مَجْد
majdmasculine
The English word glory can be translated into Arabic as مَجْد (majd). Wiktionary also lists شَرَف (šaraf).
Meaning: honour, admiration, or distinction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مَجْد | majd | masculine |
| شَرَف | šaraf | masculine |
The term مَجْد is used to describe glory, particularly in religious or poetic contexts. It is the standard term when discussing the glory of God or the historical glory of an empire.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to status, they have different nuances. مَجْد refers to a grand, lofty or historical glory, such as grandeur or greatness. In contrast, شَرَف refers more to personal honor, social prestige or the distinction one holds in society.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf Arabic, the term عز is used to represent glory, honor and prestige.
How do you pronounce it?
majd
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, a person who is highly respected is often described as having 'a wide shadow', a metaphor for the protective glory or prestige they provide to others.
- In classical Arabic poetry, مَجْد is often linked to the concept of generosity. True 'glory' was not achieved through war alone but through the act of feeding guests and helping the poor.
- The word شَرَف shares a linguistic root with words meaning 'high' or 'lofty'. To have 'honor' is literally to be placed on a high point or a balcony above others.
Examples in context
- سَيَذْكُرُ التَّارِيخُ مَجْدَكَ.sayadhkuru at-tārīkhu majdaka.History will remember your glory.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are discussing a historical figure.
- عمر Omarهَلْ تَعْرِفِينَ مَنْ صَنَعَ هَذَا المَجْدَ؟hal ta‘rifīna man ṣana‘a hādhā al-majda?Do you know who achieved this glory?
- مريم Maryamإِنَّهُ القَائِدُ العَظِيمُ.innahu al-qā'idu al-‘aẓīmu.It is the great leader.
- عمر Omarلَقَدْ حَقَّقَ مَجْدًا كَبِيرًا لِبَلَدِهِ.laqad ḥaqqaqa majdan kabīran li-baladihi.He achieved great glory for his country.
- مريم Maryamنَعَمْ، وَنَحْنُ نَحْتَرِمُهُ جِدًّا.na‘am, wa naḥnu naḥtarimuhu jiddan.Yes, and we respect him very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glory” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
