بواسطة
biwāsiṭat
In Arabic, the preposition 'by' is translated as بواسطة (biwāsiṭat).
بواسطة is used to indicate a means.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
What does it mean word for word?
The word biwāsiṭat is composed of the preposition bi- (by/with) and wāsiṭat (means/intermediary).
Which one should you use?
While بواسطة is used for formal agency or means, the simple preposition بـ is much more common in everyday speech to mean 'by' or 'with'. Additionally, the phrase عن طريق can be used to mean 'by way of' to indicate a method or means.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
بواسطة is a formal way to express 'by' when indicating the agent or means, and it is often found in written or journalistic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
biwāsiṭat
Did you know?
- The word واسطة has evolved into a common noun meaning 'clout' or 'nepotism'. When someone says they got a job بواسطة, they often mean they used a personal connection rather than a tool.
- The word واسطة is also used in astronomy to name a specific star in the constellation Gemini, meaning 'the middle one'.
- The word واسطة (the component of بواسطة) can also refer to a specific type of ornamental bead or a decorative central piece in traditional jewelry, emphasizing its meaning of 'center' or 'middle'.
Examples in context
- الآنسة ماري اُسرت بواسطة تنين قوي يدعي توم.Princess Mary was captured by the powerful dragon named Tom.This sentence shows how بواسطة is used to identify an agent in a narrative.Tatoeba #7986150 by km7561f, translation #3487680 by neron
- كتب النشيد الوطني لكلا الهند و بنغلاديش بواسطة رابندراناث طاغور.The national anthems of both India and Bangladesh were written by Rabindranath Tagore.This sentence demonstrates the use of بواسطة when attributing a written work to an author.Tatoeba #4107261 by fadi, translation #3622949 by sabretou
- النشيد الوطني المجري هو قصيدة كتبت بواسطة فرانس كولجاي و لحنت من قبل فرانس إيركيل.The Hungarian National Anthem is a poem written by Ferenc Kölcsey and set to music by Ferenc Erkel.This sentence illustrates how بواسطة can be used to attribute different parts of a creative work to different people.Tatoeba #4108073 by fadi, translation #3769861 by csabus
- وصلت إلى المدينة عن طريق الطائرة.I arrived in the city by way of the plane.
- قد وصلت عن طريق السيارة.I arrived by car.
- أعتمد على الإنترنت عن طريق هاتفي.I rely on the internet via my phone.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Noor are discussing how to send a document.
- أحمد Ahmedكيف سأرسل لكِ الملف يا نور؟Kayfa sa-ursilu laki al-milaffa ya Noor?How will I send the file to you, Noor?
- نور Nourيمكنك إرساله بواسطة البريد الإلكتروني.Yumkinuka irsaluhu bi-wasitati al-barid al-iliktroni.You can send it by email.
- أحمد Ahmedهل هذا أسرع من البريد العادي؟Hal hadha asra' min al-barid al-adi?Is this faster than regular mail?
- نور Nourنعم، هو أسرع بكثير يا أحمد.Na'am, huwa asra' bi-kathir ya Ahmed.Yes, it is much faster, Ahmed.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
