Cloudy weather can often add a unique ambiance to the atmosphere, whether it’s a cozy feeling on a rainy day or a sense of mystery when the clouds obscure the sun. If you find yourself in an Arabic-speaking country or simply desire to expand your language skills, learning how to say “cloudy” in Arabic can prove to be useful. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this weather condition in Arabic, with some tips, examples, and regional variations when relevant.
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Formal Ways to Say Cloudy in Arabic
In formal contexts, such as news reports, academic discussions, or professional settings, it is important to use standard Arabic, also known as Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Here are a few phrases you can use to describe cloudy weather formally:
- مُلبِدٌ بالغُيُومِ (mulbidun bialghuyoom) – This phrase translates to “covered with clouds” and is commonly used to indicate cloudy weather.
- مُظَلِّلٌ بالغِيمِ (mudhallilun bialghaym) – This phrase means “shaded by clouds” and conveys the idea of a cloudy sky.
- غائِمٌ (ghayim) – This word represents the adjective “cloudy” and is commonly used to describe weather conditions.
Informal Ways to Say Cloudy in Arabic
In informal situations, such as casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, you can opt for colloquial Arabic, which varies from region to region. Here are a few informal phrases you can use:
- مُعَمَّدِ (mumaddi) – This phrase is commonly used in the Levantine dialects to describe cloudy weather. It can be particularly useful in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
- مُتَعَكِّرِ (muta’akkiri) – This phrase is often used in Egyptian Arabic and implies a gloomy or clouded sky.
- مُتَكْتَمٌ السَّماء (mutaktamun assama’) – In the Gulf dialects, you may hear this phrase which means “the sky is overcast.” It denotes a cloudy sky.
Examples and Usage
To help you understand the usage of these phrases, here are some examples where “cloudy” is used in context:
Example 1: The weather forecast indicates that it will be cloudy tomorrow.
Arabic Translation (Formal): تَشييدات الطقس تُشيرُ إلى أنَّه سَيكونُ غائِمًا غدًا.
Arabic Translation (Informal): تَوَقُّعَات الطقس بِتَكَوُّنات الغِيوم تَشِيرإلى أنَّهَا سَتَكُونُ مُعَمَّدِةً غَدًا.
Example 2: I love walking on cloudy days; it feels so peaceful.
Arabic Translation (Formal): أحبُّ المَشي في الأيامِ الغائِمة؛ إنَّها تَشعُرُ بالسَّكينةِ.
Arabic Translation (Informal): بُحِبُّ أمشي بالأيام اللي فيها غَيمِة؛ حَسَّ شعُورِها مُهتَّدئ.
Regional Variations
The Arabic language has numerous dialects spoken across different regions. Here are a few variations of how to say “cloudy” in different dialects:
- In Maghrebi Arabic (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia): مَمْطَرْبَغِيومْ (mamtar bghaym) or غَيْتْمٌ (ghaytmun) are used to describe cloudy weather.
- In Iraqi Arabic: غائِمْ بالشَمِس (ghayim beshamesh) is used to describe cloudy weather when the sun remains partially visible.
Conclusion
Whether you’re learning Arabic for travel, work, or personal interest, knowing how to express weather conditions like “cloudy” is beneficial. This guide has introduced you to both formal and informal ways of saying “cloudy” in Arabic, along with regional variations where applicable. Remember to practice these phrases in context and explore further to expand your Arabic vocabulary. Enjoy your language learning journey and embrace the beauty of expressing weather conditions in different languages!
