أشياء أساسية
'ashya' 'asasiyya
The English phrase 'basic things' is translated into Arabic as أشياء أساسية ('ashya' 'asasiyya).
This phrase is used to describe fundamental items or elements that are necessary for a particular purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
أشياء means 'things' and is the plural of شيء (thing). أساسية means 'basic' or 'fundamental'. It is the feminine singular form of the adjective أساسي, used here to agree with the non-human plural noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Egyptian Arabic dialect, if you want to say 'Thank you', you might use Shukran geddan instead of the standard phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Arabic, non-human plurals like أشياء (things) are treated as feminine singular for the purpose of adjective agreement, which is why the feminine singular adjective أساسية is used. If you wish to refer to just one 'basic thing', use the masculine singular form شيء أساسي.
How do you pronounce it?
'ashya' 'asasiyya
Did you know?
- The word أساسي is shared across several languages of the region, appearing in Turkish as esas to describe the core or essence of a matter.
- In Arabic, the word أساسي (basic) shares a root with the word for 'foundation' or 'base', meaning that 'basic things' are literally seen as the pillars holding a structure up.
- In some dialects, instead of the formal أشياء أساسية, people use the word حاجات to mean 'things' or 'stuff' in a more casual, everyday context.
Examples in context
- نحتاج إلى أشياء أساسية للرحلة.nahtaju ila ashya' asasiyya lil-rihla.We need basic things for the trip.
- يجب أن تشتري أشياء أساسية للمنزل.yajibu an tashtari ashya' asasiyya lil-manzil.You must buy basic things for the house.
- هذه أشياء أساسية في العمل.hadhihi ashya' asasiyya fil-'amal.These are basic things at work.
