عِنْد
ʕind
The English word 'at' is translated into Arabic as عِنْد (ʕind). Wiktionary also lists عند (ʕand).
Meaning: in or very near a particular place (prep)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| عِنْد | ʕind | ||
| عند | ʕand | /ʕin.da/ | Egyptian Arabic |
This preposition is used to indicate being in or very near a particular place, emphasizing proximity to a location. When referring to people, it can also mean 'with' or 'in the possession of'.
Which one should you use?
While عِنْد indicates being 'at' or near a location, it is distinct from فِي, which implies being inside a space.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form عند is specific to Egyptian Arabic.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Modern Standard Arabic, عِنْد functions as an adverb of place and is often pronounced with a short 'a' sound (ʕinda) when used as a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
ʕind
Did you know?
- While عِنْد means 'at', it is also the primary way to say 'I have' in many Arabic dialects, as there is no single verb for 'to possess'.
- In Arabic, عِنْد can be used to express an opinion, similar to saying 'in my view' or 'according to me' in English.
- In a social context, saying you are عِنْد someone does not just mean you are at their house, but that you are currently under their hospitality and care.
Examples in context
- هناك شخص عند الباب.Somebody is at the door.This sentence shows how to use عند to describe someone being at a door.Tatoeba #11283211 by Amghar, translation #2614628 by Amastan
- ظهر سامي عند المنضدة.Sami appeared at the counter.This sentence demonstrates the use of عند to describe someone appearing at a counter.Tatoeba #6968355 by OsoHombre, translation #6173453 by OsoHombre
- كانت بول عند المافذة.Paul was at the window.This sentence uses عند to indicate someone was at a window.Tatoeba #11800514 by dididodo, translation #11653216 by Amastan
- أنا في المكتبI am at the office.
- أنا عند المكتبI am at the office (near it).
- أنا بجانب المسجدI am at the mosque (next to it).
- أنا ع المدرسةI am at school.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at” translations and entries عند, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
