حيوانات
hayawanatplural
In Egyptian Arabic, 'animals' is حيوانات (hayawanat). If unsure, use حيوانات. It is also called حيوان (hayawan).
Meaning: animals in general (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| حيوانات | hayawanat | plural |
| حيوان | hayawan | singular |
حيوانات is used exactly like English 'animals', for pets, farm animals or wildlife, such as a trip to the zoo, حديقة الحيوانات.
What does it mean word for word?
The singular حيوان and the plural حيوانات are shared closely with Standard Arabic, with only a light everyday pronunciation.
Which one should you use?
There is no separate casual form, the same words are used in speech and writing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both words are neutral and used in every register.
Is it said differently in some regions?
They are standard across Egypt.
How does it change in a sentence?
حيوان is masculine, and the regular plural حيوانات takes plural agreement, الحيوانات دي خطيرة, 'these animals are dangerous'.
How do you pronounce it?
Said 'ha-ya-wa-NAT', with stress on the final syllable.
Did you know?
- Cairo's Giza Zoo, opened in 1891, is one of the oldest zoos in the Middle East and remains a popular family outing.
Examples in context
- رحنا حديقة الحيوانات الأسبوع اللي فات.roh-na hadee'et el-hayawanat el-osboo' elli fat.We went to the zoo last week.
- في حيوانات كتير في المزرعة.fi hayawanat kiteer fi el-mazraa.There are a lot of animals on the farm.
- بحب كل الحيوانات تقريبا.baheb kol el-hayawanat ta'reeban.I like almost all animals.
Example conversation
A father named Nasser takes his daughter Jana to the zoo.
- Janaبابا، فين الحيوانات الكبيرة؟baba, fein el-hayawanat el-kebeera?Dad, where are the big animals?
- Nasserجنب البحيرة، فيه فيل وزرافة.ganb el-buhayra, fih feel w zarafa.Next to the lake, there's an elephant and a giraffe.
- Janaيلا بينا بسرعة أشوفهم!yalla beena bisur'a asho fhom!Let's go quickly, I want to see them!
- Nasserماشي، بس خدي بالك من الشمس.mashi, bas khodi balik min el-shams.Ok, but watch out for the sun.
