Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #8,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

سماق

somagh Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces سماق en 30 secondes

Explication سماق in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Somāgh' is a thing you eat. It is a 'red powder' (gard-e ghermez) that is 'sour' (torsh). You usually see it with 'Kabab'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I like sumac' (Man somāgh dūst dāram). It is a noun. You might see it in a picture of a Persian dinner table. The most important thing is to recognize the word when you are in a restaurant so you know what that red powder in the shaker is. It's not chili powder! It won't be spicy; it will be sour like a lemon.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you can start describing 'Somāgh'. You can say where it is: 'The sumac is on the table' (Somāgh ruye miz ast). You can use it with verbs like 'to buy' (kharidan) or 'to have' (dāshtan). You should know that it's an important part of the Persian New Year (Nowruz). You can say: 'We put sumac on the Haft-Sin' (Mā ruye haft-sin somāgh mighozārim). You are learning that Persian food has many 'sour' flavors, and sumac is one of the most common ones. You can also distinguish it from 'salt' (namak) and 'pepper' (felfel).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural and culinary role of 'Somāgh' in more detail. You can explain that it is used with meat to help digestion. You can use more complex sentences like 'If you eat kebab, you should sprinkle sumac on it' (Agar kabāb mikhori, bāyad ruyash somāgh bepāshi). You are also introduced to the common idiom 'somāgh makidan', which means to wait for something that isn't coming. You can use the word 'torshi' (sourness) to describe its characteristic. You should also be able to ask for it specifically in a restaurant and understand the difference between 'Somāgh' and 'Zereshk' (barberries).

At the B2 level, you can discuss the medicinal properties and botanical aspects of 'Somāgh'. You might read a text about 'Traditional Medicine' (Tebb-e Sonnati) and see that sumac is 'cold and dry'. You can use the word in the context of recipes, understanding instructions like 'grind the sumac' (somāgh rā besābid). You can use the idiom 'somāgh makidan' correctly in a conversation about a failed business deal or a long wait. You understand that sumac is a symbol of 'patience' or the 'sunrise' in Nowruz. Your pronunciation of the 'gh' sound should be more accurate, and you can use the word in passive sentences or complex conditional structures.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you understand the nuances of 'Somāgh' in literature and regional dialects. You might know that the best sumac comes from the Azerbaijan region of Iran. You can discuss the etymology of the word (from the Syriac 'summaq', meaning red). You can participate in a debate about authentic Persian cooking and the correct way to use sumac (never boiling it). You can use the idiom 'somāgh makidan' with various tones—sarcastic, humorous, or critical. You can read academic articles about the chemical properties of sumac (like tannins) and its role in history as a dye or a medicine.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'Somāgh'. You can use it in poetic or highly formal contexts. You might encounter it in historical texts describing the trade routes of spices. You understand every subtle culinary application, including its use in 'Zatar' (though that's more Arab, it's known in Southern Iran). You can write a detailed cultural essay on the symbolism of sumac in the Haft-Sin, linking it to Zoroastrian roots or solar symbolism. You can distinguish between different grades of sumac by sight and smell and can explain the linguistic shifts of the word across the Persian-speaking world from antiquity to the modern day.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

سماق en 30 secondes

Sumac is a tart, red spice essential for Persian kebabs.
It symbolizes sunrise and patience on the Nowruz Haft-Sin table.
The word 'Somāgh' comes from Semitic roots meaning 'red'.
The idiom 'somāgh makidan' means to wait fruitlessly or in vain.

The word سماق (pronounced 'somāgh') refers to a essential spice in Persian cuisine, derived from the dried and ground berries of the Rhus coriaria shrub. To an English speaker, it is best described as a reddish-purple powder that provides a distinctively tart, citrusy, and slightly astringent flavor profile. Unlike lemon juice or vinegar, which provide liquid acidity, sumac offers a dry, punchy sourness that doesn't alter the moisture of a dish.

Culinary Identity: In the Iranian culinary landscape, sumac is the inseparable companion of meat, specifically the iconic Chelow Kabab. It is almost never cooked into the food but rather sprinkled generously over the hot meat just before consumption. This practice isn't just for flavor; traditionally, it is believed to help neutralize the fats in the meat and aid digestion.

روی کباب کوبیده کمی سماق بریز تا خوشمزه‌تر شود.

Translation: Sprinkle some sumac on the ground meat kebab to make it tastier.

