English
Halwai
Halwai comes from Hindi हलवाई, from हलवा ‘halva’, and ultimately from Arabic حَلْوَى ‘candy, confection, sweet pastry’.
- Arabicc. 500–presentحَلْوَى‘candy, confection, sweet pastry’
- Classical Persianc. 900–presentحَلْوَا
- Hindic. 1500–presentहलवा‘halva’
- Hindi, derivedc. 1500–presentहलवाईhalvāī
- EnglishtodayHalwai
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Arabicc. 500–presentحَلْوَى‘candy, confection, sweet pastry’
- Classical Persianc. 900–presentحَلْوَا
- Hindic. 1500–presentहलवा‘halva’
- Hindi, derivedc. 1500–presentहलवाईhalvāī
- EnglishtodayHalwai
Every English word from Arabic حَلْوَى
Today it means
name A person who makes halva.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Arabic حَلْوَى / Halwai