LAST UPDATED: 1 month ago
Google Translate is great – but unfortunately not for Arabic. There is an excellent alternative: the extension called Arabic Dictionary.
Reading Arabic on the Internet can be a pain, especially, if the text is not part of your basic vocabulary. You can use Google or Bing Translate or other web services, but oftentimes, the meaning is wrong. (I actually sometimes use Google Translate for Arabic OCR.)
And even if the meaning is correct, you still can't be sure how to pronounce it correctly. If you use Google Chrome, you should try the extension called Arabic Dictionary.
Why should you use this extension?
- It tells you the root
- It lists words with Tashkeel (تَشْكِيل)
- It even recognizes foreign proper names, e.g., Donald
- It is for free!
picture credit: Gerald Drißner
How can you get it?
You can get the extension on Google Chrome's webstore. Just search for “Arabic Dictionary” or click here!
The extension should work instantly.
Who is the author?
His name on github is Haikal Zain. He is from Melbourne, Australia. He has won many awards:
- Gold Medal – Australian Informatics Olympiad (Senior)
- Gold Medal – Australian Informatics Olympiad (Intermediate)
- Silver Medal – Asia Pacific Informatics Olympiad
This is what the author says about the extension:
Arabic Dictionary is a brand new take on what a dictionary should be. Say goodbye to endlessly flipping through volumes upon volumes of paperback dictionaries and lexicons. Just hover over an Arabic word, Arabic Dictionary brings you the definition in English, on-the-fly, complete with harakat in a simple, easy to read popup. Works seamlessly on almost all websites, no configuration required! Download now and supercharge your learning today!
Haikal Zain
There are some handy tools for Arabic:
- Which Arabic font do you use for Microsoft Word or Photoshop?
- Where can you find Arabic books for free?
- What is the best Arabic keyboard? (and where to buy)
- What is the best Arabic dictionary for Google Chrome?
- What are the sources of sunnah.com and shamela.ws?
Thank you!
Is there a good website for adding tashkeel for Egyptian Arabic?
Great suggestion, thanks Gerald!