لعبة
luʕba/luʕ.ba/
The Arabic word for game is لعبة (luʕba).
لعبة is used to describe an activity governed by a set of rules, typically for entertainment.
Meaning: activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ل–ع–ب (l-ʿ-b), which relates to the concept of playing or amusement. It is closely related to the verb لعب, meaning 'to play'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of لعبة is ألعاب.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /luʕ.ba/ (luʕba).
Did you know?
- The term لعبة is sometimes used colloquially to describe a 'trick' or a 'scheme' used to deceive someone.
- While لعبة refers to a game, the word مباراة (mubarat) is the specific term used for a competitive sports match or game.
- In many Arabic dialects, the plural ألعاب (al'ab) is often used to refer to 'toys' rather than just 'games'.
Examples in context
- لعبا سامي و ليلى لعبة أوراق.Sami and Layla played a card game.This sentence shows how to use لعبة in the context of a card game.Tatoeba #6552949 by OsoHombre, translation #6127731 by OsoHombre
- أراد زيري أن يلعب لعبة أخرى.Ziri wanted to play another game.This sentence illustrates the use of لعبة when expressing a desire to play.Tatoeba #11960109 by dididodo, translation #10296924 by Amastan
- كان سامي يلعب لعبة خطيرة للغاية.Sami was playing a very dangerous game.This sentence uses لعبة to describe a dangerous game.Tatoeba #6982589 by OsoHombre, translation #6693982 by OsoHombre
- هَيّا بِنَا نَلْعَب لَعِبَةLet's play a game
- يَلا نِلْعَبْ لَعْبَةCome on, let's play a game!
- لُعْبَة الكُرةThe ball game
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are at home playing a board game.
- أحمد Ahmedهل هذه اللعبة صعبة يا سارة؟hal hadhihi al-lu'ba sa'ba ya Sarah?Is this game difficult, Sarah?
- سارة Saraلا، هي لعبة سهلة جداً.la, hiya lu'ba sahla jiddan.No, it is a very easy game.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا أحب اللعب معكِ.ana uhib al-la'b ma'aki.I love playing with you.
- سارة Saraوأنا أيضاً يا أحمد.wa ana aydan ya Ahmed.Me too, Ahmed.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry لعبة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
