هواء
hawa'
The English word 'air' is هواء (hawa') in Arabic.
The term refers to the mixture of gases that makes up the Earth's atmosphere.
Meaning: mixture of gases making up the atmosphere of the Earth (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
hawa'
Did you know?
- The word هواء is etymologically linked to the concept of a 'void' or a 'hollow' space. It stems from a root meaning a depression or a valley, suggesting that air is the substance that fills an emptiness.
- Classical Arabic uses the root of هواء to describe the 'void' of space, treating the air and the vacuum of the universe as related concepts.
- While هواء means 'air', the word جو (jaww) is used to describe the 'atmosphere' or the 'general mood' of a place.
Examples in context
- ليس ثمّة هواء في هذه الغرفة.There's no air in this room.This sentence is useful for stating the absence of هواء in a specific room.Tatoeba #4443523 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #4440603 by XenoKat
- هواء سيدني أنظف من هواء طوكيو.The air of Sydney is cleaner than that of Tokyo.This sentence is useful for comparing the quality of هواء in two different cities.Tatoeba #7085396 by Amastan, translation #53450 by AlanF_US
- ليس بإمكاننا العيش بدون هواء أو ماء.We can't live without air and water.This sentence is useful for noting the necessity of هواء for survival.Tatoeba #10116630 by Amghar, translation #6873412 by CK
- إن الهواء نقي ومنعش في الجبال.The air is pure and refreshing in the mountains.
- هل يمكنك أن تشعر بالجو البارد في الخارج؟Can you feel the cold air outside?
- أفضل شيء في الربيع هو رائحة الهواء.The best thing about spring is the smell of the air.
Example conversation
Ziad and Layla are opening a window in a stuffy room.
- زياد Ziadالغرفة مكتومة، نحتاج إلى بعض الهواء.Al-ghurfa maktooma, nahtaaj ila ba'd al-hawaa.The room is stuffy, we need some air.
- ليلى Laylaمعك حق، سأفتح النافذة الآن.Ma'aka haqq, sa-aftah al-naafidha al-aan.You are right, I will open the window now.
- زياد Ziadيا له من هواء منعش!Ya lahu min hawaa mun'ish!What refreshing air!
- ليلى Laylaفعلاً، أشعر بتحسن كبير يا زياد.Fi'lan, ash'uru bi-tahassun kabeer ya Ziyad.Indeed, I feel much better, Ziad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries هواء, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
