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B1 noun #4,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

زیره

zireh Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces زیره en 30 secondes

Explication زیره in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'زیره' (zireh) means 'cumin'. It is a common word you might see on a shopping list or in a simple recipe. You should learn it as a noun. For example, 'I like cumin' is 'Man zireh-ra doost daram'. It is important to know it is a food item. You might hear it when people talk about 'Zireh-polo' (rice with cumin), which is a famous dish. Just remember the sound: 'Zee-re'. It is a simple word with two syllables. Think of it as a basic ingredient in the kitchen, like salt or pepper.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'زیره' in more descriptive sentences. You will learn that there are two main types: 'zireh-ye sabz' (green cumin) and 'zireh-ye siah' (black cumin). You can use these in a grocery store. For example, 'Nim kilo zireh-ye sabz mikham' (I want half a kilo of green cumin). You also start to learn basic verbs that go with it, like 'rikhtan' (to pour/add) or 'kharidan' (to buy). You might notice that it is often added to rice. It is a good time to learn that Kerman is the city famous for this spice.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural and medicinal importance of 'زیره'. You will learn the famous idiom 'Zireh be Kerman bordan', which means doing something redundant or useless. You should be able to explain why people use cumin in rice—to balance the 'cold' nature of the food. You can use the word in the context of health, like saying 'Zireh baraye hazm-e ghaza khoob ast' (Cumin is good for food digestion). You should also be comfortable with compound words like 'zireh-choob' (a term sometimes used for the stalks) or 'aragh-e zireh' (cumin distillate).

At the B2 level, you can discuss the nuances of 'زیره' in Iranian traditional medicine (Teb-e Sonnati). You can explain concepts like 'Mizaj' (temperament) and why cumin is considered 'Garm' (hot). You should be able to distinguish between 'Bunium persicum' (wild black cumin) and regular cumin in a conversation about quality. You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive sentences: 'Zireh dar mantaghe-ye Kerman kesht mishavad' (Cumin is cultivated in the Kerman region). You can also participate in discussions about Iranian exports and the economy of spices.

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At the C1 level, you use 'زیره' as a window into Persian literature and history. You might encounter the word in classical texts or sophisticated culinary essays that discuss the evolution of Iranian flavors. You should be able to use the word metaphorically beyond the standard idiom. You can analyze the role of cumin in the Silk Road trade and its linguistic influence on other languages. Your vocabulary should include technical terms related to its cultivation, such as 'bardasht' (harvest) and 'asans' (essential oil/essence). You can discuss the subtle differences in aroma between mountain-grown and farm-grown cumin.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native understanding of 'زیره'. You can engage in academic or pharmacological debates about the properties of 'cuminaldehyde' found in Iranian cumin. You understand the historical shifts in the spice trade and how 'zireh' became a symbol of specific Iranian provinces. You can use the word in high-level literary puns or complex socio-economic analyses of the agricultural sector. You are aware of the rarest varieties and the specific traditional methods of processing cumin seeds to preserve their volatile oils. The word is no longer just a spice to you, but a complex cultural signifier.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

زیره en 30 secondes

Zireh means cumin, a vital spice in Iran.
It comes in green (sabz) and black (siah) varieties.
Kerman is the world-famous center for Persian black cumin.
Used in cooking (rice) and medicine (digestion/bloating).

The Persian word زیره (pronounced 'zireh') refers to cumin, a spice that is profoundly embedded in the culinary, medicinal, and cultural fabric of Iran. While in English 'cumin' usually refers to the pale green-brown seeds of Cuminum cyminum, the Persian term encompasses a broader botanical and cultural spectrum. In the Iranian plateau, there are two primary varieties that every speaker distinguishes: zireh-ye sabz (green cumin) and zireh-ye siah (black cumin, often wild-harvested and highly prized). Understanding this word is not just about knowing a kitchen ingredient; it is about accessing a piece of Iranian geography, particularly the city of Kerman, which is legendary for its high-quality black cumin.

Culinary Usage: In the kitchen, it is the soul of dishes like Zireh Polo. It is added to rice to neutralize the 'cold' nature of the grain according to traditional medicine. Iranians use it whole or ground, often to temper the flavor of lamb or to add an earthy depth to stews.

بوی زیره تمام فضای آشپزخانه را پر کرده بود. (The smell of cumin had filled the entire atmosphere of the kitchen.)

Medicinal Context: In traditional Iranian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati), it is considered 'hot' and 'dry'. It is the go-to remedy for bloating, indigestion, and is frequently given to nursing mothers or infants in the form of aragh-e zireh (cumin distillate).