Beyond the plate, the word carries historical and symbolic weight. It is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and its name has roots in Semitic languages meaning 'red'. When you walk into any traditional Iranian restaurant (Reesturān-e Sonnati), you will find a shaker of sumac right next to the salt and pepper. It is so fundamental that a table without sumac is considered incomplete for a meat-based meal.

Botanical Context: The plant grows in wild, rocky areas. The berries are harvested when ripe, dried, and then ground. In Iran, the most famous sumac comes from the region of Horand in East Azerbaijan, known for its deep color and intense flavor.

رنگ سماق تازه معمولاً زرشکی تیره است.

In daily conversation, while the primary use is culinary, you might encounter it in idioms. The most famous one involves the act of 'sucking on sumac,' which describes a state of waiting in vain or being left empty-handed. This shows how deeply the physical properties of the spice (its sourness which makes the mouth water) have permeated the linguistic psyche of Persian speakers.

Modern Usage: Today, sumac is gaining popularity in Western 'fusion' cooking, but in Persian, it remains a traditional staple. You will hear it in grocery stores (Attāri), kitchens, and during the festive preparations for Nowruz.

مادرم برای سفره هفت‌سین، بهترین سماق را خرید.

Using سماق in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as a standard mass noun. However, because it is a condiment, it is frequently paired with specific verbs like 'pouring' (ریختن), 'sprinkling' (پاشیدن), or 'having' (داشتن). It is also used as an adjective-modifier in culinary contexts.

Standard Placement: In a sentence like 'I want sumac,' you simply say 'Somāgh mikhāham.' Because it ends in a consonant, when you add the 'e' (ezāfe) to describe it, it sounds like 'somāgh-e...'. For example, 'somāgh-e ghermez' (red sumac).

آیا روی میز سماق هست؟

Translation: Is there sumac on the table?

When discussing the flavor, you use the word 'mmazzeh' (taste) or 'torshi' (sourness). For example: 'This sumac is very sour' (In somāgh kheyli torsh ast). In more advanced Persian, you might describe the medicinal benefits, using terms like 'khavās' (properties). Sumac is known for its 'anti-oxidant' (ānti-oksidān) properties.

Idiomatic Sentence Structure: The idiom 'somāgh makidan' (to suck sumac) is used with the verb 'to stay' (māndan). 'Bezar somāgh bemeke' means 'Let him wait in vain.' It is a very colloquial and slightly harsh way to say someone is wasting their time expecting something that won't happen.

فعلاً باید همان‌جا بنشینی و سماق بمکی!

In a formal or academic setting, you might encounter 'somāgh' in the context of botany or traditional medicine (Tebb-e Sonnati). Here, it is often the subject of sentences discussing 'tab' (temperament). According to Iranian traditional medicine, sumac has a 'cold and dry' (sard o khoshk) temperament, which is why it is eaten with 'hot' (garm) meats like lamb.

Verb Pairings: 1. Pāshidan (to sprinkle): 'Somāgh rā ruye ghazā bepāsh'. 2. Sabidan (to grind): 'Dāneh-hā-ye somāgh rā misāband'.

او مقداری سماق به سالاد اضافه کرد.

Whether you are at a dinner party or reading a recipe, the word 'somāgh' will appear as the final touch to a dish. It is the 'punctuation mark' of a Persian meal, providing the necessary contrast to rich flavors.

The most common place to hear the word سماق is undoubtedly in a restaurant. When the waiter brings your platter of Chelow Kabab, they might ask, 'Somāgh mikhāid?' (Do you want sumac?) or you might ask them, 'Somāgh-etun kojāst?' (Where is your sumac?). It is a word associated with the clinking of silverware and the aroma of grilled meat.

In the Bazaar: If you visit a traditional Iranian Bazaar, specifically the 'Attāri' (spice and herbal medicine shop), you will see large mounds of ground sumac. The shopkeeper might shout out the quality of their spice: 'Somāgh-e dore-ye Tabriz!' (Sumac from the Tabriz region!). Here, the word is part of the vibrant commerce of daily life.

در عطاری، بوی سماق و ادویه‌های دیگر می‌پیچد.

Translation: In the spice shop, the smell of sumac and other spices wafts around.

Another significant context is the Persian New Year, Nowruz. In the weeks leading up to the spring equinox, you will hear families discussing the 'Haft-Sin' table. Someone might say, 'Somāgh yādet nare!' (Don't forget the sumac!). It is one of the seven essential items starting with the letter 'S' (Sin) that must be present on the ceremonial table.

In Literature and Idioms: While not as common in classical poetry as 'rose' or 'wine', you will hear 'somāgh' in modern colloquial Persian. The idiom 'somāgh makidan' is heard in movies or daily arguments when someone wants to mock another person's futile expectations. It's a colorful, albeit slightly rude, part of the street lexicon.

بی‌خود منتظر نباش، برو سماق بمک!

Lastly, you might hear it in health-conscious circles. With the rise of traditional medicine (Tebb-e Sonnati) in modern Iran, many people talk about 'Somāgh' as a way to lower blood sugar or as a gargle for throat infections. A grandmother might say, 'Somāgh ghardghardeh kon' (Gargle with sumac water) if you have a sore throat.

Media and Cooking Shows: On Iranian television, celebrity chefs frequently emphasize the 'quality' of sumac. They use terms like 'Somāgh-e nabb' (pure sumac) to distinguish the high-quality, unadulterated spice from cheaper versions mixed with salt or flour.

آشپز گفت که سماق نباید جوشانده شود.

For English speakers learning Persian, the most common mistake regarding سماق is conceptual rather than grammatical. Many learners confuse it with other sour ingredients used in the region, leading to culinary or linguistic mix-ups.

The 'Zereshk' Confusion: A very frequent error is confusing 'Somāgh' with 'Zereshk' (Barberries). Both are red and sour, but 'Zereshk' is a dried whole berry used *inside* rice dishes (like Zereshk Polo), while 'Somāgh' is a ground powder used *on top* of meat. Using the names interchangeably will confuse an Iranian cook or waiter.

اشتباه نکن، این سماق است، نه زرشک.

Translation: Don't make a mistake; this is sumac, not barberry.

Another mistake involves the pronunciation of the 'gh' (ق) sound. English speakers often pronounce it like a hard 'G' (as in 'goat') or a 'K'. In Persian, 'gh' in 'Somāgh' is a voiced uvular fricative or stop. If you say 'Somak' or 'Somag', you might still be understood, but it won't sound native. Practice the sound at the back of your throat.

Misusing the Idiom: Learners often try to use the idiom 'somāgh makidan' literally. If you tell someone 'I am sucking sumac' (Dāram somāgh mimakam), they will think you are actually eating the spice. This phrase is almost exclusively used in a figurative sense to describe someone else's wasted time or your own frustration at a dead-end situation.

او فکر کرد من واقعاً دارم سماق می‌خورم!

Grammatically, some learners treat 'somāgh' as a countable noun because it comes from berries. However, in its spice form, it is always uncountable. You wouldn't say 'two sumacs' (do somāgh). You would say 'two spoons of sumac' (do ghāshogh somāgh).

Cooking Temperature: A culinary mistake often reflected in language: 'Somāgh rā pokhtam' (I cooked the sumac). In Persian culture, you don't 'cook' sumac because heat can make it bitter. You 'sprinkle' (pāshidan) or 'add' (ezāfe kardan) it at the end. Saying you 'cooked' it might sound odd to a native speaker.

سماق را نباید در قابلمه بجوشانی.

While سماق is unique, there are several words in Persian that share its 'sour' (torsh) semantic space or its culinary function. Understanding these distinctions will greatly enhance your vocabulary and help you describe flavors more accurately.

سماق vs. گرد لیمو (Ghard-e Limu): 'Ghard-e Limu' (Dried Lime Powder) is also a sour spice. However, while 'Somāgh' is fruity and slightly sweet-sour, 'Ghard-e Limu' is intensely tart and has a fermented, musky undertone. Sumac is used as a garnish; Dried Lime is used *inside* stews like Ghormeh Sabzi.

اگر سماق نداری، کمی گرد لیمو استفاده کن، اما طعمش فرق می‌کند.

Another close relative in the 'sour' category is 'Ābmāranj' (Bitter Orange Juice) or 'Āb-ghooreh' (Verjuice). These are liquids. If a recipe calls for sumac and you use verjuice, you will change the texture of the dish. Sumac is the only one that provides 'dry sourness'.

سماق vs. نارنج (Nāranj): 'Nāranj' is the sour orange. While sumac is used for kebabs, 'Nāranj' is often squeezed over fish or Tahchin. They both provide acidity, but 'Nāranj' has a floral, citrus aroma that sumac lacks.

برای کباب، سماق بهتر از نارنج است.

In terms of color, 'Ghermez' (Red) and 'Zereshki' (Maroon/Barberry-colored) are the adjectives most associated with sumac. If you are describing the spice to someone, you might call it 'Gard-e torsh-e ghermez' (the red sour powder).

