شرف
sharaf
The English phrase honor is translated into Arabic as شرف (sharaf).
The word شرف is used to describe excellence of character, high moral worth or virtue. It can describe an individual's personal integrity or refer to the prestige and status associated with a social group or family.
Meaning: excellence of character, high moral worth, virtue (noun)
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter كرامة and عِزَّة, which both serve as formal alternatives. كرامة and عِزَّة are also formal terms for honor.
How do you pronounce it?
sharaf
Did you know?
- The word شرف shares a linguistic root with the word for 'balcony' or 'high place', as both ideas relate to being elevated above others.
- The word كرامة (karama), while meaning 'honor' or 'dignity', is also the Arabic word for the religious concept of 'divine generosity' or 'grace'.
- The word عِزَّة (izza) refers to a specific kind of honor rooted in power, strength, and the refusal to be humiliated.
Examples in context
- يجب أن نُحافظ على عِزَّة وسمعة العائلة.We should preserve the honor and reputation of the family.
- نالت المرأة القائدة شرف الجائزة.The female leader received the honor of the award.
- هذا الرجل لديه شرف كبير.Hadha al-rajul ladayhi sharaf kabir.This man has great honor.
- يجب أن نحافظ على شرفنا.Yajib an nuhafiz 'ala sharafina.We must preserve our honor.
Example conversation
Ahmad and Layla are discussing a person's reputation.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تعتقدين أن هذا التصرف فيه شرف؟Hal ta'taqidina anna hadha al-tasarruf fihi sharaf?Do you think there is honor in this action?
- ليلى Laylaلا، هذا التصرف يقلل من شرفه.La, hadha al-tasarruf yuqalil min sharafihi.No, this action diminishes his honor.
- أحمد Ahmedلقد كنت أظن أنه رجل ذو شرف.Laqad kuntu adhunu annahu rajul dhu sharaf.I thought he was a man of honor.
- ليلى Laylaالأفعال هي التي تثبت ذلك.Al-af'al hiya allati tuthbit dhalik.Actions are what prove that.