Historically, the trade of this spice helped build cities. When an Iranian says 'Zireh', they might also be thinking of the province of Kerman. The association is so strong that the most famous idiom in the Persian language involves this spice. To do something redundant is to 'carry cumin to Kerman'. This highlights how the word is used not just for the physical seed, but as a symbol of regional pride and economic history. Whether you are reading a 13th-century poem or a modern recipe blog, the word carries a weight of tradition that English 'cumin' often lacks.

برای درمان نفخ، چای زیره بهترین گزینه است. (For treating bloating, cumin tea is the best option.)

Marketplace Register: In the 'Attari' (traditional apothecary), the word is used with precision. You might hear 'Zireh-ye kuhi' (mountain cumin), referring to the wild-crafted variety that is considered superior for therapeutic use.

کرمان مرکز اصلی تولید زیره در ایران است. (Kerman is the main center of cumin production in Iran.)

Using the word زیره correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its frequent appearance in compound nouns and possessive constructions (Ezafe). In Persian, spices are usually treated as uncountable nouns when referring to the substance, but countable when referring to types or specific packets. You will often find it coupled with adjectives like siah (black), sabz (green), asiyab-shodeh (ground), or daneh-dorosht (whole seed).

Direct Object Usage: When you are adding cumin to a dish, it takes the direct object marker 'ra' if it is specific. For example: 'Zireh-ra dar hovang bekub' (Crush the cumin in the mortar).

او همیشه به برنج خود کمی زیره اضافه می‌کند. (He always adds a little cumin to his rice.)

In recipe instructions, the word is often the subject of verbs like 'tashrifat-e pokht' (cooking rituals). You might see 'Zireh bayad kami tift dade shavad' (The cumin should be slightly sautéed). This highlights the importance of the spice's aroma, which is released through heat. When discussing the quantity, Iranians use units like mesghal (a traditional unit of weight around 4.6 grams) or geram (gram).

Descriptive Phrases: You can describe the quality using 'khosh-atr' (fragrant). 'Zireh-ye khosh-atr-e Kerman' is a common phrase in marketing and culinary descriptions.

یک قاشق چای‌خوری پودر زیره برای این خورشت کافی است. (One teaspoon of cumin powder is enough for this stew.)

Furthermore, the word appears in scientific and medical contexts. In a pharmacy or herbalist shop, you might ask for 'Aragh-e Zireh' (Cumin water/distillate) or 'Roghan-e Zireh' (Cumin oil). In these cases, the word functions as the modifier in a genitive construction, defining the type of extract being discussed. The flexibility of the word allows it to move from a simple ingredient list to a sophisticated pharmacological discussion without changing its form.

آیا می‌دانستید که زیره خاصیت ضدعفونی‌کننده دارد؟ (Did you know that cumin has antiseptic properties?)

Idiomatic Sentence Structure: When using the idiom 'Zireh be Kerman bordan', the word acts as the object of the verb 'bordan' (to carry/take). It follows the standard SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) order of Persian.

هدیه دادن کتاب به نویسنده، مثل بردن زیره به کرمان است. (Giving a book to an author is like taking cumin to Kerman.)

The word زیره resonates through various spheres of Iranian life, from the bustling alleys of a traditional bazaar to the sterile environment of a modern laboratory. If you walk through the Grand Bazaar of Tehran or the Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz, the scent of cumin is ubiquitous, and the word is shouted by vendors or whispered by customers examining the quality of the harvest. You will hear it in the 'Attari' (herbal medicine shops), where it is discussed with the reverence usually reserved for medicine.

The Domestic Sphere: In Iranian homes, the word is most common during meal preparation. Mothers and grandmothers often discuss whether the rice needs more 'zireh' to balance its 'coldness'. It is a word associated with care and traditional wisdom.

عطاری‌ها بهترین جای برای خرید زیره تازه هستند. (Herbal shops are the best place to buy fresh cumin.)

On Iranian television, particularly in cooking shows or health programs, the word is frequently used. Chefs emphasize the 'atr' (aroma) of cumin, while health experts discuss its carminative properties. In Kerman, the word is a point of local identity. You will see it on souvenir shop signs, on large sacks in the market, and in local folk songs. It is not just a spice there; it is the 'green gold' or 'black gold' of the region.

In Literature and Media: The word appears in classical poetry (though less frequently than musk or rosewater) and extensively in modern culinary literature. It is also a staple in agricultural news reports regarding crop yields in the Khorasan and Kerman provinces.

در طب سنتی، زیره را برای تقویت معده توصیه می‌کنند. (In traditional medicine, they recommend cumin for strengthening the stomach.)

If you are a student in Iran, you might encounter the word in biology textbooks describing the family Apiaceae. In the social sphere, the idiom 'Zireh be Kerman bordan' is used in political commentary, business meetings, and daily banter to describe redundant actions. This cross-domain usage makes it one of the most culturally active spice names in the Persian language.

صادرات زیره ایران به کشورهای اروپایی افزایش یافته است. (Iran's cumin exports to European countries have increased.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using زیره is confusing it with other small, curved seeds that look similar but taste vastly different. In the Persian-speaking world, botanical accuracy is often tied to traditional medicine, so using the wrong word can lead to the wrong 'mizaj' (temperament) in a dish or remedy. The most frequent confusion occurs between cumin, caraway, and fennel.

Cumin vs. Caraway: Many English-Persian dictionaries translate 'caraway' as 'zireh-ye siah'. While they are related, true Iranian black cumin (Bunium persicum) is different from the European caraway (Carum carvi). Using 'zireh' for caraway in a European recipe might lead to a flavor profile that is too earthy and smoky.

اشتباه گرفتن زیره با رازیانه در آشپزی طعم غذا را خراب می‌کند. (Confusing cumin with fennel in cooking ruins the taste of the food.)

Another common mistake is pronunciation. The 'i' in 'zireh' is a long vowel (like 'ee' in 'see'), and the 'h' at the end is a 'silent he' (He-ye Jami), which often functions as a short 'e' sound in modern Persian. Pronouncing it as 'Zayer' or 'Zirah' (with a strong 'h') will make it difficult for locals to understand you. It should sound like 'Zee-re'.

The 'Zireh-ye Sabz' vs. 'Zireh-ye Siah' Mix-up: In many Western grocery stores, only green cumin is available. If an Iranian recipe specifically calls for 'Zireh-ye Siah', using the green variety will significantly change the dish. The black variety is smaller, thinner, and much more aromatic.

نباید زیره سبز را به جای زیره سیاه استفاده کرد. (One should not use green cumin instead of black cumin.)

Lastly, learners often forget the Ezafe construction when describing the spice. Saying 'Zireh sabz' without the linking 'ye' sound (Zireh-ye sabz) is a common grammatical slip. While understandable in fast speech, it marks you as a beginner. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with Siyah-daneh (Nigella seeds), which are also black but have a triangular shape and a completely different peppery flavor.

تلفظ صحیح زیره برای زبان‌آموزان مهم است. (Correct pronunciation of 'zireh' is important for language learners.)

In the world of Persian spices and herbs, several words are frequently grouped with زیره due to their similar appearance or usage. Understanding the nuances between these terms is essential for anyone interested in Iranian cuisine or traditional medicine. While 'zireh' is the king of carminatives, its cousins offer different flavor profiles and therapeutic benefits.

رازیانه (Razyaneh) - Fennel: Often confused with green cumin, fennel seeds are larger and have a distinct licorice or anise-like flavor. While cumin is earthy and pungent, fennel is sweet. In Persian medicine, fennel is specifically associated with female hormonal health, whereas cumin is more general for digestion.
انیسون (Anisoon) - Anise: Anise seeds are even closer in appearance to cumin than fennel is, but they possess a very strong sweet aroma. They are rarely used in the same savory rice dishes where cumin excels.
سیاه‌دانه (Siyah-daneh) - Nigella Seed: Though the name implies 'black seed', and it is used as a topping for bread, it is not related to black cumin. Its flavor is bitter and slightly spicy, lacking the smoky depth of black cumin.

تفاوت طعم زیره و رازیانه بسیار زیاد است. (The flavor difference between cumin and fennel is very great.)

When looking for alternatives in a recipe, if you don't have Persian black cumin, the best substitute is often a mix of standard green cumin and a tiny bit of caraway, though it won't be perfect. In the context of the idiom 'Zireh be Kerman bordan', there are no direct word-for-word alternatives, but the concept of 'doing something useless' can be expressed by the phrase 'Ab dar havan koobidan' (pounding water in a mortar).

هل (Hel) - Cardamom: While not a botanical relative, cardamom is often mentioned alongside cumin in the context of 'Advieh' (spice mixes). Both are 'hot' spices that are used to aromaticize rice.

در ترکیب ادویه پلویی، معمولاً از زیره استفاده می‌شود. (In the composition of rice spice mix, cumin is usually used.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'cumin' actually shares a very ancient Semitic root (Akkadian 'kamūnu') with the Persian 'zireh' through complex historical linguistic exchanges in the Near East.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ziːˈre/

US /ziːˈreɪ/

The stress is typically on the second syllable: zi-REH.