Linguistic Alternatives: In botanical Persian, you might see 'Somāgh-e tati' or 'Somāgh-e ghermez'. In some dialects, the pronunciation might shift slightly, but 'Somāgh' is universally recognized across Iran, Afghanistan (where it is also used), and Tajikistan.

این ادویه در تاجیکستان هم به نام سماق شناخته می‌شود.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Sumac was used by the Romans as an acidulant before lemons were introduced to Europe from South Asia. In Iran, it has been used for over 2,000 years.

Guide de prononciation

UK /sʊˈmɑːk/

US /ˈsuːmæk/

In Persian (Somāgh), the stress is on the second syllable: so-MĀGH.

Rime avec

Ogh (اوغ) Dāgh (داغ - hot) Bāgh (باغ - garden) Zāgh (زاغ - crow/blue-eyed) Chāgh (چاق - fat) Farāgh (فراغ - leisure) Oshāgh (عشاق - lovers) Ablāgh (ابلاغ - notification)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'gh' as a simple 'g' (Somag).
Pronouncing 'gh' as a 'k' (Somak).
Using a short 'a' instead of the long 'ā' (Somagh instead of Somāgh).
Missing the uvular friction in the 'gh' sound.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 3/5

The 'gh' at the end requires remembering the correct Persian letter (ق).

Expression orale 4/5

The uvular 'gh' sound is challenging for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

کباب ترش قرمز ادویه غذا

Apprends ensuite

زرشک زعفران هفت‌سین هضم عطاری

Avancé

آنتی‌اکسیدان طب سنتی قابض فیتوشیمی دباغی

Grammaire à connaître

Ezāfe Construction

سماقِ قرمز (Red sumac) - linking noun and adjective with 'e'.

Uncountable Nouns

کمی سماق (A little sumac) - used without plural marker.

Imperative Mood

بپاش! (Sprinkle!) - used frequently with spice instructions.

Compound Verbs

سماق زدن (To add/hit with sumac) - common informal structure.

Prepositional Phrases

در سماق‌زار (In the sumac grove) - showing location.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

این سماق است.

This is sumac.

Simple demonstrative sentence (In + noun + ast).

سماق قرمز است.

Sumac is red.

Adjective following the noun.

من سماق دوست دارم.

I like sumac.

Subject + Object + Verb (Dūst dāštan).

سماق ترش است.

Sumac is sour.

Subject + Adjective + Verb.

روی کباب سماق بریز.

Pour sumac on the kebab.

Imperative sentence (Beriz).

سماق کجاست؟

Where is the sumac?

Interrogative word 'kojā' (where).

او سماق می‌خرد.

He/She buys sumac.

Present continuous tense (Mikhārad).

سماق و نمک روی میز هستند.

Sumac and salt are on the table.

Compound subject with plural verb.

مادرم در بازار سماق تازه خرید.

My mother bought fresh sumac in the bazaar.

Past tense (Kharid).

ما برای سفره هفت‌سین سماق لازم داریم.

We need sumac for the Haft-Sin table.

Compound verb 'Lāzem dāštan' (to need).

آیا شما روی برنج سماق می‌پاشید؟

Do you sprinkle sumac on rice?

Second person plural question.

این سماق خیلی خوشمزه است.

This sumac is very delicious.

Use of intensifier 'kheyli'.

سماق یکی از سین‌های هفت‌سین است.

Sumac is one of the 'S's of Haft-Sin.

Partitive construction (Yeki az...).

من سماق را به نمک ترجیح می‌دهم.

I prefer sumac to salt.

Verb 'Tarjih dādan' (to prefer).

در این مغازه سماق ارزان است.

Sumac is cheap in this shop.

Locative phrase (Dar in maghāzeh).

چرا سماق نمی‌خوری؟

Why don't you eat sumac?

Negative question with 'Cherā'.

ایرانی‌ها معمولاً کباب را با سماق می‌خورند.

Iranians usually eat kebab with sumac.

Adverb 'Ma'mulan' (usually).

اگر سماق نباشد، طعم کباب کامل نیست.

If there is no sumac, the taste of the kebab is not complete.

Conditional sentence (If... then...).

او به جای لیمو از سماق استفاده کرد.

He used sumac instead of lemon.

Prepositional phrase 'be jā-ye' (instead of).

می‌گویند سماق برای سلامتی مفید است.

They say sumac is good for health.

Impersonal 'they say' (Miguyand).

او تمام روز منتظر ماند و در آخر مجبور شد سماق بمکد.

He waited all day and in the end, he had to 'suck sumac' (wait in vain).

Idiomatic usage of 'somāgh makidan'.

این سماق رنگ بسیار زیبایی به غذا می‌دهد.

