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آبلیمو

A2 noun #6,500 most common 11 min read

آبلیمو

ablimoo Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips آبلیمو in 30 Seconds

Explanation آبلیمو in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'آبلیمو' (āblimū) as a basic food word. Think of it as a combination of two words you might already know: 'āb' (water) and 'līmū' (lemon). In Iran, lemon juice is very important. You will see it on the table in almost every restaurant. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I like lemon juice' (Man āblimū dūst dāram) or 'Give me lemon juice' (Āblimū be man bede). It is a 'noun', which means it is a thing. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is sour and yellow. If you go to a shop, you can point to a bottle and say 'āblimū'. This word is very helpful when you are eating because many Persian foods are better with a little bit of this sour juice. You should also know that 'āblimū' is not a drink like orange juice; it is something you add to other things. If you drink a whole glass of it, you will find it too sour! Practice saying it: 'Āb-lī-mū'. The stress is at the end of the word. It is a very common word, and you will hear it every day in an Iranian home.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'آبلیمو' in more practical, everyday situations. You should know how to use it with common verbs like 'pour' (rikhtan) and 'add' (ezāfe kardan). For example, 'Komi āblimū beriz' (Pour a little lemon juice). You should also learn the 'Ezafe' construction to describe it. For instance, 'āblimū-ye tāze' means 'fresh lemon juice'. At this level, you can start to understand the difference between the pure juice and the drink 'sharbat-e āblimū' (lemonade). You might use it when talking about cooking or health. If you have a cold, you can say 'Man āblimū va asal mikhoram' (I eat/drink lemon juice and honey). You should also be able to ask for it politely in a restaurant using 'dāshtan' (to have): 'Āyā āblimū dārid?' (Do you have lemon juice?). This level is about using the word to satisfy your basic needs and describe simple actions in the kitchen. You are also learning that in Persian, 'līmū' can mean both lemon and lime, so 'āblimū' is the juice of either. It is a key ingredient in 'Salad Shirazi', which is a dish you should definitely know at this stage of your learning journey.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the cultural importance of 'آبلیمو' in Iran. You should be able to explain why it is used in certain dishes, such as how it balances the fat in a 'Kabab' or adds brightness to a 'Khoresht' (stew). You can use the word in complex sentences with conjunctions like 'because' (chonke) or 'if' (agar). For example, 'Agar āblimū berizi, khoreš khoshmazetar mishavad' (If you pour lemon juice, the stew becomes more delicious). You should also be familiar with the seasonal tradition of 'āblimū-giri' (extracting lemon juice), where families prepare their own supply for the year. This involves more advanced vocabulary related to processes and traditions. You can start using 'āblimū' in the context of traditional Persian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati), discussing its 'cold' nature and how it is used to treat high blood pressure or 'garmi' (heat-related issues). Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'torsh' (sour), 'vitāmin-e sē' (Vitamin C), and 'osāre' (extract). You can also participate in longer conversations about food preferences and give advice on how to improve a recipe using this ingredient.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'آبلیمو' in a variety of registers, from informal cooking tips to formal health discussions. You can compare it with other souring agents like 'ābghooreh' (verjuice) or 'serkeh' (vinegar) and explain the subtle differences in flavor and usage. For example, you might say, 'Āblimū barā-ye salad monāseb ast, ammā barā-ye ba'zi khorešt-hā ābghooreh behtar ast' (Lemon juice is suitable for salads, but for some stews, verjuice is better). You can use more sophisticated verbs like 'chakāndan' (to drip) or 'tarkib kardan' (to combine). You should also be able to understand and use the word in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts, though 'آبلیمو' is mostly used literally. You can read recipes in Persian that list 'آبلیمو' as an ingredient and understand the specific measurements or timing required. Your understanding of the word now includes its industrial vs. traditional production and the social implications of offering it to guests. You can also discuss the chemistry of how the acid in 'آبلیمو' affects food, such as how it prevents apples from turning brown or how it 'cooks' fish in certain marinades.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the nuances of 'آبلیمو' within Persian linguistics and culture. You can discuss its role in the history of Persian trade and agriculture, particularly in regions like Shiraz and Jahrom. You can analyze the word's appearance in Persian literature or modern media, noting how it represents domesticity and health. You are capable of explaining the linguistic evolution of the word and its components. You can use 'آبلیمو' in professional contexts, such as in a culinary critique or a medical article. You understand the scientific properties of the juice, such as its pH level and its role as a preservative, and can discuss these in Persian. You are also aware of the subtle regional differences; for example, how 'āblimū' in the south might be more intensely sour due to the use of specific lime varieties. Your speech is fluent, and you can use the word in fast-paced conversations without hesitation, incorporating it into complex grammatical structures and using it to express precise shades of meaning regarding taste and health benefits.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'آبلیمو' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the profound cultural weight the word carries—the nostalgia of the annual 'āblimū-giri' and the sensory associations with the Iranian kitchen. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the organic chemistry of citrus preservation or the intricate balance of flavors in 'haute' Persian cuisine. You are familiar with every possible collocation and can use the word in creative writing or poetry to evoke specific imagery. You can debate the merits of different varieties of lemon juice from across the country and discuss the economic impact of the citrus industry in Iran. Your understanding includes the most obscure historical references to citrus use in the Persianate world. You can also navigate the complex social etiquette surrounding food and hospitality, knowing exactly when and how to mention or offer 'آبلیمو' in the most sophisticated manner. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a thread in the rich tapestry of your Persian language proficiency, used with effortless precision and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

آبلیمو in 30 Seconds

A compound noun meaning lemon or lime juice.
Essential ingredient in Persian cooking for acidity.
Used in salads, stews, and traditional remedies.
Formed from 'āb' (water/juice) and 'līmū' (lemon).

The Persian word آبلیمو (pronounced āblimū) is a compound noun that literally translates to "lemon water" or "lemon juice." In the linguistic landscape of Iran, this word is foundational to both the culinary arts and daily health practices. It is formed by the juxtaposition of آب (āb), meaning water or juice, and لیمو (līmū), meaning lemon or lime. Unlike English, which often distinguishes strictly between lemons and limes, Persian frequently uses لیمو as a broad category, though آبلیمو most commonly refers to the bottled or freshly squeezed juice of the sour citrus variety used to provide acidity to dishes.

Culinary Identity: In Persian cuisine, acidity is a key flavor profile, often more desirable than sweetness. آبلیمو acts as the primary acidulant alongside verjuice (ābghooreh) and vinegar (serkeh). It is the soul of Salad Shirazi and the finishing touch for heavy stews like Ghormeh Sabzi.
Health and Tradition: Traditional Persian medicine (Teb-e Sonnati) views آبلیمو as a 'cold' and 'moist' substance. It is frequently prescribed to balance 'hot' temperaments, lower blood pressure, and detoxify the liver. Many Iranians begin their day with a glass of warm water mixed with this juice.

مادر همیشه در سالاد شیرازی مقدار زیادی آبلیمو می‌ریزد تا خوشمزه‌تر شود.
— Translation: Mother always pours a lot of lemon juice in the Salad Shirazi to make it more delicious.

The usage of آبلیمو extends beyond the kitchen. It is a staple in Iranian households, often stored in large glass bottles. During the late summer, many families participate in the tradition of آبلیموگیری (the act of taking lemon juice), where they buy hundreds of kilograms of fresh lemons and take them to local shops with industrial presses to extract the juice for the entire year. This cultural ritual emphasizes the importance of the ingredient; bottled, mass-produced versions are often seen as inferior to this 'fresh' annual batch.

برای درمان سرماخوردگی، عسل و آبلیمو را با آب گرم مخلوط کنید.
— Translation: To treat a cold, mix honey and lemon juice with warm water.

In social contexts, if you are at a dinner table and find a dish too fatty or bland, asking for آبلیمو is a common and polite way to adjust the flavor. It cuts through the richness of lamb and beef, which are central to the Iranian diet. Furthermore, the term is used in modern marketing to denote purity; '100% natural lemon juice' is a common label on high-quality products found in supermarkets from Tehran to Los Angeles.

Storage and Preservation: Iranians often store آبلیمو in dark glass bottles to prevent sunlight from destroying the Vitamin C. Some even put a layer of oil on top or add a bit of salt to preserve it for longer durations without refrigeration.

این آبلیمو خیلی ترش است، مراقب باش زیاد نریزی.
— Translation: This lemon juice is very sour; be careful not to pour too much.

Using آبلیمو in a sentence requires an understanding of Persian verb conjugation and the use of the 'Ezafe' construction. As a noun, it can function as the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase. Because it is a liquid, it is often paired with verbs like ریختن (to pour), اضافه کردن (to add), or گرفتن (to take/extract). Understanding these pairings is essential for achieving natural-sounding Persian.

As a Direct Object: When you are performing an action on the juice, like adding it to tea or food, you use the object marker 'rā' if it is a specific bottle or amount. Example: آبلیمو را بیاور (Bring the lemon juice).
In Compound Verbs: The phrase آبلیمو گرفتن refers to the process of squeezing lemons to make juice. It is a common household activity in autumn. Example: ما هر سال خودمان آبلیمو می‌گیریم (We extract lemon juice ourselves every year).

کمی آبلیمو به خورش اضافه کن تا طعمش بهتر شود.
— Translation: Add a little lemon juice to the stew so its taste becomes better.

When describing the qualities of آبلیمو, you use the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound) to link it to adjectives. For instance, آبلیمو-یِ تازه (fresh lemon juice) or آبلیمو-یِ ترش (sour lemon juice). Note that since آبلیمو ends in a vowel sound ('u'), a 'y' glide is added before the Ezafe. This is a crucial grammatical point for A2 learners who are beginning to describe objects in detail.

