POST 6: Reehana, the Herbs and Spices Merchant

How Do You Say “Herbs and Spices Merchant” in Arabic?

Quick answer: The traditional word for a herbs and spices merchant is عطّار (ʿaṭṭār), and for a woman عطّارة (ʿaṭṭāra), pronounced ʿat-TAA-ra. It comes from ʿiṭr (عطر), perfume. The descriptive phrase is تاجرة أعشاب وتوابل (tājirat aʿshāb wa-tawābil).

Meet Reehana, the Herbs and Spices Merchant from Western Saudi Arabia

Reehana keeps a stall full of fragrant herbs and spices as one of the [Western Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link]. Her name echoes rayḥān (ريحان), basil and other sweet-smelling herbs.

How Do You Pronounce ʿAṭṭāra?

Say ʿat-TAA-ra. The ʿ is the deep throat ʿayn sound, the ṭ is a heavier, deeper “t,” and the doubled ṭ is held slightly longer.

Where Does the Word ʿAṭṭāra Come From?

It comes from the root ع-ط-ر, the root of ʿiṭr (perfume). An ʿaṭṭār sells things that smell wonderful: spices, herbs, and perfumes. The English word “attar” traces back to ʿiṭr. → [Meet Zainab the Rose Producer] The doubled middle letter gives the familiar job-title pattern. → [Meet Ahmad the Blacksmith]

How Do You Say “She Is a Herbs and Spices Merchant” in Arabic?

هي عطّارة (Hiya ʿaṭṭāra).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for spices? توابل (tawābil) or بهارات (bahārāt).
• What is the Arabic word for herbs? أعشاب (aʿshāb).
• What is the Arabic word for saffron? زعفران (zaʿfarān). The English word “saffron” traces back to it.
• What is the Arabic word for cardamom? هيل (hayl).
• What is the Arabic word for cinnamon? قرفة (qirfa).

Take Reehana home: [Herb Teatowel] Next: [Meet Sabia the Juice Seller →]