عام
'āmm
The English word "general" (meaning involving every part or member) is translated into Arabic as عام ('āmm).
عام is used as an adjective to describe things that are not specific or particular. Common phrases using this word include معرفة عامة (General Knowledge), الجمهور العام (General Public), الجمعية العامة (General Assembly), المدير العام (General Manager) and القائد العام (Commander General).
Meaning: involving every part or member, not specific or particular (adj)
Which one should you use?
While عام is the standard adjective, related forms such as جِنِرال or فريق أوّل are used specifically when referring to the military rank of a General.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf Arabic, the term عامة is commonly used to express general in both formal and informal contexts.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
'āmm
Did you know?
- Because عام can also mean 'year', a listener must rely heavily on the context of the sentence to know if you are talking about a 'general' idea or a specific 'year' of time.
- The Arabic word عام is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word עַם, which means 'nation'.
- The root of the word عام is connected to the concept of 'prevailing' or 'spreading across'. In Arabic, to say something is 'general' is to say it has 'spread' or 'prevailed' over a wide area.
Examples in context
- هذا الموضوع مهم للجمهور العمومي.This topic is important for the general public.
- هذا قرار عام.hadha qarar 'amm.This is a general decision.
- نحن نتحدث بشكل عام.nahnu natahaddath bishakl 'amm.We are speaking in general terms.
- المعلومات عامة جداً.al-ma'lumat 'amma jiddan.The information is very general.
Example conversation
Yousef and Nour are discussing a new company policy.
- يوسف Youssefهل هذا القانون عام؟hal hadha al-qanun 'amm?Is this law general?
- نور Nourنعم، هو قانون عام للجميع.na'am, huwa qanun 'amm lil-jami'.Yes, it is a general law for everyone.
- يوسف Youssefأفهم، شكراً لك يا نور.afham, shukran laki ya Nour.I understand, thank you, Nour.
- نور Nourعلى الرحب والسعة يا يوسف.'ala al-rahb wa al-si'a ya Yousef.You are welcome, Yousef.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عام, CC BY-SA 4.0.
