قلنسوة
qalansuwa
The English word 'bonnet' (referring to a car engine cover) is translated into Arabic as قلنسوة (qalansuwa).
While قلنسوة can refer to a bonnet, it is more commonly used for headgear.
Meaning: cover over the engine of a motor car (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word قلنسوة literally refers to a cap, hood or a small head covering.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term غطاء المحرك is the standard technical term for a car bonnet in formal Arabic. The formal way to say bonnet in Arabic is قبعة.
How do you pronounce it?
qalansuwa
Did you know?
- The root of قلنسوة may be linked to the Middle Persian word for a 'round bulb' or 'bun' that served as a base for wrapping a turban.
Examples in context
- أحب ارتداء كوفية دافئة في الشتاء.I love wearing a warm bonnet in the winter.
- هي ترتدي طاقية تحمي رأسها من الشمس.She wears a bonnet to protect her head from the sun.
Example conversation
Layla and Ahmed are looking at a car problem in the driveway.
- ليلى Laylaأحمد، لماذا فتحت قلنسوة السيارة؟Ahmed, limadha fatahta qalnaswat as-sayyara?Ahmed, why did you open the car bonnet?
- أحمد Ahmedأظن أن هناك مشكلة في المحرك.adhunnu anna hunaka mushkila fi al-muharrik.I think there is a problem with the engine.
- ليلى Laylaهل ترى أي شيء غريب؟hal tara ayy shay' gharib?Do you see anything strange?
- أحمد Ahmedلا، سأغلق القلنسوة الآن.la, sa-ughliq al-qalnaswa al-aan.No, I will close the bonnet now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries قلنسوة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
