جَمِيل
jamīl
The English word handsome can be translated into Arabic as جَمِيل (jamīl) or وَسِيم.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| جَمِيل | jamīl |
| وَسِيم | wasīm |
In Arabic, these terms are used to describe attractiveness. While both can mean beautiful, they carry different nuances depending on what or whom you are describing.
Which one should you use?
جَمِيل is a general term for beautiful that can be applied to men, women, objects or even abstract concepts like an idea or a deed. In contrast, وَسِيم is more specifically used to describe a man's physical attractiveness or handsome features.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a woman or a feminine noun, you must use the feminine forms of these adjectives: use جَمِيلَة for the feminine form of جَمِيل and وَسِيمَة for the feminine form of وَسِيم.
How do you pronounce it?
jamīl
Did you know?
- The word وَسِيم comes from the root وسم, which means 'to brand' or 'to mark'. It implies that the man has distinct, well-defined features that mark him as attractive.
- In Arabic, جَمِيل does not just mean 'beautiful' but can also mean 'kind' or 'generous'. A 'beautiful' action عَمَل جَمِيل is one that is morally good or helpful to others.
- The feminine form جَمِيلَة is so common that it has become a popular female given name across the Arab world.
Examples in context
- Anta jamil (أنت جميل)You are handsome
- Enta gamel gedan (إنت جميل جدًا)You are really handsome
- هذا الرجل جَمِيل.hadha al-rajul jamil.This man is handsome.
- هو طفل جَمِيل.huwa tifl jamil.He is a handsome child.
- أخوك جَمِيل جداً.akhuka jamil jiddan.Your brother is very handsome.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are looking at a photo of a person.
- أحمد Ahmedهل ترين هذا الرجل؟hal tarayna hadha al-rajul?Do you see this man?
- سارة Saraنعم، هو جَمِيل.na'am, huwa jamil.Yes, he is handsome.
- أحمد Ahmedإنه وسيم جداً يا سارة.innahu wasim jiddan ya Sarah.He is very handsome, Sarah.
- سارة Saraأنا أوافقك الرأي.ana uwafiquka al-ra'y.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handsome” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