آیا شما در چای خود آبلیمو می‌ریزید؟
— Translation: Do you pour lemon juice in your tea?

In a restaurant setting, you might use the word when requesting condiments. A common phrase would be ببخشید، آبلیمو دارید؟ (Excuse me, do you have lemon juice?). If the waiter brings a small bottle, they might say بفرمایید، این هم آبلیمو (Here you go, this is the lemon juice). This demonstrates the word's utility in basic transactional Persian.

Common Verb Pairings

چکاندن (Chakāndan): To drip/squeeze a few drops.
مخلوط کردن (Makhlūt kardan): To mix.
خریدن (Kharidan): To buy.

او چند قطره آبلیمو روی کباب چکاند.
— Translation: He dripped a few drops of lemon juice on the kebab.

If you walk into an Iranian kitchen, the word آبلیمو will likely be one of the first food-related terms you hear. It is ubiquitous because of the Iranian palate's preference for 'torsh' (sour) flavors. Beyond the home, you will encounter this word in several specific environments, each providing a window into Persian culture and daily life.

At the Traditional Bazaar: In the winding alleys of the Tajrish or Tabriz bazaars, vendors will shout about their آبلیمو-یِ تازه. You will see large plastic or glass vats filled with neon-yellow liquid. Hearing the phrase آبلیمو-یِ طبیعی و خانگی (natural and homemade lemon juice) is a sign of quality that attracts many shoppers.
In Modern Supermarkets: On the shelves of stores like Shahrvand or Refah, you will see rows of bottled juice. The labels will prominently feature the word. You might hear a customer asking a clerk: ببخشید، بخش آبلیموها کجاست؟ (Excuse me, where is the lemon juice section?).

فروشنده داد زد: «آبلیموی تازه شیراز موجود است!»
— Translation: The seller shouted: "Fresh Shiraz lemon juice is available!"

In social gatherings and dinner parties (Mehmāni), the word is heard during the serving of the meal. It is common for the host to offer آبلیمو to guests, especially if fish or soup (Āsh) is served. A guest might say: لطفاً کمی آبلیمو به من بدهید (Please give me a little lemon juice). This interaction is a standard part of Persian table manners.

در اخبار شنیدم که قیمت آبلیمو امسال افزایش یافته است.
— Translation: I heard in the news that the price of lemon juice has increased this year.

Finally, in the context of traditional medicine shops known as Attāri, آبلیمو is often discussed as a remedy. While Attāris usually sell dried herbs, they often advise customers on how to use lemon juice with various seeds or distillates (Araghiyat) to cure ailments like indigestion or high blood sugar.

At the Restaurant: When ordering Kabab, the waiter often brings a plate with a grilled tomato, a piece of onion, and a wedge of lemon or a small bottle of آبلیمو. If it's missing, it's perfectly normal to ask for it.

گارسون، لطفاً کمی آبلیمو برای این ماهی بیاورید.
— Translation: Waiter, please bring some lemon juice for this fish.

For English speakers learning Persian, the word آبلیمو can lead to a few common pitfalls. These errors usually stem from direct translation or a misunderstanding of how Iranians categorize citrus fruits and their juices.

Confusing Juice with Lemonade: In English, if you ask for 'lemon juice', people might think of the pure extract, but if you want a drink, you ask for 'lemonade'. In Persian, آبلیمو is strictly the sour extract. If you want the sweet beverage, you must ask for شربتِ آبلیمو (Sharbat-e Āblimū). Asking for آبلیمو when you are thirsty will result in being served a very sour liquid meant for cooking!
The Lemon vs. Lime Distinction: English speakers often struggle with the fact that لیمو (limū) refers to both lemons and limes. While لیمو ترش (līmū torsh) is the general term for both, آبلیمو is almost always made from the small, green, sour variety (limes). If you specifically want yellow lemon juice, you might need to specify آبلیمو-یِ لیمو سنگی, but this is rare.

اشتباه: من یک لیوان آبلیمو می‌خورم. (Mistake: I drink a glass of lemon juice extract.)
— Correct: من یک لیوان شربت آبلیمو می‌خورم. (I drink a glass of lemonade.)

Another common mistake involves the pronunciation of the 'u' at the end. Some learners pronounce it like a short 'o' (āblimo), but it should be a long 'u' like in 'moon'. Mispronouncing this can sometimes make the word sound like 'āblimeh', which is not a word and will confuse native speakers.

اشتباه: آیا آبلیموها تازه هستند؟
— Correct: آیا این آبلیمو تازه است؟ (Is this lemon juice fresh?)

Finally, watch out for the 'Ezafe' when using adjectives. Because آبلیمو ends in 'o' (vowel), you must use a 'ye' as a connector. Saying آبلیمو تازه without the 'ye' sound (āblimū-ye tāze) is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake. The 'ye' acts as the 'of' or the glue between the noun and its description.