This sumac gives a very beautiful color to the food.

Direct object with 'rā'.

آیا می‌دانستی که سماق از یک میوه کوهی درست می‌شود؟

Did you know that sumac is made from a mountain fruit?

Subordinate clause with 'ke'.

من همیشه سماق را در جای خنک نگه می‌دارم.

I always keep sumac in a cool place.

Present continuous for habitual action.

سماق به دلیل داشتن آنتی‌اکسیدان، ضد سرطان است.

Sumac is anti-cancer due to having antioxidants.

Gerund construction 'be dalil-e dāštan'.

در طب سنتی، سماق را برای کاهش قند خون توصیه می‌کنند.

In traditional medicine, they recommend sumac for reducing blood sugar.

Infinitive as a noun 'kāhesh' (reduction).

پودر سماق باید کاملاً خشک و بدون ناخالصی باشد.

Sumac powder must be completely dry and without impurities.

Modal verb 'bāyad' with subjunctive.

بسیاری از مردم سماق را با زرشک اشتباه می‌گیرند.

Many people mistake sumac for barberry.

Verb 'eštebāh gereftan' (to mistake).

اگر می‌خواهی کباب هضم شود، حتماً روی آن سماق بریز.

If you want the kebab to be digested, definitely pour sumac on it.

Causal relationship in a complex sentence.

سماق تبریز به خاطر کیفیت بالایش در سراسر ایران معروف است.

Tabriz sumac is famous throughout Iran for its high quality.

Possessive suffix with 'khāter'.

او با لحنی تمسخرآمیز گفت: «حالا برو سماق بمک!»

He said mockingly: 'Now go suck sumac!'

Direct speech with adverbial phrase.

کشاورزان در اواخر تابستان شروع به برداشت سماق می‌کنند.

Farmers start harvesting sumac in late summer.

Infinitive 'bardāšt kardan' (to harvest).

سماق در فرهنگ ایرانی نماد صبر و بردباری در برابر سختی‌هاست.

Sumac in Iranian culture is a symbol of patience and endurance against hardships.

Abstract nouns and symbolic language.

خاصیت قابض بودن سماق باعث شده تا در دباغی چرم نیز از آن استفاده شود.

The astringent property of sumac has led to its use in leather tanning as well.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

واژه سماق ریشه‌ای در زبان‌های سامی دارد و به معنای سرخ است.

The word sumac has roots in Semitic languages and means red.

Etymological discussion.

برخلاف تصور عموم، سماق نباید در معرض حرارت زیاد قرار گیرد.

Contrary to popular belief, sumac should not be exposed to high heat.

Prepositional phrase 'barkhalāf-e tasavvor-e omum'.

سماق به عنوان یک چاشنی اشتهاآور در سفره‌های ایرانی جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

Sumac, as an appetizing condiment, holds a special place on Iranian tables.

Appositive construction.

در متون کهن پزشکی، از سماق برای درمان بیماری‌های لثه یاد شده است.

In ancient medical texts, sumac is mentioned for treating gum diseases.

Passive voice 'yād šode ast'.

تنوع گونه‌های سماق در مناطق مختلف کوهستانی ایران چشمگیر است.

The variety of sumac species in different mountainous regions of Iran is remarkable.

Complex genitive chain (ezāfe).

او چنان در انتظار معجزه بود که گویی سال‌هاست دارد سماق می‌مکد.

He was so expectant of a miracle that it was as if he had been 'sucking sumac' for years.

Subjunctive mood in a comparative clause.

تحلیل فیتوشیمیایی عصاره سماق نشان‌دهنده وجود ترکیبات فنلی گسترده است.

Phytochemical analysis of sumac extract indicates the presence of extensive phenolic compounds.

Scientific terminology and academic register.

سماق در فلسفه سفره هفت‌سین، مظهر طلوع خورشید و غلبه بر اهریمن است.

In the philosophy of the Haft-Sin table, sumac is the manifestation of sunrise and victory over the demon.

Philosophical and symbolic vocabulary.

استفاده ابزاری از سماق در رنگرزی سنتی، پیشینه‌ای هزارساله در فلات ایران دارد.

The instrumental use of sumac in traditional dyeing has a thousand-year history in the Iranian plateau.

Historical-geographic context.

تداخل دارویی سماق با برخی داروهای کاهنده چربی خون نیازمند بررسی دقیق است.

The drug interaction of sumac with certain blood lipid-lowering drugs requires careful investigation.

Technical medical Persian.

