غيوم
ghuyum
The English phrase "clouds" is translated into Arabic as غيوم (ghuyum).
The term refers to visible masses of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere.
Which one should you use?
While غيوم refers to clouds in a general sense, the word سحب is often used in more formal or meteorological contexts to describe cloud cover.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the plural غيوم is سحابة. Additionally, سحب is another common plural form for clouds used in Arabic.
How do you pronounce it?
ghuyum
Did you know?
- The root of سحاب is linked to the verb 'to drag' or 'to pull', reflecting the visual way clouds are seen to be drawn across the sky by the wind.
- Because water is life in the desert, classical Arabic poets often addressed the سحابة as if it were a sentient being capable of making choices about where to rain.
- The direction of a cloud's movement can actually change its name in classical Arabic terminology, effectively making 'direction' part of the word's identity.
Examples in context
- السماء مليئة بالسحب الرمادية.The sky is filled with gray clouds.
- الطقس مغبر بسبب السحب الرملية.The weather is dusty due to the sand clouds.
- هناك غيوم كثيرة في السماء.Hunaka ghuyum kathira fi al-sama'.There are many clouds in the sky.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are looking at the sky.
- أحمد Ahmedانظري يا سارة، هناك غيوم كثيرة.unzuri ya Sarah, hunaka ghuyum kathira.Look Sarah, there are many clouds.
- سارة Saraنعم، هل تعتقد أنها ستمطر؟na'am, hal ta'taqid annaha satumtir?Yes, do you think it will rain?
- أحمد Ahmedأعتقد ذلك لأن الغيوم رمادية.a'taqid dhalik li'anna al-ghuyum ramadiyya.I think so because the clouds are gray.
- سارة Saraلنعد إلى البيت بسرعة إذاً.lina'ud ila al-bayt bisur'a idhan.Let's go back home quickly then.
