Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| جمل | gamal | /d͡ʒa.mal/ | Egyptian Arabic, masculine |
| بَعِير | baʕīr | ||
| إِبِل | ʔibil | ||
| جَمَل | jamal | masculine | |
| نَاقَة | nāqa | feminine |
The terms used to describe a camel often depend on the gender of the animal, whether you are referring to a group or the specific type of beast of burden you mean.
Which one should you use?
The form جَمَل (jamal) is specifically masculine. If you are referring specifically to a female camel, use نَاقَة (nāqa). For a general term for a camel or beast of burden that does not specify gender, you can use بَعِير (baʕīr). If you wish to refer to a group or a herd of camels, the collective noun إِبِل (ʔibil) is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf countries, people often use the term إِبِل (ʔibil) to refer to camels. In Egyptian Arabic, the pronunciation of the word shifts from the standard jamal to جمل (gamal).
How do you pronounce it?
The standard pronunciation is /dʒa.mal/. In Egyptian Arabic, it is pronounced gamal.
Did you know?
- The Arabic language is so precise about camels that there are hundreds of different words to describe them based on their age, health, thirst and gait.
- The word جمل (jamal) is also a common male given name in many Arabic-speaking countries, symbolizing strength and endurance.
- The word جمل (jamal) can be used idiomatically in certain contexts to describe someone who is incredibly patient or sturdy, mirroring the camel's reputation.
Examples in context
- رأى سامي جملًا في الصحراء.Tom saw a camel in the desert.This sentence shows how to use جمل to describe seeing a camel in the desert.Tatoeba #11896641 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #8414780 by Hybrid
- لم يسبق لليلى و أن رأت جملا في حياتها.Layla has never seen a camel in her life.This sentence uses جمل to describe someone who has never seen a camel.Tatoeba #7983954 by OsoHombre, translation #6111903 by OsoHombre
- زيري لديه جمل.Ziri has a camel.This sentence uses جمل to show possession of a camel.Tatoeba #11616083 by dididodo, translation #10208123 by Amastan
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are at a zoo in Egypt.
- أحمد Ahmedبصي يا سارة، الجمل ده شكله جميل.bosy ya Sarah, el gamal da shaklo gamil.Look Sarah, this camel looks beautiful.
- سارة Saraفعلاً، هو جمل كبير ومميز.fe'lan, howa gamal kebeer we momayaz.Indeed, it is a big and special camel.
- أحمد Ahmedتفتكري ممكن نركب الجمل ده؟teftekry momken nerkab el gamal da?Do you think we can ride this camel?
- سارة Saraممكن نسأل الموظف هناك.momken nes'al el mowazaf henak.We can ask the employee there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “camel” translations and entries جمل, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
