بهو
bahw
The English word lobby is translated into Arabic as بهو (bahw).
The term is used to describe an entryway, a waiting area or a vestibule within a building.
Meaning: entryway or waiting area, vestibule (noun)
Which one should you use?
القاعة الرئيسية refers specifically to a main hall, and قاعة الاستقبال refers to a reception hall.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf countries, the word صالة is often used to refer to a lobby or a lounge area.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bahw.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'lobby' for both a room and political persuasion, Arabic uses ضغط for the latter, which literally means 'pressure'.
- The word بهو historically refers to a wide, open space or a courtyard, reflecting how ancient Arab architecture prioritized airy, central hubