حمار
himar
The Arabic word for donkey is حمار (himar).
حمار refers to the domestic animal. In many Arabic dialects, however, the word is also used as a common insult to imply that someone is stupid or foolish.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
himar
Did you know?
- In some Arabic cultures, calling someone a حمار is such a strong insult that it can lead to legal disputes or defamation lawsuits in court.
- The word حمار comes from the Proto-Semitic root *ḥimār- which was used by ancient ancestors of both Arabic and Hebrew speakers.
- The term حمار can be part of various culturally specific idioms to describe someone who works hard without any cleverness or benefit to themselves.
Examples in context
- أريد أن أشتري حِمَارًا للعمل في المزرعة.I want to buy a donkey to work on the farm.
- شفت الفيديو اللي كان عن الـ حمّااااار ؟ كان طريف جدًّا!Did you see the video about the donkey? It was hilarious!
- هذا حمار صغير.hadha himar saghir.This is a small donkey.
- رأيت حماراً في المزرعة.ra'aytu himaran fi al-mazra'a.I saw a donkey on the farm.
Example conversation
At a farm in the countryside.
- عمر Omarانظري يا مريم، هذا حمار جميل.unzhuri ya Maryam, hadha himar jamil.Look Maryam, this is a beautiful donkey.
- مريم Maryamنعم يا عمر، إنه لطيف جداً.na'am ya 'Umar, innahu latif jiddan.Yes Omar, it is very cute.
- عمر Omarهل تريدين إطعامه؟hal turidina it'amahu?Do you want to feed it?
- مريم Maryamلا، أنا خائفة قليلاً.la, ana kha'ifa qalilan.No, I am a little scared.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries حمار, CC BY-SA 4.0.
