كـ
The English phrase 'as' (in the role of) is translated into Arabic as كـ.
كـ is used as a preposition to mean 'in the role of'.
Meaning: In the role of (prep)
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle كـ is a prefix that must be attached directly to the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- In many spoken dialects, instead of using the prefix كـ, speakers might use the word زي (zi) to express the same idea of 'as' or 'like'.
- While كـ is a common way to say 'as', it is often used in Arabic poetry to create metaphors that would be considered exaggerations in English.
- In traditional Arabic calligraphy, the prefix كـ is often stylized to flow seamlessly into the following noun, creating a single visual unit that emphasizes the connection between the role and the person.
Examples in context
- كَمَا يَقُولُ القَائِلُ، تَحَقَّقَتْ الأَحْلَامُ.As the saying goes, dreams come true.
- مِثَلَمَا تَتَحَدَّثُ، تَفْهَمُ.As you speak, you understand.
- كـطبيبas a doctor
- عملتُ كـمدير في هذه الشركة.amiltu ka-mudeer fee hadhihi al-sharika.I worked as a manager in this company.
- يستخدم هذا الجهاز كـمنبه.yastakhdimu hadha al-jihaz ka-munabbih.This device is used as an alarm.
Example conversation
Ziad and Sara are discussing their current jobs.
- زياد Ziadهل تعملين كـمصورة الآن؟hal ta'maleena ka-musawwira al-aan?Are you working as a photographer now?
- سارة Saraلا، أنا أعمل كـصحفية.la, ana a'malu ka-sahafiyya.No, I work as a journalist.
- زياد Ziadهذا رائع يا سارة!hadha ra'i' ya Sara!That is wonderful, Sara!
- سارة Saraشكراً لك يا زياد.shukran laka ya Ziad.Thank you, Ziad.
