التهاب
iltihāb
The English word for inflammation is التهاب (iltihāb) in Arabic.
التهاب is used to describe a medical condition of inflammation.
Meaning: medical condition (noun)
Which one should you use?
Adding the definite article ال before التهاب creates the term الالتهاب.
How do you pronounce it?
iltihāb
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, if something is described as ملتهب, it can also mean that a person is 'incensed' or 'enraged'.
- Because the root is related to heat, the term for 'inflammation' is often used in Arabic literature to describe the 'burning' passion of love.
- The root of التهاب is the verb التهب, which means to catch fire or to burn. In a metaphorical sense, calling something an inflammation is like saying it is 'on fire'.
Examples in context
- أعاني من التهاب المفاصل منذ فترة طويلة.I have been suffering from joint inflammation for a long time.
- هناك التهاب في الحلق.Hunaka iltihab fi al-halq.There is an inflammation in the throat.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are talking about his health at home.
- نور Nourهل تشعر بتحسن يا زياد؟Hal tash'ur bi-tahassun ya Ziad?Are you feeling better, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadلا، لا يزال هناك التهاب.La, la yazal hunaka iltihab.No, there is still inflammation.
- نور Nourيجب أن تذهب إلى الطبيب.Yajibu an tadhab ila al-tabib.You must go to the doctor.
- زياد Ziadسأفعل ذلك غداً بالتأكيد.Sa-af'alu dhalika ghadan bi-ta'kid.I will definitely do that tomorrow.
