Dahi, a traditional yogurt or fermented milk product popular in the Indian subcontinent, is most accurately called yogurt or curd in English. While both terms are used, there are subtle differences.
Yogurt vs. Curd: Understanding the Nuances
- Yogurt: This is a more widely understood and commonly used term internationally. It encompasses a broader range of fermented milk products.
- Curd: This term is often used more specifically for thicker, potentially tangier, varieties of fermented milk, especially those similar to traditional Indian dahi.
The Reddit thread What is the English name of ' Indian Dahi'? Yogurt or Curd? highlights this ambiguity, suggesting that "Dahi" or "Dahi-yogurt" can be used to clarify it's of Indian origin for non-Indian audiences, while acknowledging "curd" as a less specific alternative. The Quora answer What is the meaning of DAHI in English? simply states that Dahi translates to "Curd/Yogurt". Multiple sources like How to Make Curd (Dahi - Indian Yogurt) use both terms interchangeably when referring to Dahi.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on context and audience. For general understanding, "yogurt" is usually preferred, while "curd" might be better suited when emphasizing the thicker, possibly tangier texture associated with specific types of dahi. Further, as noted in the Reddit discussion on the difference between curd and yogurt What is the difference between curd and yogurt?, the processes used to make curd and yogurt differ, indicating that a perfectly equivalent English translation is not possible.