در قصاید برخی شاعران، سرخی سماق به گونه‌های معشوق تشبیه شده است.

In the odes of some poets, the redness of sumac is likened to the beloved's cheeks.

Literary analysis and passive construction.

بهره‌برداری بی‌رویه از جنگل‌های سماق وحشی، اکوسیستم منطقه را به مخاطره انداخته است.

The excessive exploitation of wild sumac forests has endangered the region's ecosystem.

Environmental and political vocabulary.

مداقه در متون تاریخی نشان می‌دهد که سماق کالایی استراتژیک در تجارت جاده ابریشم بوده است.

Scrutiny of historical texts shows that sumac was a strategic commodity in the Silk Road trade.

Formal verb 'modāghe kardan' (to scrutinize).

او با استادی تمام، تلخی شکست را با ضرب‌المثل سماق مکیدن درآمیخت.

With total mastery, he blended the bitterness of defeat with the sumac-sucking proverb.

Rhetorical and stylistic analysis.

Collocations courantes

سماق پاشیدن

سماق مکیدن

سماق قرمز

پودر سماق

سفره هفت‌سین و سماق

خواص سماق

سماق تازه

کباب با سماق

دانه سماق

سماق تبریز

Phrases Courantes

سماق داری؟

— Do you have sumac? Used in kitchens or restaurants.

ببخشید، روی میز سماق داری؟

کمی سماق بزن

— Add a little sumac. A common cooking instruction.

به سالادت کمی سماق بزن.

بوی سماق

— The smell of sumac. Used to describe the aroma of a spice shop.

بوی سماق در عطاری پیچیده بود.

رنگ سماقی

— Sumac color (maroon/dark red). Used in fashion or carpets.

او یک لباس به رنگ سماقی پوشیده است.

سماق اصل

— Genuine sumac. Used when buying to ensure quality.

مطمئن شو که این سماق اصل است.

سماق نکوبیده

— Un-ground sumac. Refers to the whole berries.

سماق نکوبیده برای دمنوش خوب است.

ترشی سماق

— The sourness of sumac. Describing the flavor profile.

ترشی سماق با لیمو فرق دارد.

سماق در طب سنتی

— Sumac in traditional medicine. A topic of health discussion.

درباره سماق در طب سنتی زیاد شنیده‌ام.

سماق و پیاز

— Sumac and onion. A classic combination for kebabs.

پیاز را با سماق مخلوط کن.

فصل برداشت سماق

— Sumac harvest season. Used in agricultural contexts.

فصل برداشت سماق اواخر تابستان است.

Souvent confondu avec

سماق vs زرشک (Zereshk)

Barberries. Both are red and sour, but sumac is a powder used on meat, while barberries are whole berries used in rice.

سماق vs گرد لیمو (Ghard-e Limu)

Dried lime powder. Both are sour spices, but dried lime is used in stews, while sumac is a garnish.

سماق vs پودر فلفل قرمز (Red Chili Powder)

English speakers might think the red powder is spicy; sumac is tart, not spicy.

Expressions idiomatiques

"سماق مکیدن"

— To wait in vain; to be left empty-handed or waiting for something that won't happen.

اگر فکر می‌کنی او پولت را پس می‌دهد، فعلاً باید سماق بمکی!

Informal/Slang

"سماق به کسی دادن"

— To keep someone waiting fruitlessly (less common variation).

آن‌ها فقط به ما سماق دادند و خبری نشد.

Informal

"مثل سماق ترش کردن"

— To become very sour or grumpy (rare, metaphorical).

چرا قیافه‌ات را مثل سماق ترش کرده‌ای؟

Informal

"سماق هفت‌سین"

— Referring to something that is just for show or symbolic (contextual).

این دکور مثل سماق هفت‌سین فقط برای تماشاست.

Informal

"سماق و کباب"

— Used to describe two things that are inseparable.

این دو نفر مثل سماق و کباب همیشه با هم هستند.

Informal

"سماق سابیدن"

— To work hard on something small or tedious (regional/rare).

تمام روز داشت سماق می‌سابید.

Informal

"رنگ سماق گرفتن"

— To turn red (from embarrassment or anger).

صورتش از عصبانیت رنگ سماق گرفت.

Informal

"سماق خوردن و ترش نشدن"

— To be very thick-skinned or unaffected by criticism (very rare).

او سماق می‌خورد و ترش نمی‌شود.

Informal

"سماق سر سفره"

— Something that is present but optional/extra.

حرف‌های او مثل سماق سر سفره است، زیاد جدی نگیر.

