رائع
ra'i
In Arabic, the word for "cool" (having a slightly low temperature) is رائع (ra'i).
The word رائع is used to describe something having a slightly low temperature. The word رائِع is a formal term meaning 'wonderful' or 'marvelous' used to express admiration.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Levant region, the term حِلْو is commonly used in informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related verb يُبَرِّد means to make colder (literally).
How do you pronounce it?
ra'i
Did you know?
- In some regions, if someone is 'cool' in personality, an Arabic speaker might describe them as بَارِد, which literally translates to 'cold' and can actually imply they are indifferent or emotionless.
- The verb root of رائع, which is ر-و-ع (r-w-'), can also relate to the concept of 'terror' or 'awe' in classical Arabic, implying that something is so 'cool' or 'wonderful' it is overwhelming.
- When using رائع to express admiration in a social sense, a speaker might accompany the word with a gesture of placing the hand over the heart to show sincerity.
Examples in context
- لمس القلنسوة كان رائعًا.The bonnet was cool to the touch.This sentence shows how to use رائع to describe a sensation of touch.Tatoeba #12830104 by Mortyy, translation #11209631 by Amastan
- لا أريد أن أكون ثقيلَ الظِّل، أريد أن أكون رائعًا!!I don't want to be lame. I want to be cool!!This sentence uses رائع to mean 'cool' in a social or stylistic sense.Tatoeba #552319 by Samer, translation #1336 by Zifre
- كانت ليلة رائعة.It was a fairly cool night.This sentence uses رائع to describe the temperature of a night.Tatoeba #11666145 by dididodo, translation #11584865 by Amastan
- فكرةٌ جميلةThat's a cool idea
- لديكَ موهبةٌ رائعةYou have a cool talent
Example conversation
Ziyad and Sara are talking about the weather outside.
- زياد Ziadالجو رائع بالخارج الآن.Al-jawwu ra'i'un bil-kharij al-an.The weather is cool outside now.
- سارة Saraهل نحتاج إلى سترة؟Hal nahtaju ila sutra?Do we need a jacket?
- زياد Ziadنعم، الهواء رائع قليلاً.Na'am, al-hawa'u ra'i'un qalilan.Yes, the air is a bit cool.
- سارة Saraسأرتدي سترتي إذن.Sa-artadi sutrati idhan.I will wear my jacket then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries رائع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
