Words English took from Persian

1. 1
   bazaar/bəˈzɑːr/

   noun

   A street lined with small shops.
2. 2
   pistachio/pəˈstæʃiˌoʊ/

   noun

   A small green nut in a hard shell.
3. 3
   saffron/ˈsæfrən/

   noun

   Dried orange-red threads from a crocus flower, used to flavor and color food.
4. 4
   spinach/ˈspɪnətʃ/

   noun

   Dark green leaves eaten cooked or raw.
5. 5
   jasmine/ˈdʒæzmən/

   noun

   A climbing plant with sweet-smelling flowers.
6. 6
   paradise/ˈperəˌdaɪs/

   noun

   A place of perfect happiness.
7. 7
   caravan/ˈkærəˌvæn/iAlso said ˈkerəˌvæn.

   noun

   A line of travelers moving together.
8. 8
   kiosk/ˈkiːˌɔːsk/

   noun

   A small booth set apart for one use.
9. 9
   khaki/ˈkɑːki/iAlso said ˈkæki.

   adjective

   Of a dull yellow-brown color.
10. 10
    azure/ˈæʒər/

    adjective

    Deep blue, like a clear sky.

The sentences

1. Let's meet at the main gate of the bazaar.

2. Could I try one pistachio before I buy?

3. Is this real saffron or just colored flowers?

4. I'd like the spinach pie, not the lamb.

5. The whole street smells of jasmine this evening.

6. This courtyard garden feels like a little paradise.

7. Traders once arrived here with a camel caravan.

8. Can I buy a bus ticket at that kiosk?

9. Do you have this shirt in khaki instead?

10. Look at the azure tiles on that dome.

Pronunciation

• bazaar/bəˈzɑːr/

  The stress falls on the second part, 'buh-ZAR'.

• pistachio/pəˈstæʃiˌoʊ/

  The middle sounds like 'stash', not 'stack'.

• spinach/ˈspɪnətʃ/

  It ends like 'itch', not like 'ash'.

• kiosk/ˈkiːˌɔːsk/

  It starts like 'key', not like 'kite'.

• khaki/ˈkɑːki/

  First vowel is ah as in father, not the a in cat.

• azure/ˈæʒər/

  The z sounds like the s in 'measure'.

Good to know

tipping

In the United States a tip is expected at restaurants, usually between 15 and 20 % of the bill before tax. It is often not included, so check the bill.

sales tax

Prices on shelves and menus usually leave out sales tax, which is added at the register. The rate varies by state and sometimes by city.

farmers market

Many towns have an outdoor farmers market on set days, with local produce and food stalls. Prices are usually fixed, and vendors often let you try a sample.

kiosk

In the US a kiosk is often a small stand or a self-service machine in a mall, airport or station. Tickets and small items are sold there.

Questions

How do you pronounce bazaar in English?

It's said 'buh-ZAR', with the stress on the second part. The sentence to try is "Let's meet at the main gate of the bazaar."

What does saffron mean?

Saffron is dried orange-red threads from a crocus flower, used to flavor and color food. You can ask "Is this real saffron or just colored flowers?"

What can I say to ask for a color like khaki?

Khaki is a dull yellow-brown color, said with the first vowel like ah in father. You can ask "Do you have this shirt in khaki instead?"