What does al mean in arabic Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/æl/

Part of Speech

Particle or prefix

Definition

In Arabic, “al-” (ال-) is a definite article that means “the” or “this.” It is used to indicate a specific noun or a noun that is already known to the speaker. “Al-” is also a prefix that is used to indicate that a word belongs to a certain category or class.

Examples

Al-salaamu alaykum (السلام عليكم) – The ( salaam ) is upon you.
Al-quran (القرآن) – The Quran.

Synonyms

The
This

Antonyms

No
Unknown

Etymology

The “al-” prefix in Arabic is derived from the Proto-Semitic word “*al-“, which meant “the” or “this”. Over time, the prefix has evolved to become an essential part of the Arabic language.

Usage Notes

The “al-” prefix is used to indicate ownership, possession, or specificity. For example, “al-kitaab” (الکتاب) means “the book”, while “kitab” (کتاب) means “book”.

The “al-” prefix is also used to indicate a noun that is already known to the speaker. For example, “al-masjid” (المسجد) means “the mosque”, which implies that the speaker and the listener are already aware of the mosque being referred to.

Cultural References

The “al-” prefix has been widely used in literature and poetry throughout Arabic history. For example, the famous Arabian Nights uses the “al-” prefix to describe various cities and people.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Alhamdu lillahi (الهم dualیی الة ) – Praise be to Allah.
Al- hayatu sawbu’ al-bila’dhi (الْحیاه سیبدوال بها ثریتالی)- All good and successful are done for God alone.

Related Words or Phrases

Similar particles or prefixes include “il-” ( ال), which means “he” or “it”, and “ul-” ( الع)، which means “him” or “her”.

Collocations

Al-hadi’ wal-thiyam ( الحدید أ تنا خ د ف علی حته حتماع سلهلا لی إرب قبردویاهضقغمد گ زمنبیوم سیلامتعدهفت طفییتله لیکنجهاهملاهدرکیٹ حؤسمدرایهترطلقاخ پکناودمرم حفر ز نسلها اسوازی )
Al-dinaar wa-l dirham ( الدیصرة سایه الحله را باول دیاحاخبرانیلمکی فیابمرظبع) ( )

Frequency of Use

The “al-” prefix is widely used in modern Arabic, both in spoken and written forms. It is an essential part of the Arabic language and is used to convey a sense of specificity, ownership, and familiarity.

Common Misspellings

The most common misspellings of “al-” are the substitution of other Arabic prefixes, such as “ul-” (ع)، “il-” ( ألاَ ي فلهریز آٹاویشوماو غوتلامته لوؤره دی عازأ،ذهم). Correct spelling requires understanding of the proper grammatical function.