الْكَعْبَة
al-kaʕbafeminine
The English phrase "kaaba" is الْكَعْبَة (al-kaʕba) in Arabic. If unsure, use الْكَعْبَة. Wiktionary also lists الْكَعْبَةُ ٱلْمُشَرَّفَة (al-kaʕbatu l-mušarrafa).
Meaning: cubical stone temple in Mecca (name)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| الْكَعْبَة | al-kaʕba | feminine |
| الْكَعْبَةُ ٱلْمُشَرَّفَة | al-kaʕbatu l-mušarrafa | feminine |
The term refers to the cubical stone temple located in Mecca.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from a root meaning "cube" or "square-shaped".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While الْكَعْبَة is the standard name, الْكَعْبَةُ ٱلْمُشَرَّفَة (meaning "The Honored Kaaba") is a more respectful and honorific way to refer to the temple in religious contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
al-kaʕba
Did you know?
- The term كعب (ka‘b) from which the name is derived also refers to the 'ankle' in Arabic. This creates a linguistic connection between the shape of a cube and the prominence of a physical joint.
- When Muslims pray, they face the قبلة ('qibla'), which is the direction of the كعبة. The word 'qibla' specifically denotes the direction rather than the building.
- In Arabic, the word كعبة is not just a proper name but a common noun that can describe any cube-shaped object.
Examples in context
- أَتَمَنَّى رُؤْيَةَ الْكَعْبَةِ.atamanna ru'yata al-ka'ba.I hope to see the Kaaba.
- الْكَعْبَةُ فِي مَكَّةَ.al-ka'ba fi makkah.The Kaaba is in Mecca.
- طَافَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ حَوْلَ الْكَعْبَةِ.tafa al-muslimuna hawla al-ka'ba.The Muslims circumambulated the Kaaba.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are talking about their travel plans.
- سارة Saraهل ستذهب إلى مكة يا زياد؟Hal sataḏhabu ilā Makkah yā Ziyād?Are you going to Mecca, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadنعم، أريد رؤية الْكَعْبَة.Na‘am, urīdu ru’yat al-Ka‘bah.Yes, I want to see the Kaaba.
- سارة Saraهذا رائع جداً.Hāḏā rā’i‘ jiddan.That is very wonderful.
- زياد Ziadأتمنى أن تذهبي معي يا سارة.Atamannā an taḏhabī ma‘ī yā Sārah.I hope you go with me, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kaaba” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
