رَأْس
raʔsmasculine
The English word "head" is translated into Arabic as رَأْس (raʔs). Wiktionary also lists راس (rās) and دماغ (demāḡ).
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| رَأْس | raʔs | masculine | |
| راس | rās | Egyptian Arabic, feminine | |
| دماغ | demāḡ | /di.maːɣ/ | Egyptian Arabic, feminine |
One common idiomatic expression is رأسي فوق الماء, which translates to "my head above water" and symbolizes coping with difficulties.
Which one should you use?
In Egyptian Arabic, the word دماغ (demāḡ) is often used colloquially to refer to the "head" in a general sense, though it literally means "brain."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, you may use راس or دماغ.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my head", add the suffix -i to the end of the word رَأْس to form رَأْسِي.
How do you pronounce it?
raʔs
Did you know?
- The phrase على رأسي meaning 'on my head' is used as a polite way to say 'with pleasure' or 'I will do it gladly' when accepting a request.
- The word دِمَاغ is actually a linguistic blend of the words for 'blood' and 'brain'.
- In many Arabic dialects, calling someone a 'big head' can imply they are stubborn or difficult, rather than just describing physical size.
Examples in context
- الافعى رفعت راسها.The snake reared its head.This sentence illustrates the use of راس regarding a snake's head.Tatoeba #4113341 by fadi, translation #49935 by fadi
- وضعت مضاد للتعرق على كل جسمي. اذ بدء العرق بالبخ من اعلى راسي ، انت تعرف السبب.I put roll-on antiperspirant all over my body. If sweat starts squirting out the top of my head, you know why.This sentence shows the use of راسي to refer to the top of the head.Tatoeba #4102361 by fadi, translation #2444413 by fenfang557
- يجب عليك حماية رأسك في حالات الطوارئ.You should protect your head during emergencies.
- أشعر بألم في الرأس.I have a headache.
- أحتاج لتعزيز تقنيتي في توجيه الضربات بالرأس.I need to improve my technique in head strikes.
- أشعر بألم في رَأْسِي.ash'uru bi-alamin fī ra'sī.I feel a pain in my head.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are talking about a minor injury.
- سارة Saraهل أصبت رَأْسَكَ يا زياد؟Hal asabta ra'saka ya Ziyad?Did you hit your head, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadنعم، اصطدمت بالباب.Na'am, istadamtu bil-bab.Yes, I bumped into the door.
- سارة Saraهل يؤلمك رَأْسُكَ الآن؟Hal yu'limuka ra'suka al-an?Does your head hurt now?
- زياد Ziadقليلاً، لكنني بخير.Qalilan, lakinani bikhayr.A little, but I am fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries دماغ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries دماغ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
