chapter 13
The source examines the significance of proverbs in the Arabic language, highlighting their role in enriching conversation and expressing cultural values. It presents several common Arabic proverbs, providing their translation, pronunciation guide, and interpretation of their underlying meaning. The proverbs cover various themes such as the importance of humility, seeking knowledge, collaboration, foresight, learning from mistakes, maintaining secrets, the roles of the mind and heart, valuing each day, and showing respect for elders.
The Importance of Proverbs in Arabic
The importance of proverbs in Arabic is highlighted by the existence of a proverb specifically about their significance: al-’amthaal noor al-kalaam [الأمثال نور الكلام] (al-am-thal noor al-kah-lam), which translates to "Proverbs are the light of speech".
Here are the other proverbs discussed in the chapter and their meanings:
‘a’mal khayr wa ‘ilqahu fii al-baHr [اعمل خير وألقه في البحر] (ah-mal kah-yer wah eel-qah-hoo fee al-bah-her)
Translation: "Do good and cast it into the sea".
Meaning: This proverb emphasizes humility and modesty in Arab culture. It suggests that when you perform a charitable act, you should not boast about it but instead "cast it into the sea" where it won't be discovered by others.
‘uTlubuu al-’ilm min al-mahd ‘ilaa al-laHd [اطلبوا العلم من المهد إلى اللحد] (oot-loo-boo al-ee-lem meen al-mahd ee-lah al-lah-hed)
Translation: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave".
Meaning: This proverb highlights that knowledge (al-’ilm [العلم]) is an important virtue in Arabic culture. It reflects the cultural value of instilling a lifelong desire to learn and continue learning every day. The source notes that Arabs have produced significant minds in various fields due to this value.
yad waaHida maa tusaffiq [يد واحدة ما تصفّق] (yad wah-hee-dah mah too-sah-feek)
Translation: "A hand by itself cannot clap".
Meaning: This proverb, which is common in the West but originates in Arab culture, underscores the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration.
al-Harbaa’ laa yughaadir shajaratuh hattaa yakun mu’akkid ‘an shajara ‘ukhraa [الحرباء لا يغادر شجرته حتى يكون مؤكد عن شجرة أخرى] (al-har-bah lah yoo-gah-deer shah-jah-rah-tooh hah-tah yah-koon moo-ah-keed ann shah-jah-rah ook-rah)
Translation: "The chameleon does not leave his tree until he is sure of another".
Meaning: This proverb stresses the importance of foresight, planning, and looking ahead. The analogy explains that a chameleon, being mindful of predators, waits until it is certain of safety in the next tree before leaving its current one.
khaTa’ ma’roof ‘aHsan min Haqiiqa ghayr ma’roofa [خطأ معروف أحسن من حقيقة غير معروفة] (kah-tah mah-roof ah-san meen hah-kee-kah gah-yer mah-roo-fah)
Translation: "A known mistake is better than an unknown truth".
Meaning: This is described as a metaphysical proverb with a deep meaning. It suggests that it is better to identify and learn from a mistake than to remain ignorant of a truth. In the context of known versus unknown knowledge, it indicates that knowing is preferable to not knowing, even if what is known is not an absolute truth.
as-sirr mithel al-Hamaama: ‘indamaa yughaadir yadii yaTiir [السر مثل الحمامة: إذا يغادر يدي يطير] (ah-seer mee-thel al-hah-mah-mah: een-dah-mah yoo-gah-deer yah-dee yah-teer)
Translation: "A secret is like a dove: When it leaves my hand, it flies away".
Meaning: This proverb teaches that a secret should be kept confidential. Once a secret is revealed, or leaves your "hand," it spreads and becomes known, just as a released dove flies away.
al-’aql li an-niDHaar wa al-kalb li as-simaa’ [العقل للنظر والقلب للسماع] (al-ah-kel lee ah-nee-zar wah al-kah-leb lee ah-see-mah)
Translation: "The mind is for seeing, and the heart is for hearing".
Meaning: This proverb distinguishes the roles of the mind and heart. The mind is for analytical purposes, such as observation and analysis. The heart, conversely, is associated with emotions, suggesting one should listen and feel with their heart.
kul yawm min Hayaatuk SafHa min taariikhuk [كل يوم من حياتك صفحة من تاريخك] (kool yah-oum meen hah-yah-took saf-hah meen tah-ree-kook)
Translation: "Every day of your life is a page of your history".
