Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| كوب | kōb, kūb | /kuːb/ | Hijazi Arabic, masculine |
| كَأْس | kaʔs | masculine | |
| كُوب | kūb | masculine | |
| فِنْجَان | finjān | masculine | |
| فنجان | fengān | /fin.d͡ʒaːn/ | Egyptian Arabic, masculine |
| فنجال | fengāl | Egyptian Arabic, masculine | |
| كوباية | kubāya | Egyptian Arabic, feminine | |
| كاسة | kāsa | Hijazi Arabic, masculine |
The terms used to describe a cup in Arabic depend on the size of the vessel and the specific context, such as whether you are referring to a small coffee cup or a trophy in a competition.
Which one should you use?
The words differ based on the type of cup being described. كَأْس is a poetic or literary term often meaning a goblet or chalice. فِنْجَان typically refers to a small cup, such as those used for coffee or tea, rather than a large drinking glass. In certain contexts, فِنْجَان can also metaphorically refer to a trophy or a prize.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, you will commonly hear فِنْجَان. In Egyptian Arabic, the term فنجان is pronounced fengān and you may also hear فنجال (fengāl). Another very common Egyptian term for a standard drinking cup or glass is كوباية. In Hijazi Arabic, you can use كاسة or كوب. In parts of Sudan and Yemen, كَاسَة is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While كوب is a masculine noun, the Egyptian term كوباية is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
كوب is pronounced /kuːb/.
Did you know?
- In traditional Gulf coffee culture, the فنجال is intentionally small to encourage guests to drink many refills and engage in longer conversation.
- The word فنجان is a linguistic traveler that likely originated from the Ancient Greek word πίναξ, which referred to a tablet or a plate.
- In some dialects, the distinction between فنجان and كوب is not about the object itself but whether the vessel has a handle.
Examples in context
- أريد فنجاناً من الشاي.I want a cup of tea.This sentence shows how to use فنجان to express a desire for a cup of tea.Tatoeba #383361 by saeb, translation #383287 by ver
- شربَ فنجانا من الحليب.She drank a cup of milk.This sentence demonstrates using فنجان to describe drinking a cup of milk.Tatoeba #1597693 by Amastan, translation #312287 by CH
- بحثت عن فنجاني و لم أجده.I looked for my cup, but didn't find it.This sentence shows how to use فنجان when looking for your cup.Tatoeba #1578500 by Amastan, translation #1572912 by fanty
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are in the kitchen preparing drinks.
- نور Nourزياد، وين كوب القهوة حقي؟Ziyad, wen koob al-qahwa haqqi?Ziad, where is my coffee cup?
- زياد Ziadهو هنا على الطاولة يا نور.Huwa hina 'ala at-tawila ya Nour.It is here on the table, Nour.
- نور Nourشكراً، أحتاج كوب ثاني للموية.Shukran, ahtaj koob thani lil-moya.Thanks, I need another cup for water.
- زياد Ziadبجيب لك كوب من المطبخ.Bajib lak koob min al-matbakh.I will get you a cup from the kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cup” translations and entries كوب, فنجان, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries فنجان, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
