معرفة
maʻrifah
The English phrase "knowledge" is translated into Arabic as معرفة (maʻrifah).
معرفة refers to the total of what is known or the product of learning, often carrying a sense of familiarity or recognition.
Meaning: total of what is known, product of learning (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root m-'-r-f (م–ع–ر–ف), which relates to the act of recognizing or identifying something.
Which one should you use?
معرفة often refers to familiarity, recognition or experiential knowledge. In contrast, علم is more commonly used for formal, systematic or scientific knowledge.
How do you pronounce it?
maʻrifah
Did you know?
- In Sufism, معرفة (Ma'rifa) refers to a special kind of intuitive or mystical knowledge of God, distinct from intellectual or learned knowledge.
- The root of معرفة is used to derive the word for 'definition', تعريف, suggesting that in Arabic, knowing something is fundamentally tied to the ability to define it.
- The word معرفة can also mean 'acquaintance'. If you say you have معرفة with someone, you are saying you know them personally rather than knowing facts about them.
Examples in context
- مَن لا معرفة لديه لا قوة له.A people without knowledge is a people without strength.This sentence is useful for illustrating the connection between knowledge and strength when using معرفة.Tatoeba #4935133 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #4933258 by AlanF_US
- العلم هو القوة في هذا العالم.Knowledge is power in this world.
- أنا أمتلك معرفة كبيرة بموسيقى الجاز.I have extensive knowledge of jazz music.
- لدي معرفة كبيرة في مجال التكنولوجيا.I have a vast knowledge of technology.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are discussing a book at the library.
- ليلى Laylaهذا الكتاب يمنحنا معرفة واسعة.Hadha al-kitab yamnahuna ma'rifa wasi'a.This book gives us extensive knowledge.
- يوسف Youssefأوافقك الرأي يا ليلى.Uwafiquki al-ra'y ya Layla.I agree with you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaهل تريد قراءته معي؟Hal tureedu qira'atahu ma'ee?Do you want to read it with me?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، أحب اكتساب معرفة جديدة.Na'am, uhibbu iktisab ma'rifa jadeeda.Yes, I love acquiring new knowledge.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
