مكعب
muka‘‘ab
The Arabic word for "cube" is مكعب (muka‘‘ab).
مكعب refers to an object that is in the form of a cube.
Meaning: object more or less in the form of a cube (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
muka‘‘ab
Did you know?
- The word مكعب is derived from the root كعب, which also means 'ankle'. This is because the joint of the ankle creates a protruding, blocky shape similar to a cube.
- The word مكعب is a passive participle, meaning it literally describes something that has been 'made into a cube' rather than just being one.
- In many Arabic dialects, when people speak about dice, they often refer to the 'cubes' themselves, using the same root as مكعب.
Examples in context
- يوجد في المطعم طاولة مربعة بأربعة مكعبات.There is a square table with four cubes in the restaurant.
- هذا مكعب من الثلج.hādha muk'ab min al-thalj.This is an ice cube.
- رسمتُ مكعباً صغيراً.rasamtu muk'aban saghiran.I drew a small cube.
- أحتاج إلى مكعب خشبي.ahtāju ilā muk'ab khashabī.I need a wooden cube.
Example conversation
Omar and Noor are preparing a cold drink together.
- عمر Omarهل نحتاج إلى مكعب ثلج إضافي؟Hal nahtaj ila muka'ab thalj idafi?Do we need an extra ice cube?
- نور Nourنعم، أضيفي مكعباً واحداً يا عمر.Na'am, adif muka'aban wahidan ya Omar.Yes, add one cube, Omar.
- عمر Omarسأضعه الآن في الكوب.Sa-ada'uhu al-an fi al-kub.I will put it in the cup now.
- نور Nourشكراً لك، أصبح المشروب بارداً.Shukran lak, asbah al-mashrub baridan.Thank you, the drink has become cold.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مكعب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
