متوحد
mutawaḥḥid
The English phrase "autistic" is translated into Arabic as متوحد (mutawaḥḥid).
The word is used as an adjective to describe someone who is autistic or pertains to autism.
Meaning: having or pertaining to autism (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root w-ḥ-d (و–ح–د), which relates to concepts of oneness, unity or being alone. It literally means "one who is unified, single or solitary."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, the phrase "on the spectrum" can be translated as على الطيف (ʿalā al-ṭīf).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the gender and number of the people being described. Use متوحدة to refer to a single female who is autistic. For a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form متوحدون. To refer to a group consisting only of females, use the feminine plural form متوحدات.
How do you pronounce it?
mutawaḥḥid
Did you know?
- In Arabic, the concept of 'oneness' conveyed by the root of متوحد is the central pillar of 'Tawhid', the belief in the absolute oneness of God in Islam.
- The term for 'spectrum' in the phrase على الطيف is طيف, which is the same word used in Arabic to describe a 'ghost' or 'specter'.
- Because متوحد is derived from a root meaning 'unity', the word is also used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe a mystic who seeks solitude with God.
Examples in context
- هو طفل متوحد.Huwa tifl mutawahid.He is an autistic child.
- أعرف شخصاً متوحداً.A'rifu shakhsan mutawahidan.I know an autistic person.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ziad are discussing a new student in their class.
- مريم Maryamهل لاحظت أن الطالب الجديد متوحد؟Hal lahazta anna al-talib al-jadid mutawwahid?Did you notice that the new student is autistic?
- زياد Ziadنعم، يبدو أنه يجد صعوبة في التواصل.Na'am, yabdu annahu yajid su'uba fi al-tawasul.Yes, it seems he finds it difficult to communicate.
- مريم Maryamيجب أن نكون صبورين معه يا زياد.Yajib an nakun saburin ma'ahu ya Ziad.We should be patient with him, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadأوافقك الرأي، سنحاول مساعدته.Uwafiquki al-ra'y, sanuhawil musa'adatahu.I agree with you, we will try to help him.
