أفضل
afdal
The English word "best" is translated into Arabic as أفضل (afdal).
أفضل is used as the superlative of the adjective.
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While أفضل primarily means 'best', it can also function as the comparative 'better' depending on the context and the presence of a preposition like من (min).
Is it said differently in some regions?
أزين is an informal expression used in certain Arabic dialects to indicate best or awesome.
How does it change in a sentence?
أفضل is an elliptical superlative that can be used with or without the definite article ال depending on the sentence structure.
How do you pronounce it?
afdal
Did you know?
- The word أفضل is used to form the 'elative' grade in Arabic, a single grammatical form that serves as both the comparative 'better' and the superlative 'best'.
- The concept of being the 'best' is linguistically linked to the word فضيلة (fadila), meaning 'virtue'.
- In some dialects, أزين is used for 'best', which shares a root with words for 'beauty' and 'decoration' rather than just quality.
Examples in context
- لست في أفضل حال.I'm not in the best of shape.This sentence is useful for describing one's physical or mental state using أفضل.Tatoeba #5642151 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #5641855 by CK
- الهجوم هو أفضل دفاع.Attack is the best defense.This sentence is useful for expressing a strategic proverb using أفضل.Tatoeba #5951893 by OsoHombre, translation #5928137 by OsoHombre
- توم واحد من أفضل محققينا.Tom is one of our best detectives.This sentence is useful for identifying a person's high rank or quality using أفضل.Tatoeba #5115508 by damascene, translation #2892332 by CK
- أعتبر هذا المطعم من بين أفضل المطاعم في المدينة.I consider this restaurant among the best restaurants in the city.
- هذه الطريقة هي الأحسن لحل المشكلة.This method is the best way to solve the problem.
- لقد قضينا وقتًا رائعًا في منتجع الساحل، كانت أحلى رحلة عائلية حتى الآن!We had a great time at the beach resort, it was the best family trip so far!
- هذا الفيلم أزين فيلم شفتو بحياتي!This movie is the best film I've ever seen in my life!
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are discussing which restaurant to visit.
- مريم Maryamهذا هو أفضل مطعم في المدينة.hadha huwa afdal mat'am fi al-madina.This is the best restaurant in the city.
- أحمد Ahmedهل أنتِ متأكدة يا مريم؟hal anti muta'akkida ya Maryam?Are you sure, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنه أفضل خيار لنا.na'am, innahu afdal khiyar lana.Yes, it is our best option.
- أحمد Ahmedحسناً، لنذهب إلى هناك إذاً.hasanan, linadhhab ila hunaka idhan.Alright, let's go there then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
