حلاق
hallaq
The Arabic word for "barber" is حلاق (hallaq).
The noun حلاق is used to refer to a person whose profession is cutting customers' hair and beards, typically a man.
Meaning: person whose profession is cutting (usually male) customers' hair and beards (noun)
Which one should you use?
While حلاق refers to the person (the barber), the related form حلاقة refers to the profession itself or the act of barbering/haircutting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun حلاق refers to the individual, whereas the related noun حلاقة is used to describe the practice of haircutting.
How do you pronounce it?
hallaq
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the حلاق historically served as more than a haircutter, often acting as a traditional surgeon who performed bloodletting and tooth extractions.
- The act of حلاقة is a central part of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims shave their heads to symbolize spiritual rebirth.
- While حلاق is the standard term for a barber, women's hair stylists are often called كوافير, which is a loanword from the French 'coiffeur'.
Examples in context
- أعطني قصة شعر جديدة، من فضلكPlease give me a new haircut.
- هل لديك صالون حلاقة بالقرب من هنا؟Do you have a barber salon nearby?
- أود قص شعري بأسلوب حديثI would like a modern haircut.
- أبحث عن حلاق جيد قريب من هنا.Abḥathu 'an ḥallāq jayyid qarīb min hunā.I am looking for a good barber near here.
Example conversation
Sarah is asking Ziad for a recommendation.
- سارة Saraيا زياد، هل تعرف حلاقاً ماهراً؟Ya Ziyad, hal ta'rif hallaqan mahiran?Ziad, do you know a skilled barber?
- زياد Ziadنعم، هناك حلاق ممتاز في الشارع التالي.Na'am, hunaka hallaq mumtaz fi al-shari' al-tali.Yes, there is an excellent barber on the next street.
- سارة Saraهل يحتاج إلى موعد مسبق؟Hal yahtaj ila maw'id musbaq?Does he need a prior appointment?
- زياد Ziadلا، يمكنك الذهاب إليه مباشرة.La, yumkinuka al-dhahab ilayhi mubasharatan.No, you can go to him directly.