Meaning: Since life is lived only once, this proverb encourages enjoying every single day. It highlights that the experiences of each day collectively form one's history.
li faatik bi liila faatik bi Hiila [لي فاتك بليلة فاتك بحيلة] (lee fah-tek bee lee-lah fah-tek bee hee-lah)
Translation: "He who surpasses (is older than) you by one night surpasses you by one idea".
Meaning: This proverb reinforces the highly regarded virtue of maturity and respect for elders in Arabic culture and society. It supports the idea that elders are respected and their counsel is often sought.
| English Word | Standard Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wind | ريح | reeḥ |
| 2. Rain | مطر | maṭar |
| 3. Cloud | سحابة | saḥaabah |
| 4. Fire | نار | naar |
| 5. Earth | أرض | 'arḍ |
| 6. Gold | ذهب | dhahab |
| 7. Silver | فضة | fiḍḍah |
| 8. Key | مفتاح | miftaah |
| 9. Lock | قفل | qufl |
| 10. Bridge | جسر | jisr |
| 11. Building | مبنى | mabnaa |
| 12. Shop | متجر | matjar |
| 13. Market | سوق | sooq |
| 14. Hospital | مستشفى | mustashfaa |
| 15. School | مدرسة | madrasah |
| 16. Office | مكتب | maktab |
| 17. Page | صفحة | ṣafḥah |
| 18. Line | سطر | saṭr |
| 19. Circle | دائرة | daa'irah |
| 20. Square | مربع | murabba' |
| 21. Long | طويل | ṭaweel |
| 22. Short | قصير | qaṣeer |
| 23. Heavy | ثقيل | thaqeel |
| 24. Light | خفيف | khafeef |
| 25. Strong | قوي | qawiyy |
| 26. Weak | ضعيف | ḍa'eef |
| 27. Truth | حقيقة | ḥaqeeqah |
| 28. Lie | كذب | kadhib |
| 29. Beginning | بداية | bidaayah |
| 30. End | نهاية | nihaayah |
* English: The moon is bright.
Arabic: القمر ساطع.
Transliteration: Al-qamaru saaţi'.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-qamaru [The moon] saaţi' [bright].)
* English: I often read before bed.
Arabic: غالباً ما أقرأ قبل النوم.
Transliteration: Ghaaliban maa 'aqra'u qabla al-nawm.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Ghaaliban [Often] maa [what/that] 'aqra'u [I read] qabla [before] al-nawm [the sleep].)
* English: He drives a fast car.
Arabic: هو يقود سيارة سريعة.
Transliteration: Huwa yaqoodu sayyaarah saree'ah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] yaqoodu [drives] sayyaarah [a car] saree'ah [fast].)
* English: We enjoyed our vacation.
Arabic: استمتعنا بإجازتنا.
Transliteration: Istamta'naa bi-'ijaazatinaa.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Istamta'naa [We enjoyed] bi-'ijaazatinaa [with our vacation].)
* English: They are building a new school.
Arabic: هم يبنون مدرسة جديدة.
Transliteration: Hum yabnoona madrasatan jadeedah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yabnoona [build] madrasatan [a school] jadeedah [new].)
* English: The tea is hot.
Arabic: الشاي ساخن.
Transliteration: Al-shaayu saakhin.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-shaayu [The tea] saakhin [hot].)
* English: I need to visit the doctor.
Arabic: أحتاج أن أزور الطبيب.
Transliteration: 'Ahtaaju 'an 'azooara al-tabeeb.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ahtaaju [I need] 'an [to] 'azooara [visit] al-tabeeb [the doctor].)
* English: She is a talented singer.
Arabic: هي مغنية موهوبة.
Transliteration: Hiya mughanniyah mawhoobah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] mughanniyah [a singer] mawhoobah [talented].)
* English: This is an old city.
Arabic: هذه مدينة قديمة.
Transliteration: Haadhihi madeenatun qadeemah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Haadhihi [This] madeenatun [a city] qadeemah [old].)
* English: Where is the main street?
Arabic: أين الشارع الرئيسي؟
Transliteration: 'Ayna al-shaari' al-ra'eesee?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ayna [Where] al-shaari' [the street] al-ra'eesee [the main/principal]?)
* English: Can you show me on the map?
Arabic: هل يمكنك أن تريني على الخريطة؟
Transliteration: Hal yumkinuka 'an tureenee 'alaa al-khareetah?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hal [Question particle] yumkinuka [is it possible for you] 'an [that] tureenee [you show me] 'alaa [on] al-khareetah [the map]?)
* English: The door is locked.
Arabic: الباب مغلق.
