اختصار
ikhtisar
The English phrase abbreviation is اختصار (ikhtisar) in Arabic.
The term اختصار is used to refer to a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase.
Meaning: shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Arabic root kh-s-r (خ–ص–ر), which relates to the concept of reduction or cutting short.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, the term اختصار is commonly used to refer to an abbreviation in both formal and informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
ikhtisar
Did you know?
- In Arabic, the word for 'waist' خصر shares the same root as اختصار because the waist is the narrowest and most reduced part of the human body.
- In some dialects, using an اختصار in a formal letter can be seen as a lack of respect, as full honorifics are traditionally expected in Arabic correspondence.
- Classical Arabic literature prizes a concept called 'Ijaz', which treats اختصار not just as a tool for brevity but as a high artistic achievement of maximum meaning with minimum words.
Examples in context
- "WHO" هو اختصار لمنظمة الصحة العالمية.WHO is the abbreviation for World Health Organization.This sentence is useful for showing how to identify what a specific اختصار stands for.Tatoeba #3664513 by Alaakhalid, translation #2751981 by mervert1
- هل يُمكنك تفسير هذا الاختصار؟Can you explain this abbreviation?
- أنا استخدمت بعض المختصرات في رسالتي النصيةI used some abbreviations in my text message.
- هذا الاسم هو اختصار لاسم طويل.hadha al-ism huwa ikhtisar li-ism tawil.This name is an abbreviation of a long name.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a textbook in a library.
- ليلى Laylaما معنى هذا الاختصار في الكتاب؟ma ma'na hadha al-ikhtisar fi al-kitab?What does this abbreviation in the book mean?
- أحمد Ahmedإنه اختصار لكلمة بسيطة.innahu ikhtisar li-kalima basita.It is an abbreviation of a simple word.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً لك يا أحمد على المساعدة.shukran laka ya Ahmad ala al-musa'ada.Thank you, Ahmed, for the help.
- أحمد Ahmedالعفو يا ليلى، لا شكر على واجب.al-'afw ya Layla, la shukr 'ala wajib.You're welcome, Layla, don't mention it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