Informal

"بوی سماق شنیدن"

— To sense that a situation is going to be sour or difficult.

از این معامله بوی سماق می‌شنوم.

Informal

Facile à confondre

سماق vs سماور (Samāvar)

Similar starting sound.

A Samavar is a large metal container used to heat water for tea, whereas Somāgh is a spice.

روی سماور چای درست می‌کنیم، اما روی کباب سماق می‌ریزیم.

سماق vs سمنو (Samanu)

Both start with 'S' and are part of Haft-Sin.

Samanu is a sweet pudding made from wheat germ; Somāgh is a sour spice.

سمنو شیرین است و سماق ترش.

سماق vs سنبل (Sonbol)

Both start with 'S' and are part of Haft-Sin.

Sonbol is a Hyacinth flower; Somāgh is a spice.

سنبل بو دارد، اما سماق طعم دارد.

سماق vs سرکه (Serkeh)

Both are sour and start with 'S'.

Serkeh is liquid vinegar; Somāgh is a dry powder.

سرکه را در سالاد می‌ریزند، سماق را روی کباب.

سماق vs سنجد (Senjed)

Both start with 'S' and are part of Haft-Sin.

Senjed is the dried fruit of the lotus tree; Somāgh is ground berries.

سنجد را می‌خورند، اما سماق را به عنوان چاشنی استفاده می‌کنند.

Structures de phrases

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

سماق ترش است.

Man [Noun] rā dūst dāram.

من سماق را دوست دارم.

Agar [Verb], bāyad [Noun] bepāshi.

اگر کباب می‌خوری، باید سماق بپاشی.

[Noun] be dalil-e [Reason] mofid ast.

سماق به دلیل داشتن ویتامین مفید است.

Barkhalāf-e [Noun], [Subject] [Verb].

برخلاف نمک، سماق فشار خون را بالا نمی‌برد.

[Subject] mazhar-e [Symbolism] dar [Context] ast.

سماق مظهر صبر در فرهنگ ماست.

Nabāyad [Noun] rā [Verb].

نباید سماق را جوشاند.

Dar [Place], [Noun] hast.

در آشپزخانه سماق هست.

Famille de mots

Noms

سماق

Verbes

سماق پاشیدن (to sprinkle sumac)

سماق مکیدن (to wait in vain)

Adjectifs

سماقی (sumac-colored/maroon)

Apparenté

کباب (kebab)

ترشی (sourness)

ادویه (spice)

عطاری (spice shop)

هفت‌سین (Haft-Sin)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in culinary and cultural (Nowruz) contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Thinking it is spicy like pepper. → Knowing it is sour like lemon.
Because it is a red powder, many foreigners assume it is hot. It is actually used for acidity.
Boiling it in a stew. → Using it as a garnish.
Boiling sumac releases tannins that can make the dish bitter. It is meant to be a finishing touch.
Confusing 'Somāgh' with 'Samanu'. → Somāgh is a spice; Samanu is a pudding.
Both are on the Haft-Sin table, but they are completely different in taste and texture.
Pronouncing it 'Somag' with a hard G. → Pronouncing it with the uvular 'gh'.
The 'gh' (ق) sound is distinct in Persian and essential for proper pronunciation.
Using the idiom 'somāgh makidan' to mean eating. → Using it to mean waiting fruitlessly.
It is a figurative expression, not a literal description of eating the spice.

Astuces

Sprinkle at the End

To preserve the bright, tart flavor of sumac, always sprinkle it on your dish just before serving rather than cooking it in the pot.

Keep it Dark

Light and heat destroy the antioxidants and the color of sumac. Store it in an opaque container in a cool cupboard.

Digestive Aid

If you feel bloated after a heavy meal, a little sumac in warm water or on your food can help stimulate digestion.

Check for Salt

Some commercial sumac is mixed with salt as a preservative. Taste a tiny bit before adding it to your food so you don't over-salt your dish.

Nowruz Meaning

Remember that on the Haft-Sin, sumac is not for eating but for representing the sunrise. It's a symbol of hope and patience.

Semitic Link

Connecting 'Somāgh' to the word 'Red' in your mind will help you remember its primary visual characteristic.

The 'Gh' Sound

Don't be afraid to make a little noise in your throat. A soft 'g' makes you sound like a tourist; a vibrating 'gh' makes you sound like a local.

Usage of the Idiom

Use 'somāgh makidan' sparingly; it can be a bit sarcastic and is best used among friends or when complaining about bureaucracy.

Color Recognition

Look for 'Zereshki' (maroon) rather than 'Ghermez' (bright red) when identifying real, high-quality sumac in a bazaar.