Rime avec

تیره (tireh - dark) خیره (khireh - staring) شیره (shireh - syrup) جیره (jireh - ration) چیره (chireh - dominant) دیره (direh - it is late) گیره (gireh - clip) میره (mireh - he/she goes)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'Zayer' (rhyming with layer).
Pronouncing the final 'h' as a guttural sound (it is silent).
Making the 'i' short like in 'sit' instead of long like in 'seat'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'r' with a rolling English 'r' instead of a Persian tap.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read, only two syllables and common letters.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the final 'he'.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct long 'i' and tapped 'r'.

Écoute 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to catch in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

برنج (Rice) ادویه (Spice) بو (Smell) کرمان (Kerman) سیاه (Black)

Apprends ensuite

رازیانه (Fennel) هل (Cardamom) زعفران (Saffron) دارچین (Cinnamon) زردچوبه (Turmeric)

Avancé

مزاج (Temperament) بادشکن (Carminative) تقطیر (Distillation) گیاه‌شناسی (Botany) صادرات (Export)

Grammaire à connaître

The Ezafe Construction

زیره سبز (Zireh-ye sabz) - The '-ye' links the noun and adjective.

Compound Nouns

زیره‌پلو (Zireh-polo) - Two nouns joined to create a new concept.

Mass Nouns in Persian

زیره (Zireh) is usually treated as singular even if it refers to many seeds.

Direct Object Marker 'ra'

زیره را بردار (Take the cumin) - Use 'ra' for specific objects.

Prepositions with Locations

زیره به کرمان (Cumin to Kerman) - Using 'be' for direction.

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Exemples par niveau

من زیره دوست دارم.

I like cumin.

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

این زیره است.

This is cumin.

Use of the demonstrative pronoun 'in' (this).

زیره کجاست؟

Where is the cumin?

Basic question word 'koja' (where).

مادر زیره خرید.

Mother bought cumin.

Past tense of 'kharidan' (to buy).

زیره خوشمزه است.

Cumin is delicious.

Predicate adjective 'khoshmazeh' (delicious).

کمی زیره بده.

Give (me) some cumin.

Imperative form of 'dadan' (to give).

زیره سیاه.

Black cumin.

Noun-adjective pair with Ezafe (implied).

نان و زیره.

Bread and cumin.

Use of 'va' (and) to link nouns.

او در برنج زیره می‌ریزد.

She puts cumin in the rice.

Present continuous/habitual tense.

آیا شما زیره سبز دارید؟

Do you have green cumin?

Formal 'shoma' with the verb 'dashtan' (to have).

من دو بسته زیره خریدم.

I bought two packets of cumin.

Use of counters/classifiers like 'basteh' (packet).

زیره بوی خوبی دارد.

Cumin has a good smell.

The noun 'boo' (smell) with the adjective 'khoob' (good).

این زیره مال کرمان است.

This cumin is from Kerman.

Use of 'mal-e' to indicate origin/possession.

زیره را در شیشه بریز.

Pour the cumin into the jar.

Direct object marker 'ra' used with a specific noun.

چای زیره برای دل‌درد خوب است.

Cumin tea is good for stomach ache.

Compound noun 'chay-e zireh'.

قیمت زیره چقدر است؟

How much is the price of cumin?

Question about price using 'cheghadr'.

زیره به کرمان بردن کار بیهوده‌ای است.

Taking cumin to Kerman is a useless task.

Introduction to the famous idiom.

برای خوش‌طعم شدن گوشت، از زیره استفاده کنید.

To make the meat tasty, use cumin.

Use of the 'baraye' (for) + infinitive construction.

زیره سیاه گران‌تر از زیره سبز است.

Black cumin is more expensive than green cumin.

Comparative adjective 'geran-tar' (more expensive).

او همیشه زیره را قبل از مصرف آسیاب می‌کند.

He always grinds the cumin before use.

The verb 'asiyab kardan' (to grind).

عرق زیره برای کاهش وزن مفید شناخته شده است.

Cumin distillate is known to be useful for weight loss.

Passive-leaning construction 'shonakhte shodeh ast'.

در این عطاری انواع زیره پیدا می‌شود.

In this herbal shop, all kinds of cumin can be found.

Use of 'anva-e' (types of).

زیره پلو یکی از غذاهای سنتی ایران است.

Zireh Polo is one of the traditional dishes of Iran.

Superlative-like construction 'yeki az...est'.

مقداری زیره در هاون بکوب.

Crush some cumin in a mortar.

