passionate about Arab culture and language, understanding these terms will definitely give you a deeper appreciation for the diverse world of Middle Eastern food.
Today I'll teach you the different terms and phrases related to meats and butchery in the Arabic language.
So let’s jump right in.
How do say 'butcher' in Arabic?
There are two words for ‘butcher’ in Arabic: الجزار (al-jizār) and كاسحة اللحوم (kasaha al-lahm). Both of these terms are used to refer to the person who cuts up and sells meat, as well as other related activities.
In addition to the word for 'butcher', there is also a specific phrase used to refer to the act of cutting up meat. This phrase is تقطيع اللحوم (taqtiʿ al-lahum), which literally translates to ‘cutting up the meat’.
For centuries, the butcher has been a cornerstone of Arab culture, supplying generations with a variety of meat cuts and types that are vital to the food chain.
As a result, there are many words and phrases that are used to describe their profession and the activities they’re involved in.
Different types of meats in Arabic
Arabic terms for different cuts of meat vary depending on the type of meat being cut and the region of the Middle East that it’s being cut in.
Here are some terms related to meat and meat types in MSA Arabic:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| لحم | lahm | meat |
| جزمة | jazma | cut |
| لحم بقري | lahm bqari | beef |
| لحم غنم | lahm ghanam | lamb |
| لحم دجاج | lahm dajaj | chicken |
| شريحة | shariha | steak |
| شرائح طويلة | shara'ih tawila | rib roast |
| شرائح شوية | shara'ih shwaya | chops |
| كرات اللحم | kurat al-lahm | meatballs |
There are many different types of meat available in the Middle East, and each one is typically prepared in its own unique way.
Different cuts of meat in Arabic
In addition to the common cuts mentioned above, you'll also find a variety of specialty cuts, such as shanks, neck, and shoulder cuts.
Here are some common terms for different cuts of meat in Arabic:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| صدر الدجاج | sadr al-dajaj | Chicken breast |
| جناح الدجاج | janah al-dajaj | Chicken wings |
| ذبيحة اللحم البقري | dhabiha al-lahm al-baqari | Beef steak |
| جراد اللحم البقري | jarad al-lahm al-baqari | Ground beef |
| كمب الخروف | kamb al-khoruf | Lamb chops |
When shopping for meat, it might also be helpful to know a few phrases for asking about quality and freshness:
هل هذا اللحم جديد؟
هل هذا اللحم حليبي؟
كم السعر لكل رطل؟
Here are a few more terms and phrases that might be useful when shopping for meat in Arabic-speaking countries:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| عصير اللحم | a'sir al-lahm | meat juice or broth |
| خصر اللحم | khasar al-lahm | fat |
| شرائح اللحم | shara'ih al-lahm | meat slices |
| مقشر اللحم | muqshar al-lahm | meat tenderizer |
| كستلات اللحم | kastlat al-lahm | meat cubes |
| لحم بالجرعة الصغيرة | lahm bi-al-jar'ah al-saghirah | minced meat |
In addition to the words and phrases mentioned above, there are also other terms related to the butcher’s trade.
- For example, the word for ‘meat’ is اللحوم (al-lahm), while the word for ‘bone’ is العظم (al-ʿazm).
- The phrase for ‘cleaning the meat’ is نظف اللحوم (naẓif al-lahm), while the phrase for ‘preparing the meat’ is تحضير اللحوم (taḥdīr al-lahm).
- Other terms include the phrase for ‘cutting the fat’, which is قطع الدهون (qaṭʿ al-dahūn), and the phrase for ‘chopping the meat’, which is تقطيع اللحوم (taqtiʿ al-lahm).
Cooking methods in Arabic
There are also several terms used to describe the different cooking methods used in the Middle East.
Some popular cooking methods include:
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| طبخ على النار | tabkh 'ala al-nar | grilling |
| طبخ في الفرن | tabkh fi al-forn | oven-baking |
| طبخ في الصدر | tabkh fi al-sadr | pan-frying |
| طبخ في المشوي | tabkh fi al-mashwi | barbecuing |
| طبخ على الشواية | tabkh 'ala al-shwayah | boiling |
If you’re ordering meat at a restaurant, it's a good idea to also specify how you would like your meat prepared, such as "مشوي" (mashwi) for grilled or "مدخن" (madkhan) for roasting.
In the Middle East, meat is usually a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as kebabs, stews, and soups. Understanding the different types of meat and cuts available is essential for experiencing the full range of flavors and textures that make Middle Eastern cuisine so unique and delicious.
- For example, beef and lamb are commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes and are typically cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, and stewing.
- Chicken, on the other hand, is a lighter and more versatile meat that can be cooked in many different ways, including grilling, roasting, and frying.
- Pork, while not as commonly consumed in the Middle East, is still used in some regional dishes and can be found at specialty markets.
Knowing the specific terms for different types of meat and cuts is not only helpful when ordering food at restaurants, but also when shopping for ingredients at markets!
We hope that these words and phrases will help you become more proficient in the Arabic language.
Whether you're a meat lover or simply interested in learning more about the culture and food of the Middle East, learning and practicing these terms will give you a deeper appreciation for the richness of the cuisine!
Are you interested in improving your Arabic skills and diving further into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine?
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