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Vocabulary
فلفل دلمه

B1 noun 10 min read

فلفل دلمه

felfel dolmeh

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips فلفل دلمه in 30 Seconds

Explanation فلفل دلمه in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Felfel' means pepper and 'Felfel-e dolmeh' is the big, non-spicy one. It is a vegetable (sabzi). You can say 'I like peppers' (Man felfel dolmeh doost daram) or 'The pepper is red' (Felfel ghermez ast). Think of it as a basic food word you use when shopping. It is important to learn the colors like green (sabz), red (ghermez), and yellow (zard) because you will see these peppers in these colors. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember the name of the vegetable so you can recognize it in a market or on a menu.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Felfel-e dolmeh' in simple sentences about cooking and shopping. You can use verbs like 'kharidan' (to buy) and 'khordan' (to eat). You should start using the 'Ezafe' correctly: 'Felfel-e dolmeh.' You can also describe the pepper more: 'In felfel-e dolmeh tazeh ast' (This bell pepper is fresh). You might use it in a list of ingredients for a simple salad. You should also know that it is not 'tond' (spicy). This is a useful word for basic daily conversations about food and healthy eating.

At the B1 level, you understand the cultural context of 'Dolmeh.' You know that this pepper is named after a specific dish where it is stuffed with rice and meat. You can follow a simple recipe in Persian that uses 'felfel-e dolmeh.' You can use words like 'khord kardan' (to chop) or 'sorkh kardan' (to fry) with this noun. You are comfortable using it with plural markers and object markers: 'Felfel dolmeh-ha ra beshu' (Wash the bell peppers). You can also discuss your preferences, such as why you prefer red bell peppers over green ones because they are sweeter (shirin-tar).

At the B2 level, you can use 'Felfel-e dolmeh' in more complex discussions about Persian cuisine and nutrition. You can explain the process of making 'Dolmeh-ye Felfel' to someone else. You understand the nuances of the word 'Dolmeh' and how it applies to other vegetables too. You can use the word in different registers—from the casual talk of a bazaar to the more formal language of a health article. You are aware of idiomatic uses of 'felfel' in Persian and can distinguish when 'felfel' refers to the spice versus the bell pepper in a complex sentence structure.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its place in the history of Iranian food. You can discuss the agricultural aspects of growing 'felfel-e dolmeh' in different regions of Iran, such as Isfahan or the northern provinces. You can use the word in sophisticated culinary critiques or in-depth cultural essays. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the word is used metaphorically in literature to describe colors or textures. Your grammar is perfect, and you can handle complex Ezafe chains involving multiple adjectives and possessives without hesitation.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Felfel-e dolmeh' is equivalent to a native speaker with a high level of education. You can engage in academic debates about the linguistic roots of 'Dolmeh' and its transition from Turkic to Persian. You can appreciate and use the word in puns, high-level poetry, or technical botanical descriptions. You understand the economic impact of pepper exports in Iran. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tiny piece of a vast linguistic and cultural puzzle that you can manipulate with ease and precision in any context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

فلفل دلمه in 30 Seconds

Felfel-e Dolmeh is the Persian term for bell pepper, a non-spicy vegetable available in various colors like red, green, and yellow.
The name comes from 'felfel' (pepper) and 'dolmeh' (stuffed), reflecting its common use as a vessel for rice and meat fillings.
It is a B1 level vocabulary word essential for navigating Iranian grocery markets, reading recipes, and understanding common household cooking.
Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it is used raw in salads, grilled on kebabs, or slow-cooked in traditional Persian stews.

The term فلفل دلمه (Felfel-e Dolmeh) refers to what English speakers call the bell pepper or sweet pepper. In the Persian linguistic landscape, the word is a compound noun. 'Felfel' translates to pepper, a term that broadly covers everything from the tiny, fiery chili to the ground black pepper on your table. However, the qualifier 'Dolmeh' is what gives this vegetable its specific identity in Iranian culture. The word 'Dolmeh' originates from the Turkic root meaning 'to be stuffed' or 'filled.' Thus, a Felfel-e Dolmeh is literally a 'pepper for stuffing.' This naming convention highlights the primary culinary role this vegetable plays in the Middle East: serving as a sturdy, hollow vessel for a savory mixture of rice, herbs, split peas, and ground meat.

Botanical Classification: Belonging to the species Capsicum annuum, the bell pepper is unique among its relatives because it lacks capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the 'heat' in other peppers. In Persian markets, you will find them in a vibrant array of colors: green (sabz), red (ghermez), yellow (zard), and orange (narenji).

Iranians use this word daily in grocery stores (miveh-forushi) and kitchens. Unlike the spicy varieties which are used sparingly as a condiment, the فلفل دلمه is treated as a core vegetable, similar to an eggplant or a zucchini. It is appreciated for its crunchy texture when raw and its sweet, almost smoky aroma when charred over a flame or slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce. When you walk through a traditional bazaar like Tajrish in Tehran, you will hear vendors shouting the prices of these 'dolmeh' peppers, often emphasizing their firmness and skin clarity, which are markers of freshness.

برای شام می‌خواهم فلفل دلمه شکم‌پر درست کنم.
(For dinner, I want to make stuffed bell peppers.)

Culturally, the bell pepper represents a bridge between traditional Iranian cuisine and global culinary influences. While 'Dolmeh Felfel' is a cornerstone of the Persian 'Sofreh' (dining spread), the vegetable is also essential in modern Iranian fast food and 'Farangi' (foreign) dishes. You will find finely diced فلفل دلمه inside Iranian-style pizzas, layered in 'Makaroni' (the Persian take on spaghetti bolognese), and skewered between chunks of chicken in 'Joojeh Kabab.' Its versatility makes it a high-frequency word for any intermediate learner of Persian.

Color Variations: Green peppers are slightly bitter and harvested early, while red ones are fully ripe and significantly sweeter. In Persian cooking, green is preferred for stews, while red and yellow are favored for salads and decorative platters.

In summary, فلفل دلمه is more than just an ingredient; it is a structural element of the Iranian kitchen. Whether it is being sliced into 'Salad-e Fasl' (seasonal salad) or serving as the main attraction in a festive dinner, understanding this word requires understanding the Persian love for stuffed vegetables and vibrant, aromatic ingredients that provide flavor without overwhelming the palate with heat.

Using فلفل دلمه correctly in a sentence involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with Persian verbs and adjectives. Because it is a physical object, it often appears as the direct object of a sentence, followed by the marker 'ra' (or 'ro' in colloquial speech). For example, if you are asking someone to chop the peppers, you would say: 'Felfel dolmeh-ha ra khord kon' (Chop the bell peppers).

Common Verbs: Typical verbs paired with this noun include: 'Khord kardan' (to chop), 'Sorkh kardan' (to fry), 'Kabab kardan' (to grill), and 'Pokhtan' (to cook). When you are preparing the stuffed version, you use 'Por kardan' (to fill).

مادرم همیشه در سالاد ماکارونی فلفل دلمه رنگی می‌ریزد.
(My mother always puts colorful bell peppers in the macaroni salad.)

When describing the pepper, adjectives always follow the noun using the Ezafe construction. If you want to specify a 'red bell pepper,' the phrase becomes 'felfel-e dolmeh-ye ghermez.' Notice the double Ezafe: one between felfel and dolmeh, and another between dolmeh and the color. This is a common stumbling block for learners, but mastering it will make your Persian sound much more natural and sophisticated. In a restaurant setting, you might use the word to inquire about ingredients: 'Aya dar in ghaza felfel dolmeh hast?' (Is there bell pepper in this food?).

Furthermore, the word can be used in the plural form 'felfel dolmeh-ha' when referring to multiple peppers of different types. In written Persian, you might encounter it in recipes where measurements are involved, such as 'do adad felfel-e dolmeh' (two units of bell pepper). The use of 'adad' as a counting word for vegetables is standard and helps in being precise with quantities. Whether you are discussing nutrition—praising the 'vitamine-C' content of the pepper—or simply ordering groceries online via apps like SnappFood, the structure remains consistent.

بوی فلفل دلمه کبابی فوق‌العاده است.
(The smell of grilled bell pepper is wonderful.)

Finally, consider the register. In formal writing, you would use the full term. In very casual conversation among family, you might hear 'felfel-e dolme-yi'—adding an 'i' at the end to turn it into an adjective-like noun, though 'felfel dolmeh' remains the most standard and widely accepted form across all levels of formality.

The most common place to hear فلفل دلمه is in the vibrant atmosphere of an Iranian fruit and vegetable market, known as a 'miveh-forushi.' Here, the word is part of the rhythmic back-and-forth between the customer and the shopkeeper. A customer might ask, 'In felfel dolmeh-ha kiloo chand?' (How much per kilo are these bell peppers?). The shopkeeper might respond by praising the quality: 'Felfel-ha tazeh va khosh-rang hastand' (The peppers are fresh and well-colored).

In the Kitchen: You will hear this word constantly in Persian cooking shows and YouTube tutorials. Famous chefs will emphasize the importance of removing the 'tokhm' (seeds) and the white inner ribs before using the pepper to avoid any hint of bitterness.

خانم، فلفل دلمه قرمز دارید یا فقط سبز؟
(Ma'am, do you have red bell peppers or only green?)

Another common setting is during family gatherings or 'Mehmuni.' As guests help in the kitchen, instructions fly back and forth. 'Lotfan felfel dolmeh-ha ra negini khord kon' (Please dice the bell peppers into small cubes). The term 'negini' (like a gemstone) is a specific culinary term for dicing, frequently applied to bell peppers when they are being prepared for salads or omelets. You will also hear the word in the context of health and diet discussions. Because bell peppers are high in vitamins, a doctor or nutritionist might say, 'Felfel dolmeh baraye taghviyat-e sistem-e imeni ali ast' (Bell pepper is excellent for strengthening the immune system).

In modern Iranian pop culture, you might even see bell peppers featured in lifestyle blogs or Instagram stories about 'ashpazi' (cooking). It is a photogenic vegetable, and its name is often tagged in colorful food photography. Whether you are watching a reality TV show where contestants are cooking under pressure or listening to a grandmother explain her secret recipe for 'Dolmeh,' the word فلفل دلمه will be a frequent and essential part of the auditory experience.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning فلفل دلمه is neglecting the 'Ezafe' connection. In English, we simply say 'bell pepper' as two nouns side-by-side. In Persian, you cannot just say 'felfel dolmeh' without the short 'e' sound connecting them (felfel-e dolmeh). Without this link, the phrase sounds disjointed and grammatically incorrect to a native ear. It's like saying 'pepper stuff' instead of 'pepper of stuffing.'

Confusion with Spicy Peppers: A major error is using the general word 'Felfel' when you specifically mean bell pepper. If you tell someone you want to eat a 'Felfel' raw, they might think you are incredibly brave and about to eat a whole chili pepper! Always specify 'dolmeh' to indicate the sweet, non-spicy variety.

اشتباه: من فلفل شیرین می‌خواهم. (I want sweet pepper - literal translation error)
درست: من فلفل دلمه می‌خواهم.

Another common mistake involves the pluralization. While you can say 'felfel dolmeh-ha,' beginners often forget that when a number precedes the noun, the noun stays singular. For example, 'panj adad felfel-e dolmeh' (five bell peppers) is correct, while 'panj adad felfel-e dolmeh-ha' is a common redundancy error. Furthermore, learners often confuse 'Dolmeh' (the vegetable) with 'Dolmeh' (the completed dish). If you are at a supermarket, you are buying the vegetable. If you are at a restaurant, you are ordering the dish. Context usually clarifies this, but being aware of the distinction helps.

Lastly, pronunciation of the word 'Dolmeh' can be tricky. Some learners pronounce it like 'Dool-meh' or 'Dal-meh.' The correct pronunciation uses a short 'o' sound (as in 'door' but shorter) and a soft 'h' at the end which is often silent or serves to lengthen the final 'e' sound. Practicing the 'o' sound specifically will prevent you from being misunderstood in a busy market where clarity is key.

Understanding فلفل دلمه also requires knowing its neighbors in the Persian vocabulary. The most immediate relative is Felfel-e Tond (spicy pepper or chili). While they share the first name 'Felfel,' their roles in cooking are opposites. Another relative is Felfel-e Kababi, which are long, pale green peppers often used for grilling alongside meat. These are slightly spicier than bell peppers but much milder than chilies.

Felfel-e Dolmeh vs. Felfel-e Kababi: The 'Dolmeh' pepper is thick-walled and blocky, ideal for stuffing. The 'Kababi' pepper is thin-walled and slender, designed to blister quickly over charcoal.

به جای فلفل دلمه، می‌توان از کدو سبز هم برای دلمه استفاده کرد.
(Instead of bell pepper, one can also use zucchini for stuffing.)

In terms of culinary alternatives, if a recipe calls for stuffed bell peppers and you don't have them, you might use Bademjan (eggplant) or Kadoo Sabz (zucchini). These are the three pillars of the Persian 'Dolmeh' family. In salads, you might substitute bell peppers with Khiyar (cucumber) for crunch, though you lose the specific sweetness and color variety that the pepper provides. Another word to know is Paprika. In Persian, 'Paprika' usually refers to the dried, powdered form of the red bell pepper used as a spice, rather than the fresh vegetable itself.

When shopping, you might also hear the term Felfel-e Rang-i (colorful peppers). This is an umbrella term used when bell peppers of various colors (red, yellow, orange) are sold together in a pack. This is increasingly common in modern Iranian supermarkets. By understanding these distinctions—between spicy and sweet, fresh and powdered, and the various vegetables used for stuffing—you gain a much deeper command of Persian culinary vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Bell peppers are actually fruits, but in Persian (as in English), they are linguistically and culinarilly classified as 'Sabzijat' (vegetables). The 'Dolmeh' dish is shared across the former Ottoman and Persian empires.

Pronunciation Guide

UK felfel-e dolme

US felfel-e dolme

The stress in 'felfel' is on the first syllable. In 'dolmeh', the stress is on the first syllable 'dol'.

Rhymes With

Sormeh (Kohl) Tormeh (A type of fabric) Ghormeh (Stewed meat) Lokmeh (Morsel/Bite) Tokhme (Seed) Dokhme (Crypt) Sorme (Blue color) Gonme (Wheat - dialectal)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Dolmeh' as 'Dool-meh'.
Forgetting the Ezafe 'e' between the two words.
Pronouncing the final 'h' in Dolmeh too harshly.
Confusing the 'f' sound with 'p' (though less common for English speakers).
Putting the stress on the last syllable of 'felfel'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but requires understanding the Ezafe.

Writing 4/5

The word 'Dolmeh' has a silent 'h' which can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if the 'o' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

فلفل سبزی قرمز غذا خوردن

Learn Next

بادمجان گوجه‌فرنگی پیاز سیر ادویه

Advanced

آنتی‌اکسیدان کشت گلخانه‌ای صادرات بافت گیاهی کپسایسین

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

فلفلِ دلمه (The 'e' links the two nouns).

Plural with -ha

فلفل دلمه‌ها (Standard plural for objects).

Object Marker 'ra'

فلفل دلمه را خریدم.

Adjective Placement

فلفل دلمه قرمز (Adjective follows noun).

Classifiers

دو عدد فلفل دلمه (Using 'adad' for counting).

Examples by Level

این یک فلفل دلمه است.

This is a bell pepper.

Simple identification sentence using 'ast' (is).

فلفل دلمه قرمز شیرین است.

The red bell pepper is sweet.

Adjective 'shirin' (sweet) follows the noun.

من فلفل دلمه سبز می‌خرم.

I buy green bell pepper.

Present continuous tense 'mi-khar-am'.

آیا فلفل دلمه دوست داری؟

Do you like bell pepper?

Simple question format.

فلفل دلمه زرد روی میز است.

The yellow bell pepper is on the table.

Prepositional phrase 'ru-ye miz'.

یک فلفل دلمه بزرگ.

A big bell pepper.

Noun-adjective phrase with 'bozorg' (big).

او فلفل دلمه می‌خورد.

He/She eats bell pepper.

Third person singular verb.

فلفل دلمه و گوجه‌فرنگی.

Bell pepper and tomato.

Using 'va' (and) to connect nouns.

من دو عدد فلفل دلمه لازم دارم.

I need two bell peppers.

Using 'adad' as a classifier.

فلفل دلمه را در یخچال بگذار.

Put the bell pepper in the refrigerator.

Imperative verb 'bogzar'.

مادرم فلفل دلمه را خرد می‌کند.

My mother is chopping the bell pepper.

Compound verb 'khord kardan'.

این فلفل دلمه خیلی تازه است.

This bell pepper is very fresh.

Use of intensifier 'kheyli' (very).

قیمت فلفل دلمه امروز چند است؟

What is the price of bell pepper today?

Asking for price using 'chand'.

من فلفل دلمه تند نمی‌خواهم.

I don't want spicy bell pepper (Note: bell peppers aren't usually spicy, but this clarifies preference).

Negative verb 'ne-mi-khah-am'.

ما در سالاد فلفل دلمه می‌ریزیم.

We put bell pepper in the salad.

Verb 'rikhtan' (to pour/put).

فلفل دلمه نارنجی کجاست؟

Where is the orange bell pepper?

Question word 'koja' (where).

برای درست کردن دلمه، باید داخل فلفل دلمه را خالی کنید.

To make 'dolmeh,' you must empty the inside of the bell pepper.

Infinitive 'dorost kardan' and modal 'bayad'.

فلفل دلمه منبع خوبی از ویتامین سی است.

Bell pepper is a good source of Vitamin C.

Noun phrase 'manba-e khoob' (good source).

او فلفل دلمه را با پیاز و گوشت سرخ کرد.

He fried the bell pepper with onions and meat.

Past tense 'sorkh kard'.

فلفل دلمه رنگی به غذا ظاهر زیبایی می‌دهد.

Colorful bell peppers give a beautiful appearance to the food.

Subject-verb agreement with 'midahad'.

من ترجیح می‌دهم فلفل دلمه را خام بخورم.

I prefer to eat bell pepper raw.

Verb 'tarjih dadan' (to prefer).

آیا می‌توانی فلفل دلمه را برای کباب خرد کنی؟

Can you chop the bell pepper for the kebab?

Question with 'mi-tavani' (can you).

فلفل دلمه در بازار تره‌بار ارزان‌تر است.

Bell pepper is cheaper in the vegetable market.

Comparative adjective 'arzan-tar'.

بوی فلفل دلمه سرخ‌شده تمام خانه را پر کرد.

The smell of fried bell pepper filled the whole house.

Past participle 'sorkh-shodeh' as an adjective.

فلفل دلمه به دلیل بافت تردش در انواع سالادها استفاده می‌شود.

Bell pepper is used in various salads because of its crunchy texture.

Passive voice 'estefadeh mi-shavad'.

اگر فلفل دلمه را بیش از حد بپزید، ویتامین‌هایش از بین می‌رود.

If you overcook the bell pepper, its vitamins will be lost.

Conditional sentence with 'agar'.

در آشپزی مدیترانه‌ای، فلفل دلمه نقش بسیار مهمی دارد.

In Mediterranean cooking, bell pepper plays a very important role.

Noun phrase 'naghsh-e mohem' (important role).

کشاورزان در این فصل فلفل دلمه را برداشت می‌کنند.

Farmers are harvesting bell peppers in this season.

Specific vocabulary 'bardasht kardan' (to harvest).

فلفل دلمه کبابی طعم دودی و لذیذی به سس می‌دهد.

Grilled bell pepper gives a smoky and delicious taste to the sauce.

Descriptive adjectives 'doodi' and 'laziz'.

بسیاری از مردم فلفل دلمه سبز را به خاطر طعم کمی تلخش دوست ندارند.

Many people don't like green bell pepper because of its slightly bitter taste.

Reasoning with 'be khater-e'.

فلفل دلمه دلمه‌ای یکی از غذاهای سنتی و محبوب ایرانی است.

Stuffed bell pepper is one of the traditional and popular Iranian dishes.

Superlative sense with 'yeki az' (one of).

هنگام خرید فلفل دلمه، دقت کنید که پوست آن سفت و براق باشد.

When buying bell pepper, make sure its skin is firm and shiny.

Subjunctive mood 'bashad' after 'deghat konid'.

تنوع رنگی فلفل دلمه ناشی از تفاوت در زمان برداشت و میزان رسیدگی میوه است.

The color variety of bell peppers stems from differences in harvest time and the fruit's ripeness level.

Complex cause-effect structure 'nashi az'.

فلفل دلمه حاوی آنتی‌اکسیدان‌هایی است که برای سلامت چشم مفیدند.

Bell pepper contains antioxidants that are beneficial for eye health.

Relative clause 'ke... mofidand'.

در بازارهای صادراتی، کیفیت ظاهری فلفل دلمه تعیین‌کننده قیمت نهایی است.

In export markets, the visual quality of the bell pepper determines the final price.

Compound adjective 'tayin-konandeh'.

کشت گلخانه‌ای فلفل دلمه امکان دسترسی به این محصول را در تمام فصول فراهم کرده است.

Greenhouse cultivation of bell peppers has made this product available in all seasons.

Present perfect tense 'faraham kardeh ast'.

برخی معتقدند که فلفل دلمه قرمز به دلیل قند بیشتر، برای کباب کردن مناسب‌تر است.

Some believe that red bell pepper is more suitable for grilling due to its higher sugar content.

Comparative 'monaseb-tar'.

استفاده از فلفل دلمه در تزیین غذا، نشان‌دهنده ذوق و سلیقه آشپز است.

Using bell pepper in food decoration shows the chef's taste and creativity.

Gerund-like use of 'estefadeh' as a subject.

فلفل دلمه در برابر آفات گیاهی بسیار حساس است و نیاز به مراقبت ویژه دارد.

Bell pepper is very sensitive to plant pests and requires special care.

Prepositional phrase 'dar barabar-e' (against).

ترکیب فلفل دلمه با پنیر خامه‌ای یک پیش‌غذای عالی برای مهمانی‌هاست.

Combining bell pepper with cream cheese is an excellent appetizer for parties.

Contraction 'mehmuni-hast' to 'mehmuni-hast'.

جایگاه فلفل دلمه در سبد غذایی ایرانیان طی دهه‌های اخیر به طور چشمگیری ارتقا یافته است.

The position of bell pepper in the Iranian food basket has improved significantly over recent decades.

Formal adverbial phrase 'be tor-e cheshmgiri'.

تحلیل‌های شیمیایی نشان می‌دهند که فلفل دلمه زرد دارای بیشترین غلظت لوتئین است.

Chemical analyses show that yellow bell pepper has the highest concentration of lutein.

Superlative 'bish-tarin'.

اصلاح نژاد فلفل دلمه با هدف افزایش مقاومت در برابر کم‌آبی در حال انجام است.

Breeding of bell peppers with the goal of increasing resistance to dehydration is underway.

Progressive passive 'dar hal-e anjam ast'.

فلفل دلمه به عنوان یک محصول استراتژیک در کشاورزی نوین ایران تلقی می‌شود.

Bell pepper is considered a strategic product in modern Iranian agriculture.

Passive construction 'talaghi mi-shavad'.

تضاد رنگی فلفل دلمه در کنار سایر سبزیجات، جلوه‌ای بصری به سفره‌های اصیل می‌بخشد.

The color contrast of bell pepper alongside other vegetables gives a visual brilliance to authentic dining tables.

Poetic verb 'jelveh bakhshidan'.

بررسی‌های تبارشناختی نشان از پیوند عمیق واژه دلمه با سنت‌های آشپزی عشایری دارد.

Etymological studies indicate a deep connection between the word 'dolmeh' and nomadic culinary traditions.

Formal expression 'neshan az ... darad'.

فلفل دلمه به دلیل کالری اندک و فیبر بالا، در رژیم‌های کاهش وزن جایگاه ویژه‌ای دارد.

Due to its low calories and high fiber, bell pepper holds a special place in weight loss diets.

Adjective 'andak' (meager/low).

تأثیر شرایط اقلیمی بر میزان ضخامت دیواره فلفل دلمه موضوع پژوهش‌های متعددی بوده است.

The impact of climatic conditions on the wall thickness of bell peppers has been the subject of numerous studies.

Complex noun phrase as a subject.

Common Collocations

فلفل دلمه شکم‌پر

خرد کردن فلفل دلمه

فلفل دلمه رنگی

تخم فلفل دلمه

کاشت فلفل دلمه

فلفل دلمه کبابی

پوست فلفل دلمه

فلفل دلمه گلخانه‌ای

سالاد فلفل دلمه

فلفل دلمه تازه

Common Phrases

فلفل دلمه را بشور

— Wash the bell pepper. A common kitchen instruction.

قبل از خرد کردن، فلفل دلمه را بشور.

فلفل دلمه کیلویی چند؟

— How much per kilo is the bell pepper? Standard market question.

آقا، فلفل دلمه کیلویی چند است؟

داخل فلفل دلمه را خالی کن

— Empty the inside of the bell pepper. Used when preparing stuffed peppers.

با قاشق داخل فلفل دلمه را خالی کن.

فلفل دلمه طعم خوبی دارد

— Bell pepper has a good taste. A general opinion.

به نظر من فلفل دلمه طعم خوبی دارد.

فلفل دلمه را تفت بده

— Sauté the bell pepper. A common cooking step.

پیاز و فلفل دلمه را کمی تفت بده.

فلفل دلمه در پیتزا

— Bell pepper in pizza. Refers to a common topping.

من فلفل دلمه در پیتزا را خیلی دوست دارم.

فلفل دلمه قرمز شیرین‌تر است

— Red bell pepper is sweeter. A common culinary fact.

یادت باشد که فلفل دلمه قرمز شیرین‌تر است.

فلفل دلمه برای تزیین

— Bell pepper for decoration. Refers to using it for garnish.

از فلفل دلمه برای تزیین دیس برنج استفاده کن.

یک عدد فلفل دلمه

— One bell pepper. A standard unit for recipes.

برای این سس، یک عدد فلفل دلمه کافی است.

فلفل دلمه را نگینی کن

— Dice the bell pepper. A specific way of cutting.

لطفاً فلفل دلمه را نگینی کن.

Often Confused With

فلفل دلمه vs فلفل تند

Bell peppers are sweet, while 'felfel tond' are spicy chilies.

فلفل دلمه vs فلفل سیاه

Black pepper is a dried spice, not a fresh vegetable.

فلفل دلمه vs دلمه برگ مو

This refers to stuffed grape leaves, not the pepper itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"فلفل نبین چه ریزه، بشکن ببین چه تیزه"

— Don't look at how small the pepper is, break it and see how sharp/spicy it is. Used to say small things can be powerful.

او جثه کوچکی دارد اما فلفل نبین چه ریزه...

Informal/Proverb

"مثل فلفل تند بودن"

— To be like a spicy pepper. Used for someone with a sharp tongue or quick temper.

اخلاقش مثل فلفل تند است.

Informal

"دلمه کردن"

— To stuff something. While related to the dish, it can colloquially mean to pack something tightly.

لباس‌ها را در چمدان دلمه کرد.

Slang/Informal

"فلفل زدن به چیزی"

— To add pepper to something. Metaphorically, to make something more exciting or intense.

به داستانش کمی فلفل زد.

Informal

"سیاه مثل فلفل"

— Black like pepper. Used to describe very dark hair or eyes.

چشمانش سیاه مثل فلفل بود.

Poetic

"تند و تیز"

— Sharp and spicy. Often used for food or people's behavior.

جواب تند و تیزی به او داد.

Neutral

"رنگارنگ مثل فلفل دلمه"

— Colorful like bell peppers. Used to describe something very vibrant.

لباس‌هایش رنگارنگ مثل فلفل دلمه بود.

Informal/Descriptive

"شکم‌پر"

— Stuffed-belly. The literal name for the style of dish 'Felfel-e Dolmeh' is.

مرغ شکم‌پر هم مثل فلفل دلمه درست می‌شود.

Culinary

"خالی کردن دل"

— To empty the heart/inside. Used when removing the seeds of the pepper.

اول باید دل فلفل را خالی کنی.

Informal/Kitchen

"آتیش گرفتن از فلفل"

— To catch fire from pepper. Used when someone eats something too spicy (contrast to bell pepper).

از تندی فلفل دهانش آتیش گرفت.

Informal

Easily Confused

فلفل دلمه vs فلفل

It's the general word for all peppers.

Felfel is general; Felfel-e Dolmeh is specific to bell peppers.

من فلفل دوست دارم (General) vs من فلفل دلمه دوست دارم (Specific).

فلفل دلمه vs پاپریکا

In English, paprika is the spice made from bell peppers.

In Persian, 'Paprika' is almost exclusively the powder, not the vegetable.

پودر پاپریکا بزن (Add paprika powder).

فلفل دلمه vs دلمه

It's both the dish and the name of the pepper.

Context determines if it's the raw vegetable or the cooked meal.

دلمه خریدم (Bought the vegetable) vs دلمه پختم (Cooked the dish).

فلفل دلمه vs فلفل سبز

Can mean green bell pepper or green chili.

Always add 'dolmeh' to be sure you mean the sweet one.

فلفل سبز دلمه (Green bell pepper).

فلفل دلمه vs کپسایسین

Scientific term.

Bell peppers are the only peppers that contain 0% capsaicin.

فلفل دلمه کپسایسین ندارد.

Sentence Patterns

این [اسم] است.

این فلفل دلمه است.

من [اسم] را [فعل].

من فلفل دلمه را می‌خورم.

برای [فعل]، باید [اسم] را [فعل].

برای درست کردن شام، باید فلفل دلمه را خرد کنی.

[اسم] به دلیل [اسم]، [فعل].

فلفل دلمه به دلیل ویتامین، مفید است.

اگرچه [جمله]، اما [اسم] [فعل].

اگرچه فلفل دلمه تند نیست، اما طعم قوی دارد.

با توجه به [اسم]، می‌توان گفت [اسم] [فعل].

با توجه به رنگ، می‌توان گفت فلفل دلمه رسیده است.

[اسم] [صفت]تر از [اسم] است.

فلفل دلمه قرمز شیرین‌تر از سبز است.

[عدد] [واحد] [اسم] [فعل].

سه عدد فلفل دلمه بخر.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in culinary and grocery contexts.

Common Mistakes

Felfel Dolmeh Ghermez → Felfel-e Dolmeh-ye Ghermez
Missing the Ezafe links makes the phrase sound broken.
Man felfel mikharam (when meaning bell pepper) → Man felfel-e dolmeh mikharam
Saying just 'felfel' might lead people to think you want chili peppers.
Panj adad felfel dolme-ha → Panj adad felfel dolmeh
After a number, the noun must be singular.
Doolmeh → Dolmeh
Using a long 'u' sound instead of a short 'o'.
Felfel-e Dolmeh Tond → Felfel-e Dolmeh (it's not spicy!)
Bell peppers are by definition not 'tond'.

Tips

The Double Ezafe

When adding a color, remember the link: Felfel-e Dolmeh-ye Sabz. Don't skip the 'ye' sound!

Stuffed is Best

If an Iranian invites you for 'Dolmeh,' they are likely serving these peppers filled with delicious rice and herbs.

Touch Test

When buying, make sure the pepper is 'seft' (firm). If it's soft, it's not fresh.

Remove Seeds

Always remove the 'tokhm' (seeds). They don't taste good in Persian dishes.

Vitamin Boost

Eat the red ones for the most Vitamin C. They are great for your skin!

Compound Words

Learn 'Shekam-por' (stuffed) as it often goes with this vegetable.

Silent H

The 'h' at the end of Dolmeh is just a placeholder for a short 'e' sound.

Complimenting Food

Say 'In felfel dolmeh kheyli khosh-mazeh ast' to please your host.

Spelling

Make sure the 'f' and 'l' in felfel are clear; don't confuse them with 'p' or 'b'.

Color Logic

Remember: Sabz (Green) = Bitter, Ghermez (Red) = Sweet.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Full-Feel' (Felfel) pepper that you 'Do-More' (Dolmeh) with by stuffing it with rice!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, hollow red bell pepper acting as a 'dome' (rhymes with dolme) over a pile of rice.

Word Web

Vegetable Green Red Yellow Stuffing Rice Meat Healthy

Challenge

Go to a grocery store and try to find all four colors of فلفل دلمه. Say the name of each color in Persian as you touch them.

Word Origin

The word 'Felfel' comes from the Sanskrit 'pippali' via Middle Persian 'pilpil.' The word 'Dolmeh' is of Turkic origin, specifically from the Ottoman Turkish 'dolma,' meaning 'something filled' or 'stuffed.'

Original meaning: The original meaning of 'Felfel' was specifically long pepper, but it evolved to cover all types. 'Dolmeh' has always referred to the culinary act of stuffing vegetables.

Indo-European (Felfel) and Turkic (Dolmeh).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'Dolmeh' is a shared heritage with Turkish, Greek, and Arab cultures.

In the US/UK, bell peppers are often eaten raw with dip. In Iran, they are almost always cooked or finely diced in salads.

Roosta-ye Dolmeh (A fictional or metaphorical reference to traditional food) Ashpazbashi (Famous Iranian cooking shows) Traditional 'Sofreh' layouts

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Grocery Store

فلفل دلمه تازه دارید؟
یک کیلو فلفل دلمه بدهید.
فلفل دلمه رنگی کجاست؟
قیمت فلفل دلمه چقدر است؟

In the Kitchen

فلفل دلمه را نگینی خرد کن.
تخم‌های فلفل دلمه را بگیر.
فلفل دلمه را با گوشت سرخ کن.
داخل فلفل دلمه را پر کن.

At a Restaurant

آیا این غذا فلفل دلمه دارد؟
من دلمه فلفل سفارش می‌دهم.
فلفل دلمه کنار کباب باشد.
بدون فلفل دلمه لطفاً.

Talking about Health

فلفل دلمه ویتامین زیادی دارد.
برای رژیم فلفل دلمه بخور.
فلفل دلمه کالری کمی دارد.
پوست را شفاف می‌کند.

Gardening

بذر فلفل دلمه را کاشتم.
فلفل دلمه نیاز به آفتاب دارد.
بوته فلفل دلمه بزرگ شده.
زمان برداشت فلفل دلمه است.

Conversation Starters

"آیا شما فلفل دلمه سبز را بیشتر دوست دارید یا قرمز؟"

"بهترین روش برای پختن فلفل دلمه چیست؟"

"آیا در کشور شما هم دلمه فلفل درست می‌کنند؟"

"چرا فلفل دلمه در پیتزاهای ایرانی خیلی استفاده می‌شود؟"

"آیا می‌دانستید فلفل دلمه بیشتر از پرتقال ویتامین سی دارد؟"

Journal Prompts

امروز در بازار میوه و تره‌بار چه رنگ‌هایی از فلفل دلمه دیدی؟ توصیف کن.

دستور پخت دلمه فلفل مورد علاقه خود را به فارسی بنویس.

آیا طعم فلفل دلمه خام را دوست داری یا پخته؟ چرا؟

اگر بخواهی یک سالاد جدید با فلفل دلمه اختراع کنی، چه موادی در آن می‌ریزی؟

یک خاطره از خوردن دلمه فلفل در کنار خانواده یا دوستان بنویس.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, by definition in Persian, 'Felfel-e Dolmeh' refers to the non-spicy bell pepper variety. If it were spicy, it would be called 'Felfel-e Tond'.

In a grocery store, yes, if you are pointing at them. Otherwise, 'Dolmeh' usually refers to the stuffed dish (like grape leaves or stuffed peppers).

The dish is called 'Dolmeh-ye Felfel' or 'Felfel-e Dolmeh-ye Shekam-por'.

No, you just add the color after the name: Felfel dolmeh-ye ghermez (red), sabz (green), etc.

Culinary-wise, it is always considered 'Sabzijat' (vegetables).

Because its shape is perfect for 'filling' (dolmak in Turkish) with other ingredients.

Generally, it is affordable, but red and yellow ones are often more expensive than green ones.

In the 'yakhchal' (refrigerator) to keep it 'tazeh' (fresh).

Yes, it is often added to 'Gheymeh' or 'Ghormeh Sabzi' variations for extra aroma, though not in the classic recipes.

The plural is 'Felfel dolmeh-ha'.