طبيب
tabib
The Arabic word for doctor is طبيب (tabib).
The term طبيب specifically refers to a medical practitioner who is qualified to treat ill people.
Which one should you use?
The word طبيب specifically refers to a medical practitioner, whereas the loanword دكتور can be used more broadly for anyone holding a PhD or doctorate in any field.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
طبيب is the formal word for a medical doctor. In everyday spoken Arabic, the loanword دكتور is very commonly used. For highly formal academic or professional addressing, الأستاذ الطبيب translates to Professor Doctor and is used to address medical professionals who hold a professorial rank or serve as faculty members at universities.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a female doctor, add the feminine suffix ة to the end of طبيب to get طبيبة. Additionally, the term الدكتورة refers specifically to female doctors.
How do you pronounce it?
tabib
Did you know?
- The word طبيب shares a root with the word for 'sweet' or 'fragrant', طيب. Historically, this reflects an ancient belief that a healer should possess a pleasing and virtuous nature.
- While طبيب is the standard term, the word حكيم was historically used for doctors. This term literally means 'wise man' or 'philosopher', as medicine was once seen as a branch of wisdom.
- The phrase طبيب القلوب (doctor of the hearts) is a common poetic trope in Arabic literature and Sufi poetry to describe a spiritual guide.
Examples in context
- هل عثرت على طبيب؟Did you find a doctor?The first sentence is useful for asking if a doctor has been found using طبيب.Tatoeba #9688130 by issadouba, translation #1632065 by Amastan
- هل تعرف طبيبا جيدا؟Do you know any good doctor?The second sentence is useful for asking about knowing a good doctor using طبيب.Tatoeba #11228955 by Amghar, translation #1632047 by Amastan
- هدفي أن أصبح طبيباً.My aim is to be a doctor.The third sentence is useful for expressing an ambition to become a doctor using طبيب.Tatoeba #383369 by saeb, translation #251994 by CK
- قمت بزيارة الدكتور أحمد في عيادتهI visited Dr. Ahmed at his clinic.
- لقد تلقيت العلاج من الأستاذ الطبيب يوسفI received treatment from Professor Doctor Youssef.
- لدي موعد مع الدكتورة سارة غداًI have an appointment with Dr. Sara tomorrow.
- 89 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