The verb 'kubidan' (to pound/crush).

زیره دارای خواص آنتی‌اکسیدانی فراوانی است.

Cumin possesses many antioxidant properties.

Formal verb 'daray-e ... budan' (to possess).

کشت زیره در مناطق کویری ایران رونق دارد.

Cumin cultivation is flourishing in the desert regions of Iran.

The noun 'kesht' (cultivation) and 'ronagh' (flourishing).

بسیاری از پزشکان طب سنتی مصرف زیره را توصیه می‌کنند.

Many traditional medicine doctors recommend the consumption of cumin.

Subject-verb agreement with a plural subject.

زیره سیاه وحشی در کوه‌های کرمان یافت می‌شود.

Wild black cumin is found in the mountains of Kerman.

Passive voice 'yaft mishavad' (is found).

به دلیل طبع گرم زیره، آن را با غذاهای سرد می‌خورند.

Because of the hot nature of cumin, they eat it with cold foods.

Use of 'be dalil-e' (because of) and 'tab' (nature/temperament).

اسانس زیره در صنایع آرایشی نیز کاربرد دارد.

Cumin essence also has applications in the cosmetic industry.

The noun 'karbord' (application/use).

زیره نباید در معرض نور مستقیم خورشید باشد.

Cumin should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Modal verb 'nabayad' (should not) with 'dar maraz-e' (exposed to).

تاجران زیره را به کشورهای دور صادر می‌کردند.

Merchants used to export cumin to distant countries.

Past imperfect tense 'sader mikardand'.

در متون کهن، از زیره به عنوان دارویی معجزه‌آسا یاد شده است.

In ancient texts, cumin has been mentioned as a miraculous medicine.

Formal passive construction 'yad shodeh ast'.

تنوع ژنتیکی زیره در ایران بسیار گسترده است.

The genetic diversity of cumin in Iran is very extensive.

Academic vocabulary: 'tanavo-e jentiki' (genetic diversity).

برداشت زیره در اوایل تابستان آغاز می‌گردد.

The cumin harvest begins in early summer.

Formal verb 'aghaz migardad' instead of 'shoru mishavad'.

زیره کرمان به دلیل عطر خاصش در جهان بی‌نظیر است.

Kerman cumin is unique in the world due to its special aroma.

Use of 'be dalil-e' and 'bi-nazir' (unique).

تحقیقات نشان می‌دهد که زیره می‌تواند قند خون را تنظیم کند.

Research shows that cumin can regulate blood sugar.

Complex sentence with 'neshan midehad ke'.

فرهنگ عامه ایران مملو از ضرب‌المثل‌هایی درباره زیره است.

Iranian folklore is full of proverbs about cumin.

The adjective 'mamlov' (full/replete).

رایحه تند و تیز زیره، ویژگی بارز این ادویه است.

The sharp and pungent scent of cumin is a prominent feature of this spice.

Noun 'rayehe' (scent) and adjective 'baraz' (prominent).

زیره در طول تاریخ یکی از اقلام مهم جاده ابریشم بوده است.

Throughout history, cumin has been one of the important items of the Silk Road.

Historical present perfect 'boodeh ast'.

تجزیه و تحلیل شیمیایی زیره، وجود ترکیبات آروماتیک پیچیده را تایید می‌کند.

Chemical analysis of cumin confirms the existence of complex aromatic compounds.

Highly formal academic Persian.

زیره به عنوان یک مصلح برای مواد غذایی نفاخ در طب سنتی تلقی می‌شود.

Cumin is considered a 'modifier' (mosleh) for flatulent foods in traditional medicine.

Technical term 'mosleh' (corrective/modifier).

نوسانات قیمت زیره در بازار بورس کالا، تاثیر مستقیمی بر معیشت کشاورزان دارد.

Fluctuations in cumin prices on the commodity exchange have a direct impact on farmers' livelihoods.

Economic terminology: 'nosanat-e gheymat' (price fluctuations).

تمایز ریخت‌شناسی بین زیره سبز و سیاه در مراحل اولیه رشد دشوار است.

Morphological differentiation between green and black cumin is difficult in the early stages of growth.

Scientific term 'rikht-shenasi' (morphology).

در اشعار خاقانی، استعارات ظریفی با استفاده از نام زیره به چشم می‌خورد.

In Khaqani's poems, subtle metaphors using the name of cumin are observed.

Literary analysis: 'este'arat-e zarif' (subtle metaphors).

بهره‌وری مزارع زیره با استفاده از روش‌های نوین آبیاری دوچندان شده است.

The productivity of cumin farms has doubled using modern irrigation methods.

