مثال
mithāl
The Arabic word for "example" is مثال (mithāl).
مثال is used to refer to a representative instance that illustrates a point or explains a rule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the word حاجة is used to mean "thing", though it is not the word for "example".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of مثال is أمثلة. When the word is used as a direct object of a verb, such as in the phrase "Show me an example", you use the accusative form مثالاً.
How do you pronounce it?
mithāl
Did you know?
- The word مثال shares the same Semitic roots as the Hebrew word מָשָׁל, which can mean 'example' or an 'allegory'.
- Arabic speakers use a related form of this word to describe a 'proverb', as a proverb is seen as a moral example for life.
- In Arabic, the same root as مثال is used to create the word مثل, which functions as both 'like' and 'similar to'.
Examples in context
- علينا أن نتّبع مثاله.We should follow his example.This sentence is useful for showing how to use مثال to refer to someone's conduct.Tatoeba #1597525 by Amastan, translation #22712 by CK
- "Kayak" هي مثال على القَلْبِ المُستوي."Kayak" is an example of a palindrome.This sentence demonstrates using مثال to illustrate a linguistic concept.Tatoeba #629223 by Samer, translation #518184 by FeuDRenais
- أرني مثالاً آخر.Show me another example.This sentence shows the use of the accusative form مثالاً when the word is a direct object.Tatoeba #371075 by saeb, translation #320313 by CK
- يعني حاجة زي كدةLike this or something like that
- بدي شغلة زي هيكI want something like this
- في درس الرياضيات، يمكننا أن نستخدم "مثال" لتوضيح التمارين.In the math lesson, we can use "mithāl" to explain the exercises.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Ahmed are studying grammar together.
- سارة Saraأنا لا أفهم هذه القاعدة.Ana la afham hadhihi al-qa'ida.I don't understand this rule.
- أحمد Ahmedهل يمكنني أن أعطيك مثالاً؟Hal yumkinuni an u'tiyaka mithalan?Can I give you an example?
- سارة Saraنعم، من فضلك يا أحمد.Na'am, min fadlika ya Ahmed.Yes, please, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا المثال سيوضح الأمر.Hadha al-mithal sayuwaddiha al-amr.This example will make it clear.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مثال, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