Confusing with Verjuice: Many Persian recipes call for آبغوره (ābghooreh - verjuice). Learners often substitute آبلیمو thinking they are interchangeable. While both are sour, آبغوره has a much more astringent, earthy taste. Using lemon juice in a dish meant for verjuice can significantly alter the traditional flavor profile.

دقت کنید: برای دلمه، گاهی آبلیمو و گاهی آبغوره استفاده می‌شود.
— Translation: Be careful: for Dolma, sometimes lemon juice and sometimes verjuice is used.

In the Persian culinary world, آبلیمو is part of a large family of souring agents. Understanding its synonyms and alternatives is vital for anyone wanting to master Persian cooking or engage in nuanced conversations about food. Each alternative carries a different 'Māzaj' (temperament) and flavor profile.

آبغوره (Ābghooreh): Comparison: This is the juice of unripe grapes. While آبلیمو is citrusy and sharp, آبغوره is more acidic and has a distinct 'green' taste. It is preferred in stews like Khoresht-e Bedemjan (Eggplant Stew).
سرکه (Serkeh): Comparison: Vinegar. It is much harsher than آبلیمو and is primarily used for pickling (Torshi) rather than as a finishing juice for fresh salads.
آب‌نارنج (Āb-nārenj): Comparison: Bitter orange juice. This is the 'refined' cousin of آبلیمو. It is less sour but more fragrant. It is often used on fish or in high-end Shirazi cuisine. If you find آبلیمو too aggressive, آب‌نارنج is the perfect substitute.

اگر آبلیمو ندارید، می‌توانید از سرکه سیب استفاده کنید.
— Translation: If you don't have lemon juice, you can use apple cider vinegar.

In terms of linguistic synonyms, there aren't many direct one-word replacements for آبلیمو because it is a specific product. However, you might hear عصاره لیمو (osāre-ye līmū - lemon extract) in more industrial or scientific contexts, though this usually refers to a more concentrated essence used in baking rather than the juice used in cooking.

طعم آبلیمو با آب‌نارنج متفاوت است؛ اولی ترش‌تر و دومی معطرتر است.
— Translation: The taste of lemon juice is different from bitter orange juice; the first is sourer and the second is more fragrant.

For health purposes, آبلیمو is often compared to سرکه سیب (apple cider vinegar). Both are used for weight loss and digestion in Iranian culture. However, آبلیمو is generally preferred for its Vitamin C content and its ability to 'freshen' the breath and the palate after a heavy meal.

Summary of Alternatives

Juice of Fresh Lemon: آبِ لیمویِ تازه (Used for salads).
Industrial Juice: آبلیمو-یِ صنعتی (Used for large-scale cooking).
Sour Cherry Juice: آب‌آلبالو (Sometimes used for sourness in specific rice dishes).

بسیاری از آشپزها ترجیح می‌دهند به جای آبلیمو از لیموی تازه استفاده کنند.
— Translation: Many chefs prefer to use fresh lemon instead of bottled lemon juice.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'lemon' in English actually comes from the Persian word 'līmū' via Old French.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɒːbliːˈmuː/

US /ɑːbliːˈmuː/

Final syllable (mu).

Rhymes With

Līmū Gisū Abrū Zānū Dārū Gerū Sabū Kādū

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'u' as 'o' (āblimo).
Shortening the 'ā' at the beginning.
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Ignoring the long 'i' in 'li'.
Merging the 'b' and 'l' too quickly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it combines two simple words.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the long 'u' and the 'ye' in Ezafe.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though stress is important.

Listening 2/5

Clear sounds, easily distinguishable in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

آب لیمو ترش غذا میوه

Learn Next

آب‌نارنج آبغوره سرکه چاشنی ویتامین

Advanced

اسید سیتریک اکسیداسیون آنتی‌اکسیدان تقطیر غلظت

Grammar to Know

Compound Noun Formation

آب + لیمو = آبلیمو

Ezafe with Vowels

آبلیمو + تازه = آبلیمویِ تازه

Uncountable Nouns

من کمی آبلیمو خریدم. (Not آبلیموها)

Object Marker 'rā'

آبلیمو را در یخچال گذاشتم.

Imperative with Compound Verbs

آبلیمو اضافه کن!

Examples by Level

آبلیمو ترش است.

Lemon juice is sour.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

من آبلیمو می‌خواهم.

I want lemon juice.

Subject + Object + Verb.

آیا آبلیمو داری؟

Do you have lemon juice?

Question using 'dāshtan'.

این آبلیمو است.

This is lemon juice.

Demonstrative pronoun sentence.

آبلیمو را بیاور.

Bring the lemon juice.

Imperative with object marker 'rā'.

آبلیمو زرد است.

Lemon juice is yellow.

Color adjective usage.

من آبلیمو دوست دارم.

I like lemon juice.

Expressing preference.

آبلیمو روی میز است.

