جاهل
jahil
The Arabic word for ignorant is جاهل (jahil).
The term جاهل is used to describe someone who is unaware, but in many contexts, it carries a stronger connotation of being uneducated or lacking knowledge.
Meaning: unaware (adj)
Which one should you use?
While جاهل is the standard term for being ignorant or lacking knowledge, the word غافل is used to specifically mean someone who is oblivious or unaware. If you want to describe someone as backward or culturally regressive, the informal term متخلّف is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: جاهلة is the feminine form, جاهلون is the masculine plural and جاهلين is the masculine plural in the oblique case.
How do you pronounce it?
jahil
Did you know?
- In certain Arabic dialects, calling someone a جاهل might not mean they lack knowledge, but rather that they are acting like a 'child' or being immature.
- The root of جاهل also forms the word 'Jahiliyyah', which refers to the 'Age of Ignorance' in pre-Islamic Arabian history.
- In classical Arabic, the root of جاهل can refer not just to a lack of knowledge, but to a lack of emotional control or acting foolishly and recklessly.
Examples in context
- إنه جاهل فيما يتعلق بالتاريخ.He is ignorant when it comes to history.
- ما فهمت شيء، أنت مرة متخلّف!I didn't understand anything, you're so backward!
- كان جاهلًا بالحقيقة.kana jahilan bil-haqiqa.He was unaware of the truth.
- هي جاهلة بهذا الأمر.hiya jahila bi-hadha al-amr.She is unaware of this matter.
- لا تكن جاهلًا بالقوانين.la takun jahilan bil-qawanin.Do not be unaware of the laws.
Example conversation
Youssef and Layla are discussing a new company policy.
- يوسف Youssefهل قرأتِ التحديث الأخير؟Hal qara'ti al-tahdith al-akhir?Did you read the latest update?
- ليلى Laylaلا، أنا جاهل بما حدث.La, ana jahil bima hadath.No, I am unaware of what happened.
- يوسف Youssefسأرسل لكِ التفاصيل الآن.Sa-ursilu laki al-tafasil al-an.I will send you the details now.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً يا يوسف.Shukran ya Youssef.Thank you, Youssef.