The word 'bahre-vari' (productivity).

زیره در ساختار برخی عطرهای نیش به عنوان نت میانی به کار می‌رود.

Cumin is used as a middle note in the structure of some niche perfumes.

Industry-specific term 'not-e miyani' (middle note).

پراکنش جغرافیایی گونه‌های مختلف زیره در فلات ایران مورد مطالعه قرار گرفته است.

The geographical distribution of various cumin species in the Iranian plateau has been studied.

Academic passive 'mored-e motale'e gharar gerefteh ast'.

Collocations courantes

زیره سیاه

عرق زیره

پودر زیره

زیره پلو

دم‌کرده زیره

دانه زیره

زیره سبز

عطر زیره

خواص زیره

کشت زیره

Phrases Courantes

زیره به کرمان بردن

— To do something completely redundant or unnecessary. Like carrying coals to Newcastle.

هدیه دادن زیره به تاجر فرش، مثل زیره به کرمان بردن است.

بوی زیره

— The scent of cumin. Often used to describe a kitchen or a person's breath after medicine.

همیشه بوی زیره از آشپزخانه‌اش می‌آمد.

روغن زیره

— Cumin oil. Used in aromatherapy or traditional massage.

روغن زیره برای ماساژ شکم استفاده می‌شود.

چای زیره

— Cumin tea. A common herbal remedy.

چای زیره بنوش تا شکم‌دردت خوب شود.

زیره آسیاب شده

— Ground cumin. The form used in most spice mixes.

زیره آسیاب شده زودتر عطر خود را از دست می‌دهد.

مصلح زیره

— Something that balances cumin. In medicine, every spice has a 'mosleh'.

کتیرا مصلح زیره است.

زیره کوهی

— Wild mountain cumin. Known for superior quality.

زیره کوهی بسیار کمیاب و گران است.

یک مثقال زیره

— A traditional measurement of cumin.

یک مثقال زیره برای این دستور کافی است.

طعم زیره

— The taste of cumin.

طعم زیره در این غذا خیلی قوی است.

زیره و نبات

— Cumin and rock candy. A common mix for digestive issues.

ترکیب زیره و نبات برای نفخ معجزه می‌کند.

Souvent confondu avec

زیره vs زره (Zereh)

Means 'armor'. Often confused by beginners due to similar spelling/sound, but the vowel is different.

زیره vs رازیانه (Razyaneh)

Fennel. Looks similar but tastes like licorice.

زیره vs سیاه‌دانه (Siah-daneh)

Nigella. Also a black seed but has a completely different shape and sharp taste.

Expressions idiomatiques

"زیره به کرمان بردن"

— To perform a redundant action, as Kerman is the source of cumin.

پول قرض دادن به این میلیونر، مثل زیره به کرمان بردن است.

common/literary

"زیره‌اش را خوردن"

— To have benefited from the medicinal or 'hot' properties of cumin (metaphorically being energetic).

معلوم است زیره‌اش را خورده که اینقدر پرانرژی است.

informal/humorous

"مثل زیره سیاه"

— To be thin and dark (sometimes used to describe someone's appearance).

بچه‌اش مثل زیره سیاه ریزه و میزه است.

informal

"بوی زیره گرفتن"

— To become associated with something traditional or old-fashioned.

حرف‌هایش بوی زیره و گلاب می‌دهد.

informal

"زیره توی پلو"

— Something essential that blends in perfectly.

او مثل زیره توی پلو، بخش جدایی‌ناپذیر تیم است.

informal/creative

"با زیره درمان کردن"

— To use a traditional, simple solution for a problem.

مشکلات بزرگ را نمی‌توان فقط با زیره درمان کرد.

metaphorical

"زیره و کتیرا"

— Things that always go together (based on traditional medicine pairings).

آن دو مثل زیره و کتیرا همیشه با هم هستند.

informal

"قیمت زیره دست آمدن"

— To realize the true value or difficulty of something.

وقتی وارد بازار شوی، قیمت زیره دستت می‌آید.

informal

"زیره پاشیدن"

— To add a final touch of flavor or wisdom.

او در پایان صحبت‌هایش کمی زیره پاشید.

literary

"از زیره تا گردو"

— From the smallest to the largest things (everything).

از زیره تا گردو را در این مغازه می‌توانی پیدا کنی.

informal

Facile à confondre

زیره vs زیره (Zireh)

Looks like 'Zereh' (armor).

Zireh has a long 'i' (ee) and refers to a spice. Zereh has a short 'e' and refers to metal protection.

سرباز زره پوشید، اما آشپز زیره ریخت.

