Browsing Category
Translation & Expression
48 posts
Arabic can be frustrating – when you know all words but don’t understand the expression. You need the historical or cultural background or the grammar to get the meaning.
How do you say “next” and “last” in Egyptian Arabic?
People who study Egyptian Arabic are often confused when they want to say "next week" or "last week". In fact, there are several options. Let's check them.
A list of Arabic proverbs and sayings
Famous Arabic proverbs and sayings about life, fate, friendship, luck, a person's character, etc. In Arabic and English.
How do you say “to have” in Arabic?
Arabic does not have a verb "to have". Instead, you use constructions with prepositions and adverbs to express the same idea.
Why is the Quran so difficult to read?
In the Holy Quran there are certain rhetorical styles that are unique. Among them are Iltifat and various forms of emphasis. An overview.
Arabic swear words and curses – a list
A list of Arabic swear words and curses. Collected from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia and other Arab countries.
20 questions for: Brian Powell (#16)
Episode #16 of my series "9273 roots": 20 questions for the man who works for one of the best translation companies for Arabic: Brian Powell
Arabic songs with English subtitles on YouTube
To all people who like Arabic dialects: There is a youtube channel called MohCoolMan which is, in fact, a great tool for learners of Arabic: It provides Arabic songs with English translation.
لَبَّيْكَ (labbaika) – What does it mean?
Labbaika (Labbayka) is said during the pilgrimage/Hajj before the pilgrims enter Mecca. It means: Here I am! At your service! But what kind of word is labbaika?
How a wrong vowel in the Quran may produce blasphemy
The correct vowel endings damma, kasra, fatha in Arabic can be a headache. If you are careless, you could turn verse 9:3 of the Qur'an into blasphemy (kufr).
How do you express “should have” and “will not have done” in Egyptian Arabic?
The expressions "should have" and "will have done" in Egyptian Arabic are quite tricky. Let's see some solutions.