The lemon juice is on the table.

Prepositional phrase 'rū-ye'.

کمی آبلیمو به سالاد اضافه کن.

Add a little lemon juice to the salad.

Imperative of 'ezāfe kardan'.

مادرم هر سال آبلیمو می‌گیرد.

My mother extracts lemon juice every year.

Habitual present tense.

آبلیمو برای سرماخوردگی خوب است.

Lemon juice is good for a cold.

Benefit expression.

این آبلیمو خیلی تازه است.

This lemon juice is very fresh.

Adjective 'tāze' with intensifier.

لطفاً آبلیمو را در یخچال بگذار.

Please put the lemon juice in the refrigerator.

Compound verb 'gozāshtan'.

من چای با آبلیمو می‌خورم.

I drink tea with lemon juice.

Preposition 'bā'.

قیمت آبلیمو چقدر است؟

How much is the price of lemon juice?

Asking for price.

آبلیمو را با آب مخلوط کن.

Mix the lemon juice with water.

Imperative 'makhlūt kon'.

اگر آبلیمو بریزی، طعم غذا بهتر می‌شود.

If you pour lemon juice, the food's taste becomes better.

Conditional sentence type 1.

آبلیمو ویتامین سی زیادی دارد.

Lemon juice has a lot of Vitamin C.

Stating facts about nutrition.

ما برای درست کردن شربت، به آبلیمو نیاز داریم.

We need lemon juice to make lemonade/syrup.

Using 'niyāz dāshtan'.

او همیشه آبلیمو را در بطری شیشه‌ای نگه می‌دارد.

He always keeps the lemon juice in a glass bottle.

Verb 'negah dāshtan'.

آبلیمو چربی غذا را متعادل می‌کند.

Lemon juice balances the fat of the food.

Abstract verb 'mote'ādel kardan'.

در طب سنتی، آبلیمو برای کبد مفید است.

In traditional medicine, lemon juice is useful for the liver.

Prepositional phrase 'dar teb-e sonnati'.

بوی آبلیمو بسیار آرام‌بخش است.

The smell of lemon juice is very relaxing.

Subject is 'bū' (smell).

آیا می‌دانید چطور آبلیمو را برای مدت طولانی حفظ کنید؟

Do you know how to preserve lemon juice for a long time?

Indirect question.

آبلیمو به دلیل اسیدی بودن، می‌تواند گوشت را نرم کند.

Lemon juice, due to being acidic, can soften meat.

Using 'be dalil-e' (due to).

مصرف منظم آبلیمو به کاهش فشار خون کمک می‌کند.

Regular consumption of lemon juice helps reduce blood pressure.

Gerund 'masraf' as subject.

بسیاری از مردم آبلیمو صنعتی را به دلیل مواد نگهدارنده نمی‌پسندند.

Many people don't like industrial lemon juice due to preservatives.

Negative verb 'namipasandand'.

آبلیمو یکی از ارکان اصلی سس‌های ایرانی است.

Lemon juice is one of the main pillars of Iranian sauces.

Using 'arkān' (pillars/elements).

او چند قطره آبلیمو در سوپ چکاند تا مزه‌اش تیز شود.

He dripped a few drops of lemon juice in the soup to sharpen its taste.

Verb 'chakāndan'.

ترکیب آبلیمو و جوش شیرین برای تمیز کردن سطوح عالی است.

The combination of lemon juice and baking soda is excellent for cleaning surfaces.

Compound subject 'tarkib-e...'.

آبلیمو تازه شیراز در تمام کشور معروف است.

Fresh Shiraz lemon juice is famous throughout the country.

Geographical adjective.

هنگام خرید آبلیمو، به تاریخ انقضای آن توجه کنید.

When buying lemon juice, pay attention to its expiration date.

Temporal clause 'hengām-e'.

فرایند اکسیداسیون می‌تواند رنگ و بوی آبلیمو را تغییر دهد.

The process of oxidation can change the color and smell of lemon juice.

Scientific terminology.

آبلیمو به عنوان یک آنتی‌اکسیدان قوی در بدن عمل می‌کند.

Lemon juice acts as a strong antioxidant in the body.

Using 'be onvān-e' (as a).

در این مقاله، خواص درمانی آبلیمو به تفصیل بررسی شده است.

In this article, the therapeutic properties of lemon juice have been examined in detail.

Passive voice 'barresi shode ast'.

تولید انبوه آبلیمو در کارخانه‌های مدرن با استانداردهای بهداشتی انجام می‌شود.

Mass production of lemon juice in modern factories is done with hygienic standards.

Formal register.

برخی معتقدند که آبلیمو می‌تواند از تشکیل سنگ کلیه جلوگیری کند.

Some believe that lemon juice can prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Complex sentence with 'ke'.

تفاوت میان آبلیمو طبیعی و تقلبی را می‌توان از رسوب آن تشخیص داد.

The difference between natural and fake lemon juice can be recognized by its sediment.

Modal 'mi-tavān' (one can).

آبلیمو در ادبیات عامیانه گاهی نماد پاکیزگی و طراوت است.

In folk literature, lemon juice is sometimes a symbol of cleanliness and freshness.

Abstract noun 'namād'.

افزودن آبلیمو به آب آشامیدنی، راهی ساده برای هیدراته ماندن است.

Adding lemon juice to drinking water is a simple way to stay hydrated.

Gerund 'afzūdan' (adding).

ظرافت‌های طعمی آبلیمو در ترکیب با زعفران، پارادوکسی دلپذیر ایجاد می‌کند.

The flavor nuances of lemon juice in combination with saffron create a pleasant paradox.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'zarāfat'.

صنعت آبلیموگیری در جهرم، ریشه در سنت‌های دیرینه کشاورزی این مرز و بوم دارد.

The lemon juice extraction industry in Jahrom is rooted in the long-standing agricultural traditions of this land.

Idiomatic 'marz o būm' (land/territory).

تحلیل شیمیایی نشان می‌دهد که اسید سیتریک موجود در آبلیمو، کاتالیزوری برای هضم پروتئین است.

Chemical analysis shows that the citric acid in lemon juice is a catalyst for protein digestion.

Highly technical register.

او با مهارتی استادانه، تندی فلفل را با ترشی ملایم آبلیمو تعدیل کرد.

With masterful skill, he tempered the spiciness of the pepper with the mild sourness of the lemon juice.

Adverbial phrase 'bā mahārati ostādāne'.

آبلیمو نه تنها یک چاشنی، بلکه بخشی از هویت نوستالژیک آشپزخانه‌های ایرانی است.

Lemon juice is not only a seasoning but also part of the nostalgic identity of Iranian kitchens.

Correlative conjunction 'na tanhā... balke'.

در متون کهن، از آبلیمو به عنوان مصلح برخی غذاهای سنگین یاد شده است.

In ancient texts, lemon juice is mentioned as a 'modifier' (mosleh) for some heavy foods.

Historical/Medical terminology.

نوسانات بازار مرکبات مستقیماً بر قیمت تمام‌شده آبلیمو تأثیر می‌گذارد.

Fluctuations in the citrus market directly affect the final price of lemon juice.

Economic terminology.

کیفیت آبلیمو مرهون خاک حاصلخیز و آفتاب سوزان مناطق جنوبی ایران است.

The quality of the lemon juice is indebted to the fertile soil and scorching sun of Iran's southern regions.

Formal 'marhūn-e' (indebted to).

Common Collocations

آبلیمو تازه

یک قاشق آبلیمو

آبلیمو و عسل

شیشه آبلیمو

آبلیمو گرفتن

آبلیمو صنعتی

چند قطره آبلیمو

آبلیمو خانگی

طعم آبلیمو

فصل آبلیمو

Common Phrases

آبلیمو زدن

— To apply or add lemon juice to food.

یادت نره به ماهی آبلیمو بزنی.

آبلیمو قاطی کردن

— To mix lemon juice with something.

آبلیمو را با کمی آب قاطی کن.

بوی آبلیمو

— The scent of lemon juice.

بوی آبلیمو کل آشپزخانه را پر کرد.

آبلیمو طبیعی

— Natural lemon juice (without additives).

این مغازه فقط آبلیمو طبیعی می‌فروشد.

آبلیمو ریختن

— To pour lemon juice.

او در چای خود آبلیمو ریخت.

آبلیمو و نمک

— Lemon juice and salt (a common snack seasoning).

خیار را با آبلیمو و نمک می‌خورند.

آبلیمو و شکر

— Lemon juice and sugar (base for lemonade).

ترکیب آبلیمو و شکر خیلی خوشمزه است.

آبلیمو برای پوست

— Lemon juice for skin (beauty context).

آبلیمو برای پوست چرب مفید است.

آبلیمو و روغن زیتون

— Lemon juice and olive oil (standard salad dressing).

سس مورد علاقه من آبلیمو و روغن زیتون است.

آبلیمو گرفتن از لیمو

— Extracting juice from a lemon.

چطور می‌توانیم راحت‌تر آبلیمو بگیریم؟

Often Confused With

آبلیمو vs آبغوره

Verjuice. Both are sour, but flavor profiles are very different.

آبلیمو vs شربت آبلیمو

Lemonade. One is an ingredient, the other is a sweet drink.

آبلیمو vs لیمو

The fruit itself. Don't say 'I ate lemon juice' if you ate the fruit.

Idioms & Expressions

"مثل آبلیمو"

— Something very sour or refreshing (context dependent).

این خبر مثل آبلیمو خنکم کرد (This news refreshed me).

Informal

"آبلیمو گرفتن (Slang)"

— To exhaust someone or squeeze the energy out of them.

رئیس امروز آبلیموی ما را گرفت (The boss exhausted us today).

Slang

"صورت آبلیمویی"

— A face made when eating something sour or showing distaste.

چرا صورتت را آبلیمویی کردی؟

Informal

"آبلیمو ریختن روی آتش"

— To calm a heated situation (rare variation of water on fire).

حرف‌های او مثل آبلیمو روی آتش بود.

Literary

"ترش مثل آبلیمو"

— Extremely sour.

این سیب ترش مثل آبلیمو است.

Common

"آبلیمو و شربت"

— Referring to things that go well together.

آنها مثل آبلیمو و شربت هستند.

Informal

"دلت آبلیمو نخواهد"

— A way to say don't crave something unattainable.

زیاد فکر نکن، دلت آبلیمو نخواهد.

Old-fashioned

"بوی آبلیمو دادن"

— To be fresh and clean.

لباس‌هایت بوی آبلیمو می‌دهد.

Informal

"آبلیمو خورده"

— Someone who looks grumpy or sour-faced.

چرا مثل آدم‌های آبلیمو خورده نشستی؟

Slang

"آبلیموی خالص"

— The real deal / pure truth.

این حرف‌های او آبلیموی خالص بود.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

آبلیمو vs آبغوره

Both are acidic liquids used in Persian stews.

آبلیمو is from lemons; آبغوره is from unripe grapes. آبغوره is more 'earthy'.

برای سالاد شیرازی، آبلیمو بهتر است.

آبلیمو vs سرکه

Both are used for sourness.

Vinegar (سرکه) is fermented and much stronger. It is used for pickles.

سرکه تندتر از آبلیمو است.

آبلیمو vs آب‌نارنج

Both are citrus juices.

آب‌نارنج is from bitter oranges and is more fragrant but less sour.

آب‌نارنج روی ماهی عالی می‌شود.

آبلیمو vs لیمو عمانی

Both provide lemon flavor.

Dried lime (لیمو عمانی) is used *in* the pot; آبلیمو is used *at the end*.

لیمو عمانی خورش را سیاه و خوشمزه می‌کند.

آبلیمو vs جوهر لیمو

Both are related to lemon acidity.

جوهر لیمو is chemical citric acid; آبلیمو is natural juice.

جوهر لیمو در لواشک استفاده می‌شود.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective] ast.

آبلیمو ترش است.

Komi [Noun] be [Food] ezāfe kon.

کمی آبلیمو به سوپ اضافه کن.

Man [Noun] rā barā-ye [Purpose] mikhāham.

من آبلیمو را برای سالاد می‌خواهم.

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

آبلیمو به دلیل ویتامین سی مفید است.

Afzūdan-e [Noun] be [Context] bā'es-e [Result] mishavad.

افزودن آبلیمو به غذا باعث خوشمزگی می‌شود.

[Noun] na tanhā [A] balke [B] nīz hast.

آبلیمو نه تنها چاشنی بلکه دارو نیز هست.

Āyā [Noun] dārid?

آیا آبلیمو دارید؟

Agar [Noun] nabāshad, [Alternative] mirizam.

اگر آبلیمو نباشد، سرکه می‌ریزم.

Word Family

Nouns

لیمو (Lemon/Lime)

آب (Water/Juice)

آبلیموگیری (Juice extraction process)

لیموترش (Sour lemon)

Verbs

آبلیمو گرفتن (To extract lemon juice)

Adjectives

آبلیمویی (Lemon-juice colored/flavored)

آب‌نارنج

آبغوره

سرکه

ترشی

مرکبات

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in culinary and domestic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Asking for 'āblimū' when you want lemonade. → Sharbat-e āblimū
Āblimū is the sour extract; Sharbat-e āblimū is the sweet drink.
Saying 'āblimū-hā' for multiple bottles. → Do shishe āblimū
It's an uncountable noun; use units like bottles or glasses.
Omitting the 'ye' in 'āblimū-ye tāze'. → آبلیموی تازه
Because it ends in a vowel, a 'y' glide is required for the Ezafe.
Using 'āblimū' instead of 'ābghooreh' in traditional recipes. → Follow the recipe's specific acid choice.
They are not 1:1 substitutes in authentic Persian cooking.
Pronouncing it like 'limo' (short o). → āblimū (long u)
The 'u' is a long vowel, similar to 'moon'.

Tips

The 'Ye' Glide

Don't forget the 'y' sound between آبلیمو and any adjective (āblimū-ye...). This makes your Persian sound natural.

Shiraz Lemons

If you see 'āblimū-ye Shirāz', buy it! Shiraz is famous for the best sour citrus in Iran.

Add at the End

In Persian stews, add آبلیمو at the very end of cooking to keep the Vitamin C and the fresh bright taste.

Juice vs Water

Remember that 'āb' in food contexts usually means juice. 'Āb-e mive' is fruit juice.

Morning Routine

Many Iranians drink 'āb-e velarm' (lukewarm water) with آبلیمو every morning for detox.

Glass over Plastic

Always store آبلیمو in glass. The acid can react with plastic over time, changing the taste.

Long Vowels

Make sure the 'i' and 'u' are long. It's not 'ablimo', it's 'āblīmū'.

Check Sediment

A little sediment at the bottom of the bottle is usually a sign of natural, high-quality آبلیمو.

Offering to Guests

If you serve tea or food, having a small bottle of آبلیمو on the table shows you are a thoughtful host.

Don't Drink it Straight

Unlike orange juice, آبلیمو is a condiment. Drinking it straight is only for the brave (or the sick)!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ab' (like the abdominal muscle) and 'Limo' (like a limousine). An 'Ab' in a 'Limo' drinking 'Lemon Juice'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant glass bottle with a yellow liquid and a picture of a smiling lemon on it. The word 'آبلیمو' is written in big green letters.

Word Web

آب لیمو ترش زرد سالاد شیشه ویتامین آشپزخانه

Challenge

Go to your kitchen, find something sour, and say 'In āblimū nist, ammā torsh ast' (This is not lemon juice, but it is sour).

Word Origin

A compound of the Persian words 'āb' and 'līmū'. 'Āb' comes from Middle Persian 'āb', and 'līmū' is thought to have Sanskrit origins ('nimbū'), which traveled through Persian into Arabic and European languages.

Original meaning: Water of lemon.

Indo-European (Persian).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a universally liked and used ingredient.

In English-speaking countries, lemon juice is often sold in small plastic lemon-shaped bottles. In Iran, it's usually in large glass 1-liter bottles.

Mentioned in many Persian cookbooks by masters like Roza Montazemi. A staple in the 'Salad Shirazi' which is globally recognized. Featured in Iranian health documentaries about citrus benefits.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking a Stew

آبلیمو را آخر سر اضافه کن.
خیلی آبلیمو نریز.
آبلیمو طعم خورش را باز می‌کند.
آیا آبلیمو داری؟

At a Restaurant

ببخشید، کمی آبلیمو می‌خواستم.
آبلیمو روی میز هست؟
این ماهی با آبلیمو عالی است.
آبلیمو را بیاورید لطفاً.

Health and Wellness

آبلیمو برای هضم غذا خوب است.
صبح‌ها آب و آبلیمو بخور.
آبلیمو ویتامین سی دارد.
آبلیمو پوست را روشن می‌کند.

At the Bazaar

این آبلیمو تازه است؟
یک لیتر آبلیمو چند است؟
آبلیمو خانگی دارید؟
قیمت آبلیمو بالا رفته.

Making a Salad

سس سالاد: آبلیمو و روغن زیتون.
آبلیمو را روی سالاد بریز.
سالاد بدون آبلیمو مزه ندارد.
کمی نمک و آبلیمو بزن.

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما ترجیح می‌دهید در سالاد خود آبلیمو بریزید یا سرکه؟"

"به نظر شما بهترین راه برای نگهداری آبلیمو برای مدت طولانی چیست؟"

"آیا تا به حال در مراسم آبلیموگیری در ایران شرکت کرده‌اید؟"

"شما برای درمان سرماخوردگی از ترکیب آبلیمو و عسل استفاده می‌کنید؟"

"کدام شهر ایران به داشتن بهترین آبلیمو معروف است؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره طعم مورد علاقه خود بنویسید و بگویید چرا آبلیمو را دوست دارید یا ندارید.

یک دستور غذایی ساده بنویسید که در آن از آبلیمو استفاده شده باشد.

توضیح دهید که چگونه آبلیمو می‌تواند به سلامتی انسان کمک کند.

خاطره‌ای از یک غذای ترش که با آبلیمو درست شده بود بنویسید.

اگر قرار بود یک نوشیدنی جدید با آبلیمو اختراع کنید، چه چیزهایی به آن اضافه می‌کردید؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Persian, 'limū' covers both. However, most 'āblimū' in Iran is made from small, sour limes, though 'lemon juice' is the common translation.

Yes, many Iranians add a few drops of 'āblimū' to their black tea, especially when they have a sore throat or after a heavy meal.

You say 'āblimū-ye tāze' or more specifically 'āblimū-ye tāze-gerefte-shode'.

Yes, just like in the West, Iranians use it to remove odors from hands (like fish smell) or to clean copper pots.

It is the annual event, usually in late summer or autumn, where people buy large amounts of lemons to extract juice for the year.

Very common. Brands like '1&1' or 'Sahar' are household names, though homemade is always preferred.

This is due to oxidation. Iranians usually store it in dark bottles or in a cool, dark place to prevent this.

It is considered 'Sard' (cold), which is why it's used to balance 'hot' foods like lamb or walnuts.

Simply say: 'Lotfan komi āblimū biāvarid' (Please bring a little lemon juice).

No, 'āblimū' is the natural juice. Citric acid is called 'johar-e līmū'.