زیره vs رازیانه

Similar seed shape.

Fennel is larger, greener, and sweet. Cumin is smaller and earthy.

رازیانه شیرین است، اما زیره تند است.

زیره vs انیسون

Similar seed shape.

Anise is sweet and used in cookies. Cumin is earthy and used in rice.

انیسون بوی شیرینی می‌دهد.

زیره vs تخم گشنیز

Both are small dried seeds.

Coriander seeds are round and citrusy. Cumin seeds are elongated and smoky.

تخم گشنیز گرد است.

زیره vs اجغو (Ajgho)

Regional name for a type of wild cumin/caraway.

Ajgho is a local dialect term used in parts of Khorasan/Afghanistan.

در مشهد گاهی به آن اجغو می‌گویند.

Structures de phrases

من [noun] دوست دارم.

من زیره دوست دارم.

[noun] کجاست؟

زیره کجاست؟

برای [verb-ing] از [noun] استفاده کنید.

برای خوشمزه شدن غذا از زیره استفاده کنید.

[noun] دارای [property] است.

زیره دارای طبع گرم است.

[noun] به عنوان [category] شناخته می‌شود.

زیره به عنوان طلای سبز کرمان شناخته می‌شود.

نوسانات [noun] بر [consequence] تاثیر دارد.

نوسانات قیمت زیره بر معیشت کشاورزان تاثیر دارد.

مثل [idiom] است.

این کار مثل زیره به کرمان بردن است.

این [noun] مال [location] است.

این زیره مال کرمان است.

Famille de mots

Noms

زیره‌پلو (Cumin rice)

زیره‌زار (Cumin field)

زیره‌دان (Cumin shaker)

Verbes

زیره ریختن (To add cumin)

زیره سابیدن (To grind cumin)

Adjectifs

زیره‌ای (Cumin-colored/flavored)

زیره‌دار (Containing cumin)

Apparenté

ادویه (Spice)

کرمان (Kerman)

عطاری (Herbalist)

نفخ (Bloating)

هضم (Digestion)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in culinary and medical contexts; very common in idiomatic speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Zereh' instead of 'Zireh'. → Zireh (زیره)
Zereh means armor; Zireh means cumin. One vowel changes the meaning entirely.
Saying 'Zireh Sabz' for black cumin recipes. → Zireh Siah (زیره سیاه)
The flavors are very different; green is earthy, black is smoky and intense.
Dropping the Ezafe in 'Zireh-ye Kerman'. → Zireh-ye Kerman
Without the 'ye', the two words don't link correctly in a possessive/origin phrase.
Confusing 'Zireh' with 'Razyaneh' (Fennel). → Zireh
Fennel is sweet; putting it in a savory cumin rice dish will ruin the flavor.
Misinterpreting the proverb 'Zireh be Kerman bordan'. → Using it for redundant actions.
Some learners think it means a long journey, but it specifically means a useless, redundant task.

Astuces

Toast the seeds

Always toast cumin seeds for 30 seconds in a dry pan before using to release the essential oils.

Buy whole seeds

Cumin loses its flavor quickly once ground. Buy whole seeds and grind them as needed.

For bloating

If you feel bloated after a heavy meal, chew on a few cumin seeds or drink cumin tea.

Keep it dark

Store cumin in a cool, dark place. Light and heat will destroy its aromatic compounds.

Gift giving

High-quality black cumin from Kerman makes an excellent and thoughtful gift for an Iranian host.

Specify the type

Always specify 'sabz' or 'siah' in the market to ensure you get the right flavor for your dish.

Learn the proverb

Using the 'Zireh be Kerman' proverb in conversation will instantly impress native Persian speakers.

Ezafe usage

Remember the 'ye' sound: Zireh-ye Kerman. It makes your Persian sound much more natural.

Rice pairing

Cumin goes best with simple white basmati rice and a bit of butter.

Moderation

While healthy, don't overdo cumin as its 'hot' nature can be overwhelming in large quantities.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'ZEE-bra' (Zireh) eating 'REH-ish' (rice) in Kerman. The 'Zee' and 'Reh' give you the pronunciation.

Association visuelle

Imagine a tiny, dark, curved seed shaped like a comma. It is a 'comma' in the sentence of a recipe that adds a 'pause' of flavor.

Word Web

Kerman Spice Rice Digestion Black Green Aroma Medicine

Défi

Try to find 'Zireh-ye Siah' in a local market and describe its smell using three Persian adjectives (khosh-boo, tond, garm).

Origine du mot

The word 'زیره' (zireh) comes from Middle Persian 'zīrag'. It is part of a larger family of Indo-European words for the spice.

