Tableware terms in English and Arabic: a glossary for wholesale buyers

Buyers and suppliers in the Gulf often switch between English and Arabic in the same conversation. This glossary lists common tableware and wholesale terms in both languages, so item lists and quotations are clear to everyone. Usage varies between countries, so treat these as common terms rather than the only ones.

Tableware items

English	Arabic	Notes
Tableware	أدوات المائدة	Everything used to serve and eat a meal
Crockery, dishes	صحون، أطباق	Plates, bowls and similar pieces
Dinner set	طقم عشاء	A matching set of plates and bowls
Plate	صحن	Plural: صحون
Dinner plate	صحن عشاء	The main flat plate
Soup plate	صحن شوربة	A deep plate for soup
Bowl	زبدية، وعاء	Rice, salad and serving bowls
Lidded bowl	زبدية بغطاء	A covered serving bowl
Oval platter	صحن بيضاوي	For rice and main dishes
Tray	صينية	Plural: صواني
Ladle	مغرفة	Rice and curry ladles
Spoon	ملعقة	Plural: ملاعق
Fork	شوكة	Plural: شوك
Knife	سكين	Plural: سكاكين
Cutlery	ملاعق وشوك وسكاكين	Often sold as cutlery sets: أطقم ملاعق
Cup	كوب	Also used for tumblers
Mug	مج	A cup with a handle

Materials

English	Arabic	Notes
Opalware	أوبال	Also زجاج أوبال (opal glass)
Melamine	ميلامين
Stainless steel	ستانلس ستيل	Formally: فولاذ مقاوم للصدأ
Glass	زجاج
Porcelain	بورسلين

Wholesale and shipping terms

English	Arabic	Notes
Wholesale	جملة	Buying in bulk: بالجملة
Supplier	مورد
Quotation	عرض سعر	Prices, availability and packing for your list
Carton	كرتون	Ask how many pieces each carton holds
Minimum order	الحد الأدنى للطلب
Size	مقاس	Usually in inches or centimetres
Design	تصميم، نقشة	نقشة is used for printed patterns
Delivery	توصيل
Shipping	شحن
Certificate of origin	شهادة منشأ	See our importing guide

Sending your list to FAMES

You can send your item list in English or Arabic, with photos if that is easier. Include sizes and approximate quantities, and we reply with a quotation. Contact the sales team.