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सब्ज़ी

A1 noun 10 min read

सब्ज़ी

sabzi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips सब्ज़ी in 30 Seconds

Explanation सब्ज़ी in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'सब्ज़ी' (sabzī) is one of the first nouns a student learns. It is essential for basic survival tasks. At this stage, learners focus on the literal meaning: 'vegetable'. You learn to identify vegetables in a market, ask for their names, and inquire about prices. The grammar is kept simple, focusing on the singular 'sabzī' and the plural 'sabziyān'. You will use it in basic 'Subject-Object-Verb' sentences like 'I eat vegetables' (मैं सब्ज़ी खाता हूँ). The focus is on immediate needs and concrete objects. Understanding that 'sabzī' is feminine is the primary grammatical challenge at this level, as it dictates the form of adjectives like 'taazī' (fresh) and 'achhī' (good). A1 learners use this word to navigate the 'sabzī mandi' (vegetable market) and to express basic likes and dislikes regarding food. It is a high-frequency word that appears in almost every introductory Hindi textbook.

At the A2 level, the use of 'सब्ज़ी' expands into daily routines and slightly more complex interactions. You begin to use the word in the context of cooking and recipes. You learn verbs associated with vegetables, such as 'kātnā' (to cut), 'dhonā' (to wash), and 'pakānā' (to cook). You can describe the process of making a simple 'sabzī' dish. The use of the oblique case becomes important here—for example, 'sabziyon mein' (in the vegetables). You might also start using basic compound words like 'sabzī-wala' (vegetable seller). At this level, you can handle a short conversation with a vendor, bargaining for prices and asking about the quality of the produce. You move beyond just identifying the object to describing its state (e.g., 'This vegetable is rotten' - 'Yeh sabzī saṛī huī hai').

At the B1 level, 'सब्ज़ी' is used to discuss broader topics such as health, nutrition, and lifestyle. You can explain why 'sabziyān' are important for a balanced diet. You might participate in discussions about vegetarianism in India and the cultural significance of certain vegetable dishes. Your vocabulary expands to include regional synonyms like 'tarkārī' or 'bhājī' and you understand the subtle differences in their usage. You can follow more complex cooking instructions and perhaps even explain a recipe to someone else. The word is no longer just a shopping item; it becomes a topic of conversation. You can express opinions on the rising prices of vegetables and how it affects the common man, using more complex sentence structures and connectors.

At the B2 level, 'सब्ज़ी' appears in more formal and abstract contexts. You might read news articles about agricultural output, the 'sabzī' supply chain, or the impact of climate change on vegetable crops. You can use the word in professional settings, such as discussing the food industry or public health initiatives. Your understanding of the word's etymology (from Persian 'sabz') adds depth to your linguistic knowledge. You can distinguish between formal 'vanaspati' and common 'sabzī' in technical texts. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions that might involve food and can use 'sabzī' in metaphorical ways if they arise in literature or media. You can debate the merits of organic vs. conventional 'sabzī' and understand the socio-economic implications of these choices.

At the C1 level, your use of 'सब्ज़ी' is nuanced and culturally rich. You can appreciate the word's role in Hindi literature, poetry, and cinema. You understand how the mention of a specific 'sabzī' can evoke a particular regional identity or social class. You can engage in deep cultural analysis, such as the history of how certain vegetables (like potatoes or tomatoes) were introduced to India and became 'sabzī'. Your grasp of the language allows you to use the word in complex rhetorical structures. You can understand puns and wordplay involving 'sabzī' in comedy or satire. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are aware of its entire semiotic field—the associations of freshness, health, poverty, or domesticity that it carries in different contexts.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'सब्ज़ी' and its various connotations. You can use it in highly specialized or archaic contexts if necessary. You might explore the linguistic evolution of the word in different Hindi dialects or its relationship with other Indo-Aryan languages. You can write or speak about the 'politics of sabzī'—how vegetable prices can topple governments in India—with a sophisticated understanding of the underlying economic and social factors. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, including the correct use of nuances in register, from the slang of the street to the formal language of a botanical treatise. You can interpret the word in the context of classical Indian philosophy or modern social theory as it relates to food and consumption.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

सब्ज़ी in 30 Seconds

सब्ज़ी (sabzī) means 'vegetable' but also refers to any cooked vegetable dish.
It is a feminine noun, so use feminine adjectives like 'taazī' (fresh).
The word comes from Persian 'sabz', which means green, reflecting its history.
It is a central word in Indian culture, food, and daily marketplace interactions.

The Hindi word सब्ज़ी (sabzī) is a cornerstone of the Hindi language, particularly within the context of daily life, nutrition, and social interaction. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'vegetable' in English. However, its usage is far more nuanced than its English counterpart. In Hindi, 'sabzī' refers not only to the raw, uncooked botanical plant parts found in a market but also to the prepared, cooked dish that accompanies bread (roti) or rice. This dual meaning is vital for learners to grasp. When you walk into a 'sabzī mandi' (vegetable market), you are surrounded by raw produce. When you sit down at a dinner table and someone asks, 'Sabzī kaisi bani hai?' (How is the vegetable dish?), they are referring to the culinary preparation—the curry, the stir-fry, or the sautéed dish.

Botanical Context: In a biological sense, it covers everything from leafy greens like spinach to tubers like potatoes and cruciferous plants like cauliflower.
Culinary Context: It functions as a generic term for any vegetarian side dish that is seasoned with spices and oil, regardless of the specific vegetable used.

बाज़ार से ताज़ी सब्ज़ी लेकर आओ। (Bring fresh vegetables from the market.)

Historically, the word is a loanword from Persian, where 'sabz' means green. This etymological root explains why the word originally referred to 'greenery' or 'green herbs' before evolving into the broad category of vegetables we recognize today. In modern Hindi, even a non-green vegetable like a carrot or a beetroot is still categorized under 'sabzī'. This highlights the linguistic shift from a color-based descriptor to a functional category of food. For a learner at the A1 level, mastering this word is essential for survival tasks such as grocery shopping and ordering food in a restaurant.

आज रात के खाने में क्या सब्ज़ी बनी है? (What vegetable dish is prepared for dinner tonight?)

In Indian households, the question of 'what vegetable' to cook is a daily ritual. It represents the diversity of Indian cuisine, which is heavily plant-based. Understanding the word 'sabzī' opens the door to understanding Indian vegetarianism, which is one of the most sophisticated culinary traditions in the world. Whether you are talking about 'aloo' (potato), 'gobhi' (cauliflower), or 'bhindi' (okra), they are all collectively 'sabzī'.

Pluralization: The plural form is 'सब्ज़ियाँ' (sabziyān), used when referring to multiple types or quantities of vegetables.

हरी सब्ज़ियाँ सेहत के लिए अच्छी होती हैं। (Green vegetables are good for health.)

Finally, the word is used metaphorically in some contexts to denote something common or ordinary, though this is less frequent than its literal usage. In the market, you will hear vendors shouting 'Le lo sabzī!' (Take the vegetables!), a soundscape typical of Indian streets. This word is not just a label for food; it is a gateway to the sights, smells, and sounds of Indian life.

Using सब्ज़ी (sabzī) correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and its role as both a count and non-count noun depending on the context. When you are describing a single type of vegetable dish, you use the singular form. When you are discussing the general category of vegetables or multiple types, you use the plural form 'सब्ज़ियाँ' (sabziyān).

Direct Object Usage: I am cutting the vegetable: मैं सब्ज़ी काट रहा हूँ (Main sabzī kāt rahā hūn).

क्या आपने सब्ज़ी धो ली है? (Have you washed the vegetable?)

When modifying 'sabzī' with adjectives, you must use the feminine forms. For example, 'fresh vegetable' is 'ताज़ी सब्ज़ी' (tāzī sabzī), not 'ताज़ा सब्ज़ी' (tāzā sabzī). Similarly, if you want to say 'more vegetable,' you would say 'ज़्यादा सब्ज़ी' (zyādā sabzī). In negative sentences, the structure remains consistent: 'मुझे यह सब्ज़ी पसंद नहीं है' (Mujhe yeh sabzī pasand nahīn hai - I don't like this vegetable dish).

इन सब्ज़ियों में नमक कम है। (There is less salt in these vegetables.)

In a restaurant setting, you might ask for the 'special vegetable of the day' by saying 'आज की स्पेशल सब्ज़ी क्या है?' (Aaj kī special sabzī kyā hai?). If you are at a market, you would ask for the price per kilogram: 'सब्ज़ी क्या भाव है?' (Sabzī kyā bhāv hai? - What is the price of the vegetable?). Notice how 'sabzī' is used here as a collective noun for the specific item you are pointing at.

Compound Sentences: He went to the market and bought vegetables: वह बाज़ार गया और उसने सब्ज़ियाँ खरीदीं।

माँ रसोई में सब्ज़ी पका रही हैं। (Mother is cooking the vegetable dish in the kitchen.)

Furthermore, 'sabzī' often pairs with specific verbs like 'छीलना' (chheelnā - to peel), 'काटना' (kātnā - to cut), 'धोना' (dhonā - to wash), and 'पकाना' (pakānā - to cook). Understanding these collocations helps in forming natural-sounding sentences. For instance, 'सब्ज़ी छौंकना' (sabzī chhaunknā) refers specifically to the act of tempering the vegetable dish with spices in hot oil, a key step in Indian cooking.

क्या आप और सब्ज़ी लेंगे? (Would you like more vegetable dish?)

By practicing these variations, you will be able to navigate both the marketplace and the dinner table with confidence. The versatility of 'sabzī' makes it an indispensable part of your Hindi vocabulary, bridging the gap between raw ingredients and finished meals.

The word सब्ज़ी (sabzī) is ubiquitous in the Hindi-speaking world. You will hear it in various social and commercial environments, each with its own specific flavor. The most common place is the 'Sabzī Mandi' or the local vegetable market. Here, the word is shouted by vendors to attract customers. You'll hear phrases like 'Taaza sabzī!' (Fresh vegetables!) or 'Sasti sabzī!' (Cheap vegetables!). These markets are sensory overloads, and the word 'sabzī' is the rhythmic pulse of the environment.

The Local Vendor: The 'Sabzī-wala' is a common figure in Indian neighborhoods, pushing a cart (thela) and calling out the names of the vegetables he has for sale.

गली में सब्ज़ी वाला आया है। (The vegetable seller has come into the street.)

In the domestic sphere, 'sabzī' is the subject of daily planning. Families discuss what 'sabzī' to buy for the week or what to cook for the next meal. It is a word that signifies care and nourishment. In Indian households, cooking is often a communal activity, and 'sabzī' is at the heart of it. You might hear a mother telling her child, 'Sabzī poori khatam karo' (Finish all your vegetables), mirroring the universal parental encouragement to eat healthy.

होटल के मेनू में बहुत सारी सब्ज़ियाँ हैं। (There are many vegetable dishes on the hotel's menu.)

Television and media also frequently use the word. Cooking shows (which are immensely popular in India) focus heavily on 'sabzī' recipes, demonstrating how to transform simple ingredients into flavorful dishes. News reports might discuss 'sabzī ke daam' (vegetable prices) as an indicator of inflation and the cost of living, making it a word of political and economic significance. When prices rise, it becomes a major talking point in every household.

Social Gatherings: At weddings or parties, guests often comment on the quality of the 'sabzī' served, as it is a benchmark for the catering quality.

शादी की सब्ज़ी बहुत स्वादिष्ट थी। (The wedding's vegetable dish was very delicious.)

Whether in a bustling city market, a quiet suburban street, a high-end restaurant, or a simple home kitchen, 'sabzī' is a word that connects people through the shared experience of food. It is a word that you will not just learn, but live, as you navigate the Hindi-speaking world.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using सब्ज़ी (sabzī) is misidentifying its grammatical gender. In Hindi, nouns are either masculine or feminine, and 'sabzī' is feminine. This means that any adjective or verb that agrees with it must also be in the feminine form. Beginners often say 'achha sabzī' (good vegetable) instead of the correct 'achhī sabzī'.

Gender Agreement Error: Incorrect: यह सब्ज़ी बहुत पुराना है (Yeh sabzī bahut purānā hai). Correct: यह सब्ज़ी बहुत पुरानी है (Yeh sabzī bahut purānī hai).

गलत: ताज़ा सब्ज़ी। सही: ताज़ी सब्ज़ी। (Wrong: Fresh vegetable [masc]. Right: Fresh vegetable [fem].)

Another common error is the pronunciation of the 'z' sound. In many Hindi dialects, the 'z' (ज़) is often replaced with a 'j' (ज) sound, leading to 'sabjī'. While this is common in casual speech, learners should aim for the 'z' sound to be more precise, especially in formal settings. The dot under the 'ja' (ज) indicates the 'z' sound, a feature known as 'nuqta'.

गलत: आम एक अच्छी सब्ज़ी है। सही: आम एक अच्छा फल है। (Wrong: Mango is a good vegetable. Right: Mango is a good fruit.)

Confusing the raw ingredient with the cooked dish can also lead to awkward phrasing. If you want to say 'I am eating vegetables,' and you say 'Main sabzī khā rahā hūn,' it usually implies you are eating a specific cooked dish. If you were eating raw carrots, you would more likely name the specific vegetable or say 'kacchi sabzī' (raw vegetable).

Pluralization Mistake: Learners often forget to change 'sabzī' to 'sabziyān' when talking about a variety of vegetables. 'I bought many vegetable' is incorrect; it should be 'I bought many vegetables.'

गलत: मैंने बहुत सब्ज़ी खरीदीं। सही: मैंने बहुत सब्ज़ियाँ खरीदीं। (Wrong: I bought many vegetable. Right: I bought many vegetables.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 'tarkārī'. While it is a synonym for 'sabzī', it is more common in Eastern India (Bihar, Bengal) and Nepal. Using 'tarkārī' in Delhi might sound slightly formal or regional, whereas 'sabzī' is universally accepted across the Hindi heartland.

While सब्ज़ी (sabzī) is the most common term for vegetable, Hindi offers several synonyms and related words that are used in specific contexts or regions. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and better comprehend different dialects.

Tarkārī (तरकारी): This is the closest synonym to 'sabzī'. It is widely used in Eastern Hindi dialects and in Nepal. It often refers specifically to the cooked vegetable curry.
Bhājī (भाजी): Common in Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat) and also used in some Hindi-speaking areas. It often refers to a dry sautéed vegetable dish or leafy greens.
Sāg (साग): Specifically refers to leafy green vegetables, like spinach (pālak) or mustard greens (sarson). All sāg is sabzī, but not all sabzī is sāg.

आज मैंने आलू की भाजी बनाई है। (Today I have made a potato stir-fry.)

In a more formal or botanical context, you might encounter the word 'Vanaspati' (वनस्पति), which means 'vegetation' or 'flora'. This is rarely used in daily conversation about food but appears in textbooks and scientific discussions. Another term is 'Phal-Sabzī', which is a collective term for 'fruits and vegetables', often seen on shop signs or in agricultural reports.

क्या आप शाकाहारी हैं? (Are you a vegetarian?)

Comparing 'Sabzī' and 'Tarkārī': While they are largely interchangeable, 'Sabzī' is the Persian-derived term that has become the standard in modern urban Hindi. 'Tarkārī' feels slightly more traditional or rural to some ears. In the Caribbean Hindustani dialects (like in Trinidad or Suriname), 'Tarkārī' is the dominant term. Knowing both allows you to navigate the vast geographical spread of the Hindi language.

Khurāk (ख़ुराक): Sometimes used to mean 'diet' or 'portion', but in a very broad sense. It is not a direct synonym for vegetable.

In summary, while 'sabzī' will serve you well in 99% of situations, being aware of 'bhājī', 'sāg', and 'tarkārī' adds depth to your vocabulary and helps you appreciate the regional diversity of Indian cuisine and language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Even though 'sabz' means green, we call carrots (gajar), which are orange or red, 'sabzi'. This is a classic example of semantic broadening.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsʌb.ziː/

US /ˈsəb.zi/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable 'Sab'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Writing 2/5

The 'nuqta' (dot) under the 'ja' to make 'za' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

Simple two-syllable word that is easy to pronounce.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, very common in daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

खाना (Food) पानी (Water) फल (Fruit) बाज़ार (Market) अच्छा (Good)

Learn Next

आलू (Potato) प्याज (Onion) टमाटर (Tomato) मसाला (Spice) पकाना (To cook)

Advanced

शाकाहारी (Vegetarian) पोषण (Nutrition) खेती (Farming) जैविक (Organic) मंडी (Wholesale market)

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

सब्ज़ी अच्छी है (The vegetable dish is good).

Pluralization of -ī ending feminine nouns

सब्ज़ी -> सब्ज़ियाँ (sabzī -> sabziyān).

Oblique case plural

सब्ज़ियों में (In the vegetables).

Compound Noun Formation

सब्ज़ी + वाला = सब्ज़ीवाला (Vegetable seller).

Adjective-Noun agreement

ताज़ी सब्ज़ियाँ (Fresh vegetables).

Examples by Level

यह क्या सब्ज़ी है?

What vegetable is this?

Simple interrogative sentence using 'kya' (what).

मुझे सब्ज़ी पसंद है।

I like vegetables.

'Pasand' (like) requires the subject to take the 'ko' postposition (implied here).

सब्ज़ी ताज़ी है।

The vegetable is fresh.

'Tāzī' is the feminine form of fresh, agreeing with 'sabzī'.

बाज़ार से सब्ज़ी लाओ।

Bring vegetables from the market.

Imperative sentence using 'lao' (bring).

सब्ज़ी का दाम क्या है?

What is the price of the vegetable?

Asking for 'daam' (price).

वह सब्ज़ी काट रही है।

She is cutting the vegetable.

Present continuous tense for a feminine subject.

मैं रोज़ सब्ज़ी खाता हूँ।

I eat vegetables every day.

Habitual present tense.

यह सब्ज़ी बहुत अच्छी है।

This vegetable (dish) is very good.

'Achhī' (good) is feminine.

सब्ज़ी में नमक कम है।

There is less salt in the vegetable dish.

Use of 'mein' (in) to describe the contents of the dish.

क्या आपने सब्ज़ियाँ धो ली हैं?

Have you washed the vegetables?

Perfect tense with feminine plural 'sabziyān'.

सब्ज़ीवाला गली में चिल्ला रहा है।

The vegetable seller is shouting in the street.

Compound word 'sabzī-wala'.

मुझे हरी सब्ज़ियाँ ज़्यादा पसंद हैं।

I like green vegetables more.

'Harī' (green) and 'zyādā' (more) modifying 'sabziyān'.

आज खाने में कौन सी सब्ज़ी बनी है?

Which vegetable dish is made for dinner today?

Asking 'kaun sī' (which) for a feminine noun.

सब्ज़ी को धीमी आँच पर पकाओ।

Cook the vegetable on low flame.

Instruction using 'dhīmī āñch' (low flame).

मैंने बाज़ार से दो किलो सब्ज़ी खरीदी।

I bought two kilograms of vegetables from the market.

Past tense 'kharīdī' agreeing with 'sabzī'.

बिना सब्ज़ी के रोटी सूखी लगती है।

Without a vegetable dish, bread feels dry.

Use of 'binā' (without).

सेहतमंद रहने के लिए ताज़ी सब्ज़ियाँ खाना ज़रूरी है।

To stay healthy, it is necessary to eat fresh vegetables.

Infinitive 'rahne ke liye' (to stay).

आजकल बाज़ार में सब्ज़ियों के दाम बहुत बढ़ गए हैं।

Nowadays, the prices of vegetables have increased a lot in the market.

Oblique plural 'sabziyon' used with 'ke'.

क्या आप मुझे इस सब्ज़ी की रेसिपी बता सकते हैं?

Can you tell me the recipe for this vegetable dish?

Polite request using 'sakte hain'.

भारतीय खाने में सब्ज़ी का एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है।

Vegetables have an important place in Indian food.

Abstract concept 'mahatvapoorn sthān' (important place).

सब्ज़ी को ज़्यादा पकाने से उसके विटामिन खत्म हो जाते हैं।

Overcooking vegetables destroys their vitamins.

Conditional sense with 'se'.

गाँव में लोग अपने बगीचे की ताज़ी सब्ज़ी खाते हैं।

In villages, people eat fresh vegetables from their gardens.

Describing a lifestyle.

मुझे सब्ज़ी में थोड़ा और मसाला चाहिए।

I need a bit more spice in the vegetable dish.

Expressing a requirement with 'chāhiye'.

क्या यह सब्ज़ी शाकाहारी लोगों के लिए ठीक है?

Is this vegetable dish suitable for vegetarians?

Adjectival use of 'shākāhārī'.

सब्ज़ियों का उत्पादन बढ़ाने के लिए किसानों को नई तकनीक अपनानी चाहिए।

To increase vegetable production, farmers should adopt new techniques.

Formal sentence structure using 'utpādan' (production).

जैविक सब्ज़ियाँ स्वास्थ्य के लिए अधिक लाभकारी होती हैं।

Organic vegetables are more beneficial for health.

Use of 'jaivik' (organic) and 'lābhkarī' (beneficial).

सब्ज़ी की आपूर्ति में कमी के कारण कीमतें आसमान छू रही हैं।

Due to a shortage in vegetable supply, prices are skyrocketing.

Idiom 'āsmān chhūnā' (touching the sky).

विभिन्न संस्कृतियों में सब्ज़ी पकाने के तरीके अलग-अलग होते हैं।

Methods of cooking vegetables vary across different cultures.

Using 'alag-alag' for variety.

शहरों में लोग अब छतों पर सब्ज़ियाँ उगाने लगे हैं।

In cities, people have now started growing vegetables on rooftops.

Compound verb 'ugāne lage' (started to grow).

सब्ज़ी का स्वाद उसके छौंक पर निर्भर करता है।

The taste of the vegetable dish depends on its tempering.

Using 'nirbhar karnā' (to depend).

ठंड के मौसम में बाज़ार में सब्ज़ियों की बहार आ जाती है।

In the winter season, there is an abundance of vegetables in the market.

Metaphorical use of 'bahār' (spring/abundance).

क्या इस सब्ज़ी में कोई कृत्रिम रंग मिलाया गया है?

Has any artificial color been added to this vegetable dish?

Passive voice 'milāyā gayā hai'.

सब्ज़ी के बढ़ते दाम मध्यम वर्ग की कमर तोड़ रहे हैं।

The rising prices of vegetables are breaking the back of the middle class.

Idiom 'kamar toṛnā' (to break the back/to cause great hardship).

साहित्य में 'सब्ज़ी' शब्द का प्रयोग अक्सर साधारण जीवन के प्रतीक के रूप में होता है।

In literature, the word 'sabzi' is often used as a symbol of ordinary life.

Literary analysis register.

हमें सब्ज़ियों के प्रसंस्करण (processing) के लिए बेहतर बुनियादी ढाँचे की आवश्यकता है।

We need better infrastructure for the processing of vegetables.

High-level vocabulary like 'prasanskaran' and 'buniyādī ḍhāñchā'.

वह अपनी बातों में ऐसी मिर्च-मसाला लगाता है जैसे कोई चटपटी सब्ज़ी हो।

He spices up his words as if they were a spicy vegetable dish.

Metaphorical comparison.

सब्ज़ियों की विविधता भारत की जैव-विविधता का प्रतिबिंब है।

The diversity of vegetables is a reflection of India's biodiversity.

Using 'pratibimb' (reflection/mirror).

कीटनाशकों के अत्यधिक प्रयोग ने सब्ज़ियों को ज़हरीला बना दिया है।

Excessive use of pesticides has made vegetables toxic.

Causal structure.

इस कहानी में सब्ज़ी बेचने वाला समाज के कड़वे सच को उजागर करता है।

In this story, the vegetable seller exposes the bitter truths of society.

Thematic analysis.

सब्ज़ी मंडी की वह गहमागहमी अब महानगरों से गायब होती जा रही है।

That hustle and bustle of the vegetable market is now disappearing from metropolises.

Using 'gahmāgahmī' (hustle and bustle).

सब्ज़ी की कीमतों में उतार-चढ़ाव सीधे तौर पर देश की खाद्य सुरक्षा को प्रभावित करता है।

Fluctuations in vegetable prices directly affect the food security of the country.

Technical economic register.

प्राचीन ग्रंथों में 'शाक' (सब्ज़ी) के औषधीय गुणों का विस्तृत वर्णन मिलता है।

Ancient texts provide a detailed description of the medicinal properties of 'shaak' (vegetables).

Historical and academic register.

सब्ज़ी उत्पादन में आत्मनिर्भरता प्राप्त करना ग्रामीण अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए अनिवार्य है।

Achieving self-reliance in vegetable production is essential for the rural economy.

Using 'ātm-nirbhartā' (self-reliance).

मंडी के शोर में छिपी वह सब्ज़ी वाली की आवाज़, एक लुप्त होती संस्कृति की पुकार है।

The voice of that vegetable seller hidden in the market's noise is a call from a fading culture.

Highly evocative, literary prose.

सब्ज़ियों के आनुवंशिक संशोधन (genetic modification) पर बहस अत्यंत जटिल है।

The debate on the genetic modification of vegetables is extremely complex.

Scientific debate terminology.

क्या हम सब्ज़ी को केवल उपभोग की वस्तु मान सकते हैं, या यह हमारे अस्तित्व का आधार है?

Can we consider vegetables merely as a commodity for consumption, or are they the basis of our existence?

Philosophical inquiry.

सब्ज़ी मंडियों का आधुनिकीकरण बिचौलियों के वर्चस्व को समाप्त कर सकता है।

The modernization of vegetable markets can end the dominance of middlemen.

Sociopolitical analysis.

उसकी लेखनी में सब्ज़ी के रंगों जैसी ताज़गी और विविधता है।

In his writing, there is freshness and diversity like the colors of vegetables.

Abstract metaphorical praise.

Common Collocations

ताज़ी सब्ज़ी

हरी सब्ज़ी

सब्ज़ी काटना

सब्ज़ी पकाना

सब्ज़ी मंडी

सब्ज़ीवाला

सब्ज़ी का दाम

मिक्स सब्ज़ी

सब्ज़ी धोना

सूखी सब्ज़ी

Common Phrases

सब्ज़ी-रोटी

— A standard, simple meal. It implies basic sustenance.

हम तो बस सब्ज़ी-रोटी खाने वाले लोग हैं।

सब्ज़ी का स्वाद

— The taste of the vegetable dish. Used to compliment or critique food.

इस सब्ज़ी का स्वाद बहुत अनोखा है।

घर की सब्ज़ी

— Home-cooked vegetable dish. Implies health and comfort.

घर की सब्ज़ी की बात ही कुछ और है।

सब्ज़ी बनाना

— To cook a vegetable dish. A very common daily verb phrase.

आज मैं गोभी की सब्ज़ी बनाऊँगी।

सब्ज़ी परोसना

— To serve the vegetable dish. Used during meal times.

गरम-गरम सब्ज़ी परोसें।

बासी सब्ज़ी

— Stale or leftover vegetable dish. Usually avoided.

बासी सब्ज़ी नहीं खानी चाहिए।

सब्ज़ी की तरी

— The gravy of the vegetable dish. Some people prefer more or less of it.

सब्ज़ी की तरी बहुत तीखी है।

सब्ज़ी का भाव

— The market rate of vegetables. A common topic of economic discussion.

सब्ज़ी का भाव आसमान छू रहा है।

सब्ज़ी का झोला

— A vegetable shopping bag. A common sight in Indian streets.

उसका सब्ज़ी का झोला भारी था।

सब्ज़ी छौंकना

— To temper the vegetable dish with spices. A specific cooking step.

माँ सब्ज़ी छौंक रही हैं।

Often Confused With

सब्ज़ी vs फल (Phal)

Means fruit. English speakers sometimes group them, but Hindi keeps them separate.

सब्ज़ी vs सब्ज़ (Sabz)

Means the color green in Urdu/Persian. In Hindi, use 'hara' for color and 'sabzī' for vegetable.

सब्ज़ी vs साग (Saag)

Refers only to leafy greens, while 'sabzī' is all vegetables.

Idioms & Expressions

"सब्ज़ी-बाज़ार बनाना"

— To create a lot of noise or chaos, like a vegetable market.

कक्षा को सब्ज़ी-बाज़ार मत बनाओ!

Informal

"सब्ज़ बाग दिखाना"

— To lure someone with false hopes or rosy pictures (derived from 'sabz' meaning green).

उसने मुझे नौकरी के सब्ज़ बाग दिखाए पर कुछ नहीं हुआ।

Literary/Common

"अपनी सब्ज़ी अलग पकाना"

— To do one's own thing without cooperating with others.

वह टीम के साथ काम नहीं करता, अपनी सब्ज़ी अलग ही पकाता है।

Informal

"सब्ज़ी की तरह काटना"

— To cut something easily or ruthlessly (often used in violent contexts in movies).

दुश्मन ने उन्हें सब्ज़ी की तरह काट दिया।

Informal/Slang

"सब्ज़ी जैसा चेहरा"

— A face that looks dull or pale (less common, but used descriptively).

बीमारी के बाद उसका चेहरा सब्ज़ी जैसा हो गया है।

Informal

"दाल-सब्ज़ी चलना"

— To manage basic survival or earn just enough to eat.

इस छोटी नौकरी से बस दाल-सब्ज़ी चल रही है।

Common

"सब्ज़ी में नमक जैसा"

— Something that is small in quantity but essential for the whole.

वह टीम में सब्ज़ी में नमक जैसा है, छोटा पर ज़रूरी।

Metaphorical

"सब्ज़ी का रायता बनाना"

— To make a mess of a situation (related to 'raita phailana').

उसने पूरी योजना का सब्ज़ी-रायता बना दिया।

Informal

"सब्ज़ी-तरकारी समझना"

— To treat something as trivial or very easy.

इस परीक्षा को सब्ज़ी-तरकारी मत समझो।

Informal

"सब्ज़ी-भाजी होना"

— To be very common or easily available.

आजकल डिग्रियाँ तो सब्ज़ी-भाजी हो गई हैं।

Informal

Easily Confused

सब्ज़ी vs Sabzi vs. Tarkari

Both mean vegetable.

Sabzi is universal and Persian-rooted; Tarkari is more regional (East) or formal.

Sabzi is used in Delhi; Tarkari is common in Patna.

सब्ज़ी vs Sabzi vs. Bhaji

Both refer to vegetable dishes.

Bhaji often implies a dry stir-fry or specific regional styles (like Pav Bhaji).

I ate Aloo Bhaji (dry) vs. I ate Aloo Sabzi (could be with gravy).

सब्ज़ी vs Sabzi vs. Saag

Both are green plants.

Saag is specifically leaves; Sabzi is any part of the plant.

Palak (Spinach) is Saag; Aloo (Potato) is only Sabzi.

सब्ज़ी vs Sabzi vs. Shakaahaar

Both relate to vegetarianism.

Sabzi is the food item; Shakaahaar is the concept of vegetarian diet.

I like Sabzi vs. I follow Shakaahaar.

सब्ज़ी vs Sabzi vs. Vanaspati

Both mean plants.

Vanaspati is botanical/scientific flora; Sabzi is food.

Scientists study Vanaspati; Chefs cook Sabzi.

Sentence Patterns

यह [Noun] है।

यह सब्ज़ी है।

मुझे [Noun] पसंद है।

मुझे सब्ज़ी पसंद है।

[Noun] [Adjective] है।

सब्ज़ी ताज़ी है।

[Subject] [Noun] [Verb] रहा है।

वह सब्ज़ी काट रहा है।

[Noun] खाना [Adjective] है।

सब्ज़ी खाना अच्छा है।

आज [Noun] में [Something] है।

आज सब्ज़ी में नमक कम है।

[Noun] के दाम [Verb] रहे हैं।

सब्ज़ियों के दाम बढ़ रहे हैं।

[Noun] की [Quality] [Abstract Noun] है।

सब्ज़ियों की विविधता अद्भुत है।

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Achha sabzi → Achhi sabzi
Sabzi is feminine, so the adjective must be feminine.
Sabzi khaya → Sabzi khayi
In the past tense with 'ne', the verb agrees with the object. Since sabzi is feminine, use 'khayi'.
Sabziyan ke dam → Sabziyon ke dam
When followed by a postposition like 'ke', the plural 'sabziyan' changes to the oblique form 'sabziyon'.
Sabzi as a fruit → Phal
Don't use sabzi for fruits like apples or mangoes.
Sab-jee (in formal writing) → Sab-zee
While 'j' is okay in speech, always write it with a 'z' (dot under j) in standard Hindi.

Tips

Gender Tip

Always treat 'sabzī' as feminine. This is the most common mistake for learners. Think of the 'ī' ending as a feminine marker.

Market Manners

When buying 'sabzī' in India, it is common to ask for a little bit of free 'dhaniya' (coriander) or 'mirch' (chili) at the end!

The 'Chhawnk'

To make a good 'sabzī', you must master the 'chhawnk' (tempering)—frying spices in oil before adding the vegetables.

Specific Names

While 'sabzī' is a great general word, learning specific names like 'aloo' (potato) and 'tamatar' (tomato) will make you much more effective in the kitchen.

The Nuqta

Pay attention to the dot under the 'j'. It changes the sound to 'z'. Practicing this will make your Hindi sound much more authentic.

Mandi vs. Shop

A 'mandi' is a large wholesale market where 'sabzī' is cheaper. A 'dukaan' is a regular shop where it might be slightly more expensive.

Nutrition Speak

Use the word 'pauṣṭik' (nutritious) with 'sabzī' to talk about healthy eating habits.

Meal Invitation

If someone invites you for 'sabzī-roti', it's a humble way of inviting you for a full meal. Don't expect just one vegetable!

Chaos Phrase

If a room is too noisy, say 'Sabhī sabzī mandi banā rakkhā hai' (Everyone has made it a vegetable market).

Eastern Dialect

If you travel to Bihar or West Bengal, try using 'tarkārī' to connect better with the locals.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **Sub**marine made of **Zee** (Z) shaped vegetables. 'Sub-Zee'.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright green 'S' shaped cucumber to remember the word starts with 'S' and means green/vegetable.

Word Web

Aloo (Potato) Pyaz (Onion) Tamatar (Tomato) Palak (Spinach) Bhindi (Okra) Gobhi (Cauliflower) Baingan (Eggplant) Matar (Peas)

Challenge

Go to a local grocery store and try to label five different items as 'sabzī' in your head.

Word Origin

The word originates from the Persian word 'sabz' (سبز), which means 'green'. It entered Hindi through the influence of Persian in the Mughal courts and administrative systems.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to 'greenery' or 'green herbs'. Over time, its meaning broadened in the Indian subcontinent to include all edible vegetables, regardless of color.

Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family.

Cultural Context

Be aware that for many Indians, 'sabzī' must be strictly vegetarian (no eggs or meat) due to religious beliefs (Hinduism, Jainism).

In English, we often distinguish between 'vegetables' and 'curry'. In Hindi, 'sabzī' covers both.

The 'Sabzī Mandi' scenes in classic Bollywood movies like 'Lagaan' or 'Gully Boy'. The common phrase 'Aloo-Gobhi' as a representative Indian dish. The poem 'Sabzī-waalā' often found in Indian primary school textbooks.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Market

सब्ज़ी ताज़ी है?
क्या भाव है?
एक किलो दे दो।
कुछ कम करो।

In the Kitchen

सब्ज़ी काट दो।
सब्ज़ी पक गई?
नमक डालो।
सब्ज़ी धो लो।

At the Dinner Table

सब्ज़ी बहुत स्वाद है।
थोड़ी और सब्ज़ी लीजिए।
मुझे यह सब्ज़ी पसंद नहीं।
क्या सब्ज़ी बनी है?

With a Doctor

हरी सब्ज़ियाँ खाएं।
सब्ज़ी धोकर खाएं।
ताज़ी सब्ज़ी ज़रूरी है।
ज़्यादा सब्ज़ी खाएं।

In a Restaurant

स्पेशल सब्ज़ी क्या है?
सब्ज़ी कम तीखी रखना।
मिक्स सब्ज़ी ले आओ।
सब्ज़ी गरम है?

Conversation Starters

"आपकी पसंदीदा सब्ज़ी कौन सी है?"

"आजकल सब्ज़ियाँ बहुत महँगी हो गई हैं, है ना?"

"क्या आप रोज़ हरी सब्ज़ियाँ खाते हैं?"

"क्या आपको बाज़ार से सब्ज़ी खरीदना पसंद है?"

"आप घर पर सब्ज़ी कैसे बनाते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

आज आपने कौन सी सब्ज़ी खाई और उसका स्वाद कैसा था?

अगर आपको सिर्फ एक सब्ज़ी पूरी ज़िंदगी खानी पड़े, तो वह कौन सी होगी और क्यों?

अपने बचपन की किसी पसंदीदा सब्ज़ी की याद के बारे में लिखें।

सब्ज़ी मंडी के अपने पहले अनुभव का वर्णन करें।

क्या आप मानते हैं कि सब्ज़ियाँ मांस से बेहतर हैं? अपने विचार लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should say 'achhī sabzī' (good vegetable) and 'sabzī pak rahī hai' (the vegetable is cooking).

No, 'phal' is used for fruits. 'Sabzī' is strictly for vegetables.

The plural is 'सब्ज़ियाँ' (sabziyān). In the oblique case (with prepositions), it becomes 'सब्ज़ियों' (sabziyon).

It means both! Context tells you which one. If you're at a market, it's raw. If you're at a table, it's cooked.

It's like the 'z' in 'zebra'. Some people pronounce it like 'j' (sab-jee), but 'z' is the standard pronunciation.

A 'sabzī-wala' is a person who sells vegetables, usually from a cart or a small shop.

Because a large part of the population is vegetarian, 'sabzī' is the main component of most meals.

Yes, they are synonyms. 'Sabzi' is more common in the North and West, while 'tarkari' is common in the East.

Usually, no. Salad is called 'salād'. 'Sabzī' usually implies something that is cooked or intended to be cooked.

They are called 'harī sabziyān' (हरी सब्ज़ियाँ).