لوم
lawm
To blame is لوم (lawm) in Arabic.
The word لوم can function as a verb meaning to place blame upon someone. As a noun, it refers to the state of having caused a bad event. It is commonly used in the phrase laum al-dhat to mean 'self-blame'.
Meaning: place blame upon (verb)
Which one should you use?
While لوم is the standard term for blame, the related noun مَلَامَة is a more specific noun used to describe the state of being blamed or the act of reproach. Additionally, اللوم is the formal Arabic term for blame.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
lawm
Did you know?
- In classical Arabic poetry, the العذال (al-'udhal) are the 'blamers' who constantly criticize the lover for their passion, serving as a standard literary trope.
- While 'blame' is often negative in English, the act of لوم in some Sufi traditions is viewed as a spiritual tool used by a teacher to wake a student from complacency.
- In many Arabic dialects, the word عتاب (itāb) is used to describe a way of blaming someone that is actually an act of affection, meant to preserve a relationship rather than end it.
Examples in context
- تحاول دائما لوم شخص آخر.You always try to blame somebody else.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb لوم in a common context.Tatoeba #2603443 by Samer, translation #64289 by CK
- أنا لا ألومك على قرارك.I don't blame you for your decision.
- المدير قد قام بتوبيخي بسبب الخطأ في العمل.The manager blamed me for the mistake at work.
Example conversation
Mariam and Youssef are discussing a mistake at work.
- مريم Maryamأنا آسفة، لقد أخطأت في التقرير.ana asifa, laqad akhta'tu fi al-taqrir.I am sorry, I made a mistake in the report.
- يوسف Youssefلا داعي لوم نفسك يا مريم.la da'iya li lawm nafsiki ya Maryam.There is no need to blame yourself, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamلكنني تسببت في تأخير العمل.lakinnani tasabbabtu fi ta'khir al-'amal.But I caused a delay in the work.
- يوسف Youssefسوف نصلح الأمر معاً.sawfa nuslih al-amr ma'an.We will fix the matter together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
