مُوَاطِن
muwāṭinmasculine
The Arabic word for citizen is مُوَاطِن (muwāṭin). Wiktionary also lists مُوَاطِنَة (muwāṭina).
Meaning: legal member of a state (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مُوَاطِن | muwāṭin | masculine |
| مُوَاطِنَة | muwāṭina | feminine |
This noun refers to a legal member of a state.
What does it mean word for word?
The term مُوَاطِن is derived from the root w-ṭ-n (و–ط–ن), which relates to a homeland or a place of residence.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form is مُوَاطِن, while the feminine form is مُوَاطِنَة.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form is مُوَاطِنُونَ. To refer to female citizens in the plural, use مُوَاطِنَات.
How do you pronounce it?
muwāṭin
Did you know?
- In classical texts, a person might be referred to as a رَعِيَّة, which literally translates to 'flock' or 'herd'. This reflects an ancient view of the population as a group to be protected and guided by a shepherd-like ruler.
- While 'citizen' in English is often a dry legal status, مُوَاطِن is derived from a root that evokes the 'watan' or homeland. In poetry and national anthems, this word carries a weight of longing and emotional loyalty that exceeds a mere passport status.
- The word مُوَاطِن is a 'participle' noun, which implies an active state of belonging or 'dwelling' rather than just a static label.
Examples in context
- كُلُّ مُوَاطِنٍ لَهُ حُقُوقٌ وَوَاجِبَاتٌ.kullu muwaatinin lahu huququn wa waajibaat.Every citizen has rights and duties.
- الْمُوَاطِنُ الصَّالِحُ يُحِبُّ بَلَدَهُ.al-muwaatinu al-saalihu yuhibbu baladahu.A good citizen loves his country.
- هَلْ أَنْتَ مُوَاطِنٌ فِي هَذِهِ الدَّوْلَةِ؟hal anta muwaatinun fii hadhihi al-dawla?Are you a citizen of this state?
Example conversation
Ziad and Maryam are discussing a legal document at a government office.
- زياد Ziadهَلْ يَجِبُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مُوَاطِنًا لِأَحْصُلَ عَلَى هَذِهِ الْوَرَقَةِ؟hal yajibu an akuuna muwaatinan li-ah-sula 'ala hadhihi al-waraqa?Do I have to be a citizen to get this paper?
- مريم Maryamنَعَمْ، هَذَا يَحْتَاجُ إِلَى صِفَةِ مُوَاطِنٍ.na'am, hadha yahtaaju ila sifati muwaatin.Yes, this requires the status of a citizen.
- زياد Ziadشُكْرًا لَكِ يَا مَرْيَمُ عَلَى الْمُسَاعَدَةِ.shukran laki ya Maryamu 'ala al-musaa'ada.Thank you, Maryam, for the help.
- مريم Maryamعَفْوًا، أَنَا دَائِمًا هُنَا لِلْمُسَاعَدَةِ.afwan, ana da'iman huna lil-musaa'ada.You're welcome, I am always here to help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “citizen” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
