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Corn
#15
الذرة (al-dhura) is the Arabic word for corn or maize, referring to the cereal grain plant and its kernels. It is a common staple food in Arab cuisine, used in various culinary preparations including grilled corn, cornmeal, and as an ingredient in traditional dishes. The word can also refer to corn on the cob or corn as a crop.
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أحب أن آكل الذرة المشوية في الصيف.
Uhibb an aakul al-dhura al-mushawiyya fi al-sayf.
I love to eat grilled corn in the summer.
المزارع يزرع الذرة في حقوله كل سنة.
Al-muzari' yazra' al-dhura fi huqulihi kull sanah.
The farmer plants corn in his fields every year.
تحتوي الذرة على الكثير من الفيتامينات المهمة.
Tahtawi al-dhura 'ala al-kathir min al-vitamimat al-muhimmah.
Corn contains many important vitamins.
بعت الذرة بسعر جيد في السوق.
Ba'tu al-dhura bi-si'r jayyid fi al-suq.
He sold the corn at a good price in the market.
الذرة المعلبة توفر وقتاً في الطهي.
Al-dhura al-mu'allabah tuaffir waqtan fi al-tahi.
Canned corn saves time in cooking.
Corn holds significant importance in Arab culinary traditions and agriculture, particularly in Egypt and the Levantine region where grilled corn (الذرة المشوية) is a beloved street food sold by vendors during summer months. Corn products like cornmeal are used in traditional dishes and are particularly important in Egyptian cuisine. The crop has been part of Arab farming practices for centuries and remains a staple ingredient in both everyday cooking and festive meals.
When using الذرة, remember it's a feminine noun in Arabic, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender. You can modify it with descriptive adjectives like 'مشوية' (grilled), 'معلبة' (canned), or 'صفراء' (yellow). Pay attention to context—while الذرة primarily means corn/maize, in some Gulf dialects it can mean a grain or cereal more broadly.
الذرة (al-dhura) is the standard Arabic term for corn, also known as maize in English. This feminine noun refers to the cereal grain plant (Zea mays) and its edible kernels. In Arabic-speaking countries, particularly in Egypt and the Levant, corn is a widely cultivated crop and an important ingredient in traditional cuisine. The word can refer to the corn plant itself, the corn cob, or the kernels depending on context.
As a feminine noun, الذرة requires feminine agreement in Arabic. When used with adjectives or in verb constructions, all modifiers must match the feminine gender. For example:
The word can be used both in singular form (الذرة) and in plural forms like (حبات الذرة - corn kernels) when referring to individual components.
Corn holds deep cultural roots in Arab cuisine, especially in Egypt where it has been a dietary staple for generations. Street vendors throughout Cairo and other major cities sell grilled corn (الذرة المشوية) seasoned with salt, pepper, and lime during summer months—a beloved seasonal snack. In Egyptian cuisine, corn appears in various forms: fresh corn, cornmeal (دقيق الذرة), corn oil (زيت الذرة), and even corn juice (عصير الذرة).
The Levantine region also incorporates corn into its culinary traditions, using cornmeal in breads and other traditional dishes. Farming communities throughout the Arab world depend on corn as an important cash crop and food security staple.
Understanding الذرة connects to several related vocabulary items:
In contemporary Arabic, الذرة is used in both traditional and modern contexts. You'll hear it in farmers' markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and cooking shows. Modern Arabic media often discusses corn in agricultural contexts, nutrition discussions, and culinary programs. The word appears in both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA/Fusha) and various Arabic dialects, making it an essential vocabulary item for learners.
Remember that الذرة is feminine, so any adjectives describing it must be feminine as well. When learning related vocabulary, note that compound terms often place the descriptive word second, such as "دقيق الذرة" (literally "flour of corn" but meaning "cornmeal"). Practice pronunciation of the 'dh' sound (ذ) as it differs from English phonetics. Additionally, understanding seasonal usage helps: الذرة المشوية is primarily a summer food in Arab culture, appearing in markets and street food during warm months.