قَائِد
qāʔidmasculine
In Arabic, 'leader' can be translated in several ways, such as قَائِد (qāʔid), زَعِيم or رَئِيس. Wiktionary also lists عَقِيد (ʕaqīd) and عِرْنِين (ʕirnīn).
Meaning: one having authority (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| قَائِد | qāʔid | masculine |
| زَعِيم | zaʕīm | masculine |
| رَئِيس | raʔīs | masculine |
| عَقِيد | ʕaqīd | masculine |
| عِرْنِين | ʕirnīn | masculine |
The term 'leader' in Arabic refers to one having authority.
What does it mean word for word?
The word قَائِد is an active participle meaning 'one who leads or guides', derived from the verb 'to lead' (قَادَ).
Which one should you use?
The different forms are used to distinguish the type of leadership: قَائِد is used in a functional sense, such as a military commander or a leader of a movement. زَعِيم often refers to a prominent political leader or a charismatic figurehead. رَئِيس is used for a formal head of state, a president or the chairperson of a committee. عَقِيد and عِرْنِين are also forms for leader.
How does it change in a sentence?
The broken plural form of قَائِد is قَادَة.
How do you pronounce it?
qāʔid
Did you know?
- The word عِرْنِين is an archaic and rare term for 'leader' that literally refers to the bridge of the nose. This usage suggests that a leader is the most prominent or 'foremost' part of a group.
- The term زَعِيم originally referred to someone who provided a guarantee or a surety for another person. Over time, it evolved to describe a political leader who acts as a guarantor for their people.
- The word عَقِيد is used for the military rank of 'Colonel' in many Arabic-speaking countries. It is derived from the root for 'knot' or 'contract', implying a strong bond of commitment.
Examples in context
- في الانتخابات الأخيرة، انتُخِبَ القائد الجديد للبلاد.In the recent elections, the new leader of the country was elected.
- إن الرئيس الجديد يؤكد على ضرورة تحسين الحالة الاقتصادية.The new president emphasizes the need for economic improvement.
- هُوَ قَائِدٌ مَحْبُوبٌ فِي الْفَرِيقِ.huwa qā'idun maḥbūbun fī al-farīq.He is a beloved leader in the team.
- يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ قَائِدًا شُجَاعًا.yajibu an takūna qā'idan shujā'an.You must be a brave leader.
- كَانَ أَبِي قَائِدًا فِي الْجَيْشِ.kāna abī qā'idan fī al-jayš.My father was a leader in the army.
Example conversation
Omar and Sarah are discussing a new project at work.
- عمر Omarسَارَة، مَنْ سَيَكُونُ قَائِد المَشْرُوعِ؟Sāra, man sayakūnu qāʾid al-mashrūʿ?Sarah, who will be the project leader?
- سارة Saraأَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ عُمَرَ هُوَ الأَنْسَبُ.aʿtaqidu anna ʿUmara huwa al-ansab.I think Omar is the most suitable.
- عمر Omarشُكْرًا لَكِ، سَأُحَاوِلُ أَنْ أَكُونَ قَائِدًا جَيِّدًا.shukran laki, saʾuḥāwilu an akūna qāʾidan jayyidan.Thank you, I will try to be a good leader.
- سارة Saraأَنَا وَاثِقَةٌ مِنْ قُدُرَاتِكَ يَا عُمَر.ana wāthiqatun min qudurātika yā ʿUmar.I am confident in your abilities, Omar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