Transliteration: Al-baabu mughlaq.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-baabu [The door] mughlaq [closed/locked].)
* English: We live in a lively neighborhood.
Arabic: نحن نعيش في حي نشيط.
Transliteration: Nahnu na'eeshu fee hayyin nasheet.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Nahnu [We] na'eeshu [live] fee [in] hayyin [a neighborhood] nasheet [lively/active].)
* English: He is a famous writer.
Arabic: هو كاتب مشهور.
Transliteration: Huwa kaatibun mashhoor.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] kaatibun [a writer] mashhoor [famous].)
* English: They are listening to the news.
Arabic: هم يستمعون إلى الأخبار.
Transliteration: Hum yastami'oona 'ilaa al-'akhbaar.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yastami'oona [listen] 'ilaa [to] al-'akhbaar [the news].)
* English: I am worried. (female)
Arabic: أنا قلقة.
Transliteration: 'Ana qaliqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ana [I] qaliqah [worried].)
* English: Do you have any questions? (to a male)
Arabic: هل لديك أي أسئلة؟
Transliteration: Hal ladayka 'ayyu 'as'ilah?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hal [Question particle] ladayka [to you (is)] 'ayyu [any] 'as'ilah [questions]?)
* English: My health is good.
Arabic: صحتي جيدة.
Transliteration: Sihhatee jayyidah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Sihhatee [My health] jayyidah [good].)
* English: The baby is crying.
Arabic: الطفل يبكي.
Transliteration: Al-tiflu yabkee.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-tiflu [The child/baby] yabkee [cries].)
* English: We celebrated his birthday.
Arabic: احتفلنا بعيد ميلاده.
Transliteration: Ihtafalnaa bi-'eed meelaadihi.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Ihtafalnaa [We celebrated] bi-'eed [with feast/day of] meelaadihi [his birth].)
* English: She is studying history.
Arabic: هي تدرس التاريخ.
Transliteration: Hiya tadrusu al-taareekh.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] tadrusu [studies] al-taareekh [the history].)
* English: They are playing in the garden.
Arabic: هم يلعبون في الحديقة.
Transliteration: Hum yal'aboona fee al-hadeeqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yal'aboona [play] fee [in] al-hadeeqah [the garden].)
* English: The movie was interesting.
Arabic: الفيلم كان ممتعاً.
Transliteration: Al-feelmu kaana mumti'an.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-feelmu [The film/movie] kaana [was] mumti'an [interesting].)
* English: I need to buy a gift.
Arabic: أحتاج أن أشتري هدية.
Transliteration: 'Ahtaaju 'an 'ashtaree hadiyyah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ahtaaju [I need] 'an [to] 'ashtaree [buy] hadiyyah [a gift].)
* English: He speaks Spanish fluently.
Arabic: هو يتكلم الإسبانية بطلاقة.
Transliteration: Huwa yatakallamu al-'isbaaniyyah bi-talaaqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] yatakallamu [speaks] al-'isbaaniyyah [the Spanish] bi-talaaqah [with fluency].)
* English: This is a simple solution.
Arabic: هذا حل بسيط.
Transliteration: Haadhaa hallun baseet.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Haadhaa [This] hallun [a solution] baseet [simple].)
* English: We will visit our friends.
Arabic: سوف نزور أصدقاءنا.
Transliteration: Sawfa nazooru 'asdiqaa'anaa.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Sawfa [Will] nazooru [we visit] 'asdiqaa'anaa [our friends].)
* English: She likes to read short stories.
Arabic: هي تحب أن تقرأ قصصاً قصيرة.
Transliteration: Hiya tuhibbu 'an taqra'a qisasاً qaseerah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] tuhibbu [likes] 'an [to] taqra'a [read] qisasاً [stories] qaseerah [short].)
* English: They cleaned the entire house.
Arabic: هم نظفوا البيت بأكمله.
Transliteration: Hum nadhdhafoo al-bayta bi-'akmalihi.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] nadhdhafoo [cleaned] al-bayta [the house] bi-'akmalihi [with its entirety].)
* English: I am writing an email.
Arabic: أكتب رسالة بريد إلكتروني.
Transliteration: 'Aktubu risaalata bareed elektroniyy.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Aktubu [I write] risaalata [a message of] bareed [post] elektroniyy [electronic].)
Practice the phrases you learned so far or any new phrases, you can use the AI chatbot or translator provided/تدرب على العبارات التي تعلمتها حتى الآن أو أي عبارات جديدة، يمكنك استخدام روبوت الدردشة أو المترجم المتوفر