حِجَاب
ḥijābmasculine
The English phrase 'hijab' is translated into Arabic as حِجَاب (ḥijāb). If unsure, use حِجَاب. Wiktionary also lists خِمَار (ḵimār).
Meaning: headscarf (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| حِجَاب | ḥijāb | masculine |
| خِمَار | ḵimār | masculine |
In many Arabic-speaking contexts, حِجَاب can refer to both the physical headscarf and the broader concept of modest clothing and lifestyle. It is the most common and widely used term for 'hijab' in the language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word حِجَاب literally means a barrier, veil or something that separates or covers.
Which one should you use?
While حِجَاب is often used to refer to the concept of modest dress or the veil itself, خِمَار specifically refers to the physical cloth worn over the head.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, the informal term الشيلا is widely used to refer to a long, loose-fitting headscarf.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both حِجَاب and خِمَار are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
ḥijāb
Did you know?
- The word خِمَار comes from a root meaning 'to cover' or 'to wrap', which is also the linguistic root for the Arabic word for 'wine' because it 'covers' the mind.
- The concept of حِجَاب in Arabic grammar and law can refer to the 'separation' of genders in a social setting, rather than a piece of clothing.
- In Arabic, the root of حِجَاب is used to describe anything that acts as a partition, such as a curtain or a screen that separates two rooms.
Examples in context
- الحجاب هو رمز للتحلي بالعفاف والمحافظة على الحشمة.The hijab is a symbol of displaying modesty and preserving dignity.
- اختارت البنت ارتداء الحجاب بسبب اعتزازها بدينها.The girl chose to wear the hijab due to her pride in her religion.
- هل تعتقدين أن الشيلا هو الأنسب لهذا الزيّ؟Do you think the shayla is the most suitable for this outfit?
- أشتريتُ حِجَابًا جديدًا اليوم.ashtaraytu hijaban jadidan al-yawm.I bought a new hijab today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hijab” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
