بنى
banā
The English verb "build" is translated into Arabic as بنى (banā).
The verb means to form something by combining materials or parts.
Meaning: (transitive) to form by combining materials or parts (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form بنى is the past tense (perfective) form. To say "builds" or "is building," use the present tense form يبني.
How do you pronounce it?
banā
Did you know?
- While بنى means to build, adding a specific prefix can change it to تَبَنّى, which means 'to adopt'. This implies 'building' a family by choice.
- Because the root is so old, it appears in ancient Akkadian texts in the form 𒆕, showing that this concept of 'building' has been used in the Middle East for millennia.
- In classical poetry, بنى is often used to describe the 'building' of a tent, reflecting the nomadic heritage of early Arabic speakers.
Examples in context
- هناك مشروع بناء مبنى جديد في وسط المدينة.There is a construction project for a new building in the city center.
- تم بناء الجسر الضخم في وقت قصير.The enormous bridge was built in a short period of time.
- تعتزم الشركة البدء في بناء مشروع سكني في الضاحية.The company plans to start constructing a residential project in the suburb.
- نحن نريد أن نبني جسراً متيناً.We want to build a sturdy bridge.
- أنا هبنِّي عمارة في وسط البلد.I am going to build a building in the city center.
- بنى العامل جداراً جديداً.banā al-ʿāmil jidāran jadīdan.The worker built a new wall.
- بنى المهندس جسراً كبيراً.banā al-muhandis jisran kabīran.The engineer built a large bridge.
- بنى الأطفال بيتاً من المكعبات.banā al-atfāl baytan min al-mukaʿabāt.The children built a house from blocks.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are looking at a construction site.
- سارة Saraهل بنى المقاول البرج بسرعة؟hal banā al-muqāwil al-burj bi-surʿa?Did the contractor build the tower quickly?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، بنى البرج في شهر واحد.naʿam, banā al-burj fī shahr wāḥid.Yes, he built the tower in one month.
- سارة Saraهذا عمل مذهل حقاً.hādhā ʿamal mudhil ḥaqqan.That is truly amazing work.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا أحب كيف بنى المبنى.anā uḥibbu kayfa banā al-mabnā.I love how he built the building.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بنى, CC BY-SA 4.0.
