كيمياء
kīmiyā’
The English word chemistry is translated into Arabic as كيمياء (kīmiyā’).
The word refers to the branch of natural science. You can use the concise form كيمياء to refer to the subject generally.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
Which one should you use?
While كيمياء is a concise way to say chemistry, more descriptive and formal versions exist. علم الكيمياء specifically translates to "the science of chemistry", and الكيمياء is often used as a formal term for the subject.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the term الكيمِيَاء can be used to mean chemistry.
How do you pronounce it?
kīmiyā’
Did you know?
- Many scholars believe that the English word 'chemistry' actually entered Western languages via Arabic translations of Greek texts rather than directly from Greek.
- The Arabic word كيمياء is a direct loanword from the Ancient Greek term χυμείᾱ, which was derived from the word for 'juice' or 'liquid'.
- In historical Arabic texts, the term was often used in the context of 'alchemy', representing the precursor to modern chemistry.
Examples in context
- أدرس الكيمياء في الجامعة.I study chemistry at the university.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their school schedule.
- مريم Maryamيا عمر، ما هو درسك القادم؟Yā Omar, mā huwa darsuka al-qādim?Omar, what is your next lesson?
- عمر Omarعندي حصة كيمياء الآن.'Indī ḥiṣṣat kīmiyā' al-ān.I have a chemistry class now.
- مريم Maryamهل الكيمياء صعبة؟Hal al-kīmiyā' ṣa'ba?Is chemistry difficult?
- عمر Omarلا، هي سهلة ومسلية.Lā, hiya sahla wa musliyya.No, it is easy and entertaining.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries كيمياء, CC BY-SA 4.0.
