جِنّ
jinnplural
The English phrase 'genie' is translated into Arabic as جِنّ (jinn). Wiktionary also lists جِنِّيّ (jinniyy).
Meaning: a fictional magical being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| جِنّ | jinn | plural |
| جِنِّيّ | jinniyy | masculine |
The term refers to a fictional magical being. In some contexts, the word عَفريت is used colloquially to mean a genie.
Which one should you use?
The word جِنّ is the collective or plural form used to refer to the species or a group of them. In contrast, جِنِّيّ refers to a single genie.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Morocco, the term عَفْرِيت (afrīt) is often used to refer to a genie.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a single masculine genie, use جِنِّيّ. The feminine form of the adjective 'jinniyy' (genie) is جِنِّيَّة.
How do you pronounce it?
jinn
Did you know?
- The word جِنّ comes from the Arabic root meaning 'to hide' or 'to conceal'. This reflects the belief that these beings are invisible to the human eye.
- While English speakers associate genies with lamps, the Arabic concept of جِنّ describes an entire civilization with its own distinct religions and legal systems.
- The word عَفْرِيت (afrīt) can be used metaphorically in modern Arabic to describe a person who is exceptionally clever or mischievous. It describes someone who is 'a little devil' in a way that can be either complimentary or insulting.
Examples in context
- قابلت شخصًا يعتقد بوجود عفاريت في هذا المنزلI met someone who believes in the existence of genies in this house.
- سمعت قصة عن جنٍّ سحري في الصحراءI heard a story about a magical genie in the desert.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are discussing an old folk tale.
- ليلى Laylaهل تؤمن بوجود جِنّ في الحكايات؟hal tu'minu bi-wujūdi jinni fī al-hikāyāt?Do you believe in the existence of jinni in tales?
- يوسف Youssefأنا أقرأ عنهم فقط في الكتب.ana aqra'u 'anhum faqat fī al-kutub.I only read about them in books.
- ليلى Laylaيوسف، القصص عنهم ممتعة جداً.Yūsuf, al-qisas 'anhum mumti'a jiddan.Yusuf, the stories about them are very interesting.
- يوسف Youssefصحيح، لكنها مخيفة أحياناً.sahīh, lakin-ha mukhifa ahyānan.True, but they are scary sometimes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genie” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
