حريم
harim
The English word 'harem' is translated into Arabic as حريم (harim).
حريم refers to a group of women in a polygamous household. In many Arabic dialects, the term is used more broadly to refer to the women of a household collectively.
Meaning: group of women in a polygamous household (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root h-r-m, which relates to things that are sacred, forbidden or protected from public view.
How does it change in a sentence?
حريم is a collective noun, which means it is used to refer to a group of women rather than a single individual.
How do you pronounce it?
harim
Did you know?
- The same root is used in the word حرم, which refers to the sacred sanctuary in Mecca where certain acts are forbidden to all people.
- In some traditional contexts, the word حريم can refer to the physical architecture of the home, specifically the secluded quarters reserved for women and children.
- In various modern Arabic dialects, calling a group of women حريم can sometimes be seen as overly traditional or old-fashioned compared to using نساء, which means 'women'.
Examples in context
- في بعض البيوت التقليدية، يوجد حوش النساء الذي يخصص فقط للسيدات.In some traditional houses, there is a women's courtyard that is exclusively dedicated to women.
