متبنى
The English phrase "adopted" is translated into Arabic as متبنى.
What does it mean word for word?
The word متبنى is a passive participle derived from the verb تبنى (to adopt), where the مـ (mu-) prefix and the ـنى (-na) structure indicate the state of having undergone the action.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a group of people, the plural form used in the nominative case is متبنون.
Did you know?
- A child under kafala is not called a 'son' or 'daughter' in a legal sense, but is often referred to as ابن بالرضاعة if they were breastfed by the caregiver, creating a 'milk-kinship' bond.
- In Arabic, the root of the verb تبنى is related to the word بناء (building). This suggests that adopting a child or an idea is viewed as 'building' a new relationship or structure.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the legal concept of 'adoption' in the Western sense is replaced by 'Kafala', a system of sponsorship that provides for a child's care without changing their lineage.
Examples in context
- هل هو ابن متبنى؟hal huwa ibn mutabanna?Is he an adopted son?
Example conversation
Ziad and Sarah are talking about their friend's family.
- زياد Ziadهل تعلم أن ابنهما متبنى؟Hal ta'lam anna ibnahuma mutabanna?Do you know that their son is adopted?
- سارة Saraنعم، لقد أخبروني بذلك.Na'am, laqad akhbarooni bidhalik.Yes, they told me that.
- زياد Ziadإنه طفل سعيد جداً.Innahu tifl sa'eed jiddan.He is a very happy child.
- سارة Saraبالتأكيد، الحب هو الأهم.Bil-ta'keed, al-hubb huwa al-aham.Certainly, love is what matters most.
