رائع
ra'i'
The English word "gorgeous" can be translated into Arabic as رائع (ra'i'), which means very beautiful.
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia or Algeria, the term زوينة is commonly used to say "gorgeous." In some Gulf countries, the word شيخة can be used informally to describe a beautiful woman.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a feminine noun or person, use the feminine form رائعة. When describing a group of women, use the feminine plural form رائعات.
How do you pronounce it?
ra'i'
Did you know?
- In some Levantine dialects, the word قمر (qamar), meaning 'moon', is a much more common way to tell someone they are 'gorgeous' than using the adjective رائع.
- The word رائع is derived from a root meaning 'to startle' or 'to frighten'. In this context, something is 'gorgeous' because its beauty is so intense that it shocks the viewer.
- In Moroccan Darija, the word زوينة (zwina) is so versatile that it can be used to describe a 'gorgeous' person, a 'delicious' meal, or even a 'good' idea.
Examples in context
- كانت صديقته رائعة الجمال.His girlfriend was gorgeous.This sentence shows how to use رائع to describe a person's beauty.Tatoeba #11609370 by dididodo, translation #8614438 by Amastan
- تبدو صديقته رائعة.His girlfriend looks gorgeous.This sentence demonstrates using رائع to describe how someone looks.Tatoeba #11609281 by dididodo, translation #8405704 by Amastan
- منير هو رجل جميل جدًا.Muneer is a very beautiful man.
- لوحة الفنان جميلة جدًا ورائعة.The artist's painting is very beautiful and gorgeous.
- هذا المنظر رائع.hādha al-manẓar rā'i'a.This view is gorgeous.
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are looking at a sunset from a balcony.
- ليلى Laylaانظر يا عمر، المنظر رائع!unẓur yā 'umar, al-manẓar rā'i'!Look, Omar, the view is gorgeous!
- عمر Omarنعم، إنه رائع حقاً.na'am, innahu rā'i' ḥaqqan.Yes, it is truly gorgeous.
- ليلى Laylaأحب هذا الوقت من اليوم.uḥibbu hādha al-waqt min al-yawm.I love this time of day.
- عمر Omarأنا أيضاً، يا ليلى.anā ayḍan, yā laylā.Me too, Layla.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries رائع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