Sens originel : The root is associated with the concept of 'yellow' or 'gold', likely referring to the color of the green variety or the value of the spice.

Indo-Iranian / Indo-European.

Contexte culturel

No major sensitivities, but be aware that 'Zireh-ye Siah' is a point of pride for Kermani people; don't suggest that other regions have better cumin!

In the West, cumin is mostly associated with Mexican or Indian food, but in Iran, it is the defining aroma of certain regional Persian rices.

The proverb 'Zireh be Kerman bordan' is found in the works of many Persian poets. Kerman's tourism slogans often feature cumin. Mentioned in the 'Canon of Medicine' by Avicenna (Ibn Sina).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Cooking

زیره را تفت دهید (Sauté the cumin)
پودر زیره اضافه کنید (Add cumin powder)
زیره پلو درست کنید (Make cumin rice)
عطر زیره (The aroma of cumin)

Health/Pharmacy

عرق زیره برای لاغری (Cumin water for weight loss)
دمنوش زیره (Cumin herbal tea)
ضد نفخ (Anti-bloating)
طبع گرم (Hot nature)

Bazaar/Shopping

زیره سیاه کرمان دارید؟ (Do you have Kerman black cumin?)
قیمت یک مثقال زیره (Price of one mesghal of cumin)
زیره تازه (Fresh cumin)
بسته‌بندی زیره (Cumin packaging)

Agriculture

فصل برداشت زیره (Cumin harvest season)
کشت دیم زیره (Dryland cumin farming)
محصول زیره (Cumin crop)
کیفیت زیره (Cumin quality)

Proverbs

زیره به کرمان بردن (Carrying cumin to Kerman)
بیهوده کاری کردن (Doing something useless)
ضرب‌المثل ایرانی (Iranian proverb)
معادل انگلیسی (English equivalent)

Amorces de conversation

"آیا تا به حال زیره پلو خورده‌اید؟ (Have you ever eaten cumin rice?)"

"می‌دانستید بهترین زیره جهان مال کرمان است؟ (Did you know the best cumin in the world is from Kerman?)"

"شما در آشپزی از زیره سبز استفاده می‌کنید یا سیاه؟ (Do you use green or black cumin in cooking?)"

"آیا برای درمان دل‌درد از دمنوش زیره استفاده می‌کنید؟ (Do you use cumin tea to treat stomach aches?)"

"معنی ضرب‌المثل زیره به کرمان بردن را می‌دانید؟ (Do you know the meaning of the proverb 'carrying cumin to Kerman'?)"

Sujets d'écriture

درباره بوی ادویه‌های مختلف در بازار ایران بنویسید. (Write about the smell of different spices in the Iranian bazaar.)

اگر بخواهید یک غذای سنتی با زیره درست کنید، چه مراحلی را طی می‌کنید؟ (If you wanted to make a traditional dish with cumin, what steps would you take?)

چرا در ایران به زیره اهمیت زیادی می‌دهند؟ (Why is so much importance given to cumin in Iran?)

یک خاطره درباره استفاده از داروهای گیاهی مثل زیره بنویسید. (Write a memory about using herbal medicines like cumin.)

تفاوت‌های فرهنگی در استفاده از ادویه‌ها بین کشور خودتان و ایران را مقایسه کنید. (Compare cultural differences in spice usage between your country and Iran.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Green cumin (zireh-ye sabz) is the common cumin found worldwide, used for flavor. Black cumin (zireh-ye siah) is a wilder, more expensive variety from Kerman with a stronger aroma and more medicinal uses.

According to Persian traditional medicine, rice is 'cold' (sard). Cumin is 'hot' (garm) and helps balance the rice, preventing bloating and aiding digestion.

They are related but not identical. Persian black cumin (Bunium persicum) is often called 'caraway' in English dictionaries, but it has a different flavor profile than European caraway.

It is pronounced 'Zee-re'. The 'i' is like 'see', and the 'h' at the end is a short 'e' sound, not a hard 'h'.

It means to do something redundant or useless, like bringing a product to a place that is already the world's main producer of it.

Yes, but seeds are preferred for 'Zireh Polo' to keep the rice looking clean, while powder is used for stews and spice mixes.

Kerman is considered to produce the highest quality black cumin in the world.

Yes, 'Aragh-e Zireh' (cumin distillate) is a very popular traditional remedy for weight loss and metabolism boost.

The most famous is 'Zireh Polo' (Cumin Rice), often served with chicken or meat.

Yes, in Iran, cumin tea or water is often given to infants in very small amounts to help with colic and gas.

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