الله أكبر
Allahu akbar
The English phrase "God is great" is translated into Arabic as الله أكبر (Allahu akbar).
الله أكبر is a phrase used by Muslims to express the greatness of God during prayer or throughout daily life.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, الله أكبر translates to "God [is] greater" rather than "God is great." The word أكبر is the comparative form of the adjective kabir (great/big).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word أكبر functions as the comparative form of the adjective meaning great or big.
How do you pronounce it?
Allahu akbar
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking-influenced cultures, the phrase is not just a religious statement but can be used as an exclamation of joy or amazement, similar to 'How great!' in English.
- The word الله shares an ancient root with the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah), showing a linguistic connection between the names for God across Semitic languages.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, الله أكبر is used as a way to calm someone down or provide comfort during a crisis.
Examples in context
- الله أكبر.God is great.This example shows the phrase الله أكبر used in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #11788014 by dididodo, translation #3145289 by Theocracy
- الله أكبر!God is great!This example shows the phrase الله أكبر used with an exclamation mark.Tatoeba #1937635 by LanguageExpert, translation #11816298 by Adelpa
- الله أكبر في كل وقت.Allahu akbar fi kulli waqt.God is great at all times.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sara and Yusuf are admiring a beautiful mountain view.
- سارة Saraانظر إلى هذه الجبال، الله أكبر!Unzur ila hadhihi al-jibal, Allahu akbar!Look at these mountains, God is great!
- يوسف Youssefسبحان الله، المنظر رائع حقاً.Subhan Allah, al-manzar ra'i' haqqan.Glory be to God, the view is truly wonderful.
- سارة Saraالحمد لله على هذه النعمة.Al-hamdu lillah 'ala hadhihi an-ni'mah.Praise be to God for this blessing.
- يوسف Youssefنعم، الله أكبر وأكرم.Na'am, Allahu akbar wa akram.Yes, God is great and most generous.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أكبر, الله, الله أكبر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