Wild vs. Farmed

If you find 'Somāgh-e Koohi' (mountain sumac), buy it! It is usually much more flavorful than farmed varieties.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'SO-MAG-nificent' red spice. Or remember: 'Some-agh' (some-ugh) - what you say when you've been waiting too long (sucking sumac).

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright red sunrise over a plate of steaming kebabs. The red of the sun is the color of the sumac.

Word Web

Spice Red Sour Kebab Nowruz Tabriz Digestion Antioxidant

Défi

Go to a Persian restaurant and ask for 'Somāgh' without looking at the menu. Try to use it in a sentence about the kebab's taste.

Origine du mot

The word 'Somāgh' enters Persian from the Arabic 'summaq', which itself originates from the Syriac word 'summāqā', meaning 'red'. This reflects the primary characteristic of the spice's berries.

Sens originel : Red or reddish.

Semitic roots, adopted into Indo-European (Persian).

Contexte culturel

No major sensitivities; it is a widely loved and respected cultural symbol.

English speakers often mistake sumac for a decorative plant (poison sumac), but the culinary variety is entirely safe and unrelated to the poisonous one.

Mentioned in the 'Canon of Medicine' by Avicenna (Ibn Sina). A staple in the recipes of famous Persian chef Najmieh Batmanglij. Symbolized in many Nowruz poems as the 'color of dawn'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

سماق دارید؟
سماق کجاست؟
کمی سماق بیشتر می‌خواهم.
این سماق خیلی ترش است.

Cooking at Home

سماق را روی گوشت بپاش.
سماق را نباید بپزی.
سماق با پیاز عالی می‌شود.
سماق را در شیشه بریز.

Nowruz Preparation

سماق برای هفت‌سین خریدی؟
سماق نماد چیست؟
سماق را کجای سفره بگذاریم؟
یک ظرف کوچک برای سماق بیاور.

Health and Medicine

سماق برای دیابت خوب است.
دمنوش سماق درست کن.
سماق خاصیت ضدباکتری دارد.
برای گلو درد سماق قرقره کن.

Shopping at the Bazaar

نیم کیلو سماق می‌خواهم.
این سماق اصل تبریز است؟
قیمت سماق چقدر است؟
سماق قرمز دارید یا قهوه‌ای؟

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال کباب را بدون سماق امتحان کرده‌اید؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین سماق ایران متعلق به کدام شهر است؟"

"آیا در کشور شما هم از سماق در آشپزی استفاده می‌شود؟"

"چرا در سفره هفت‌سین حتماً باید سماق بگذاریم؟"

"آیا طعم ترش سماق را به لیمو ترش ترجیح می‌دهید؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اولین باری که طعم سماق را چشیدید توصیف کنید. چه حسی داشتید؟

درباره اهمیت ادویه‌ها در فرهنگ و آشپزی ایرانی بنویسید.

یک خاطره از سفره هفت‌سین و چیدن سماق در آن تعریف کنید.

اگر بخواهید فواید سماق را برای یک دوست توضیح دهید، چه می‌گویید؟

چرا اصطلاح 'سماق مکیدن' در زبان فارسی به وجود آمده است؟ نظر خود را بنویسید.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, sumac is not spicy like chili. It is tart and citrusy, similar to lemon juice but in a dry powder form. It adds a 'zing' to food rather than 'heat'.

While you can add it to marinades, Iranians generally avoid boiling or long-cooking sumac because it can become bitter. It is best used as a finishing spice or garnish.

Beyond the delicious flavor contrast, sumac is traditionally believed to aid in the digestion of heavy fats found in grilled meats like lamb and beef.

It is an idiom meaning to wait in vain for something that will likely never happen. It's like saying 'don't hold your breath' in English.

The species Rhus coriaria is common across the Middle East. However, Iranian sumac, especially from the Tabriz region, is prized for its deep color and potency.

Yes, 'Damnoosh-e Somāgh' (sumac tea) is a traditional remedy for sore throats and to lower blood sugar. You steep the whole berries or powder in hot water.

Like all spices, it loses its potency over time. For the best flavor, use it within 6-12 months and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Yes, it is one of the essential items on the Nowruz Haft-Sin table, representing the color of the sunrise and the spice of life.

Generally yes, but it is related to cashews and mangoes, so people with those specific allergies should be cautious. Always consult a doctor for medical use.

High-quality sumac has a deep purplish-red color and a fresh, tart aroma. If it looks very bright red, it might contain artificial dyes or be mixed with too much salt.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes