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Spicy
كثير التوابل (kathīr al-tawābil) is a descriptive phrase meaning 'spicy' or 'heavily spiced,' literally translating to 'abundant in spices.' It describes food that contains large quantities of spices, creating a strong, pungent flavor. This term is commonly used in Arabic-speaking cultures to characterize dishes with bold seasoning profiles.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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الطعام في هذا المطعم كثير التوابل جداً.
Al-ṭa'ām fī hādhā al-maṭ'am kathīr al-tawābil jiddan.
The food in this restaurant is very spicy.
أحب الأطباق كثيرة التوابل، لكن والدتي تفضل الطعام الخفيف.
Uḥibb al-aṭbāq kathīrah al-tawābil, lākin wālidatī tufdil al-ṭa'ām al-khafīf.
I love heavily spiced dishes, but my mother prefers mild food.
هذا الكاري كثير التوابل ولذيذ جداً.
Hādhā al-kārī kathīr al-tawābil wa-ladhīdh jiddan.
This curry is very spicy and delicious.
الطبخة المصرية عادة ما تكون كثيرة التوابل.
Al-ṭabkhah al-miṣriyyah 'ādatan mā takūn kathīrah al-tawābil.
Egyptian cuisine is typically heavily spiced.
لا أستطيع أكل الطعام كثير التوابل لأنني أعاني من حساسية المعدة.
Lā astṭīc ākal al-ṭa'ām kathīr al-tawābil li-ānnannī a'ānī min ḥassāsiyyat al-ma'idah.
I cannot eat spicy food because I suffer from stomach sensitivity.
In Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, spiced foods are central to culinary tradition and cultural identity. The appreciation for كثير التوابل (heavily spiced dishes) reflects centuries of trade in exotic spices and regional flavor preferences that vary significantly across Arab countries. From North African tagines to Lebanese dishes and Gulf cuisine, the mastery and use of spices is a source of culinary pride and family tradition.
Remember that كثير التوابل is an adjective phrase that agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes—use كثيرة التوابل for feminine nouns and adjust accordingly. This phrase is more formal and descriptive than simply saying 'حار' (hot/spicy), so use it when you want to emphasize the abundance of spices rather than just the heat level. When describing someone's preference, you can use 'يحب/تحب كثير التوابل' (he/she loves spicy food).
The Arabic phrase كثير التوابل (kathīr al-tawābil) literally translates to "abundant in spices" or "rich with spices," and is commonly used to describe food that is spicy or heavily seasoned. The word "كثير" means "abundant" or "much," while "التوابل" refers to "spices." This expression is more nuanced than simply saying something is "hot" (حار) and specifically emphasizes the quantity and variety of spices used in preparation.
The phrase functions as an adjective compound that must agree with the noun it modifies. When describing a feminine noun, it becomes "كثيرة التوابل" (kathīrah al-tawābil). For example:
Spiced food holds tremendous cultural significance throughout the Arab world. From the complex spice blends in Egyptian koshari to the aromatic profiles in Lebanese cooking, to the warm spices of Gulf cuisine, كثير التوابل represents more than just taste—it embodies culinary heritage and tradition. Arab cooks take pride in their mastery of spice combinations, which have been refined through generations and influenced by ancient trade routes.
In daily conversation, describing food as كثير التوابل helps communicate flavor intensity and preparation style. It's particularly useful in restaurants, markets, or when discussing family recipes, where specificity matters in conveying your preferences and understanding others' dietary needs.
While كثير التوابل means "spicy" in terms of abundance of spices, it differs from other heat-related descriptors in Arabic. "حار" (ḥār) specifically refers to spiciness from hot peppers and can be overwhelming. "مبهّر" (mubahhir) suggests something is seasoned or flavored more generally. Using كثير التوابل allows you to express that food is rich in diverse spices without necessarily being extremely hot or peppery.
Common ways to use this phrase include asking about food preferences: "هل تحب الطعام كثير التوابل؟" (Do you like spicy food?), commenting on a dish: "هذا الطبق كثير التوابل" (This dish is very spicy), or expressing personal preference: "أنا أحب الأكل كثير التوابل" (I love spicy food).
In Arab hospitality, offering well-spiced food is a mark of respect and care. When someone prepares كثير التوابل dishes, it demonstrates effort and thoughtfulness. Understanding and appreciating this aspect of Arab cuisine helps learners engage more meaningfully with the culture. However, it's also important to communicate your tolerance for spices respectfully, especially in family or formal dining situations.
To master this phrase, practice identifying different spices in food and building your vocabulary around them: فلفل (pepper), قرفة (cinnamon), كمون (cumin), زعفران (saffron), and others. Listen to how native speakers describe food in cooking shows, restaurants, and social media. Try using the phrase in context with other food descriptors to develop natural conversation patterns about cuisine preferences and cooking techniques.