رِسَالَة
risālafeminine
The English word "letter" can be translated into Arabic as رِسَالَة (risāla) or مَكْتُوب.
Meaning: written message (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| رِسَالَة | risāla | feminine |
| مَكْتُوب | maktūb | masculine |
Both terms refer to a written message. رِسَالَة is often used for official correspondence or academic treatises, while مَكْتُوب refers to something that has been written.
What does it mean word for word?
The term مَكْتُوب is a passive participle that literally means "something written".
Which one should you use?
رِسَالَة is a more formal term compared to مَكْتُوب. Additionally, the term خطاب can be used to specifically denote a formal letter or an official communication.
How does it change in a sentence?
In contrast, مَكْتُوب is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
risāla
Did you know?
- The word مَكْتُوب is also used to describe 'fate' or 'destiny'. It carries the philosophical implication that your life is already 'written' by a higher power.
- The word رِسَالَة shares the same root as the word for 'message' or 'revelation' sent by a prophet, who is called a رَسُول.
- The term خِطَاب (khitāb), used for a formal letter, is the same word used to describe a 'speech' or a 'sermon' delivered orally.
Examples in context
- أرسلت رسالة إلى الشركة للحصول على معلومات إضافية.I sent a letter to the company to obtain additional information.
- استلمت خطابًا من جهة العمل حول الترقية.I received a letter from the workplace regarding the promotion.
- أرسلت له رسالة تشجيع بعد نجاحه في الامتحان.I sent him an encouraging letter after his exam success.
- كَتَبْتُ رِسَالَةً طَوِيلَةً لِصَدِيقِي.katabtu risālatan ṭawīlatan li-ṣadīqī.I wrote a long letter to my friend.
- هَلْ وَصَلَتْكَ رِسَالَةٌ جَدِيدَةٌ؟hal waṣalatka risālatun jadīdatun?Did you receive a new letter?
- أَرْسَلْتُ رِسَالَةً بِالْبَرِيدِ.arsaltu risālatan bi-l-barīd.I sent a letter by mail.
Example conversation
Omar and Layla are talking in a cafe about mail.
- عمر Omarهَلْ هُنَاكَ رِسَالَةٌ لِي الْيَوْمَ؟hal hunāka risālatun lī al-yawm?Is there a letter for me today?
- ليلى Laylaنَعَمْ، هَذِهِ رِسَالَةٌ مِنْ أُمِّكَ.na'am, hadhihi risālatun min ummika.Yes, this is a letter from your mother.
- عمر Omarشُكْرًا لَكِ يَا لَيْلَى.shukran laki yā Laylā.Thank you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaعَفْوًا، يَا عُمَرُ.afwan, yā 'Umar.You are welcome, Omar.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “letter” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
