ثقافة
thaqāfah
The English word "culture" is ثقافة (thaqāfah) in Arabic.
ثقافة refers to the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life. You can also use the phrase ثقافة عامة to mean "general culture" or "general knowledge," describing someone who is well-cultured.
Meaning: the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ثقافة is ثقافات.
How do you pronounce it?
thaqāfah
Did you know?
- The root of ثقافة is also related to the word for 'straightening' a spear. This suggests that being cultured is akin to bringing something into its proper, straight form.
- The word ثقافة shares a root with a term for sharpening or polishing a tool. This implies that 'culture' is a process of refining the mind and character.
- The root of ثقافة is not related to agriculture or farming, unlike the English word 'culture', which comes from the Latin 'cultus' meaning 'tilling the soil'.
Examples in context
- تمتع بثقافة الشعب العربيImmerse yourself in Arab culture.
- مهرجان ثقافي رائعA fantastic cultural festival.
- دي عادات عربية تقليديةThese are traditional Arab customs.
- أحب التعرف على ثقافة جديدة.uḥibbu at-ta'arruf 'ala thaqāfa jadīda.I love learning about a new culture.
- هذه المدينة تمتلك ثقافة غنية.hādhihi al-madīna tamliku thaqāfa ghaniya.This city possesses a rich culture.
Example conversation
Mariam and Omar are talking about traveling to Japan.
- مريم Maryamهل تريد زيارة اليابان يا عمر؟Hal turidu ziyarata al-Yaban ya Omar?Do you want to visit Japan, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، أنا مهتم جداً بـ ثقافة اليابان.Na'am, ana muhtammun jiddan bi-thaqafati al-Yaban.Yes, I am very interested in Japanese culture.
- مريم Maryamإنها ثقافة فريدة ومميزة.Innaha thaqafatun faridah wa mumayyizah.It is a unique and special culture.
- عمر Omarأتمنى أن أسافر إلى هناك قريباً.Atamanna an usafira ila hunaka qariban.I hope to travel there soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ثقافة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
