بكاء
bukāʔ
The English phrase 'crying' is translated into Arabic as بكاء (bukāʔ).
The term بكاء refers to the noun describing the action of crying. Related verbs and phrases include يبكي (to cry), يذرف الدموع (to shed tears) and the command لا تبكِ (don't cry).
Meaning: action of the verb cry (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
bukāʔ
Did you know?
- In certain poetic contexts, the act of crying is described as 'decorating the cheeks' with tears, a metaphor that is much more common in Arabic literature than in English.
- In traditional Arabic culture, the 'professional mourner' is sometimes associated with بكاء as a social ritual during funerals.
- While بكاء is the standard noun, in many spoken dialects, people use a different word entirely to describe a child's crying, often using a term that mimics the sound of the crying itself.
Examples in context
- أزعجني بكاء الطفل.I was bothered by the baby's crying.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use بكاء when referring to a baby's crying.Tatoeba #665472 by Samer, translation #272366 by CK
- البكاء هو طريقة طبيعية للتعبير عن الحزن والألم.Crying is a natural way to express sadness and pain.
- أخبريني، لماذا بتبكي؟Tell me, why are you crying?
- بكاء الرجل كان مؤثراً جداً.buka' al-rajul kana mu'athiran jiddan.The man's crying was very moving.
Example conversation
In a living room, Maryam and Omar are listening to a baby.
- عمر Omarهل تسمعين بكاء الطفل؟hal tasma'ina buka' al-tifl?Do you hear the baby's crying?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنه يبكي كثيراً.na'am, innahu yabki kathiran.Yes, he is crying a lot.
- عمر Omarربما هو جائع يا مريم.rubbama huwa ja'i' ya Maryam.Maybe he is hungry, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamسأذهب لأعطيه الحليب.sa-adhhab li-u'tiyahu al-halib.I will go give him milk.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry بكاء, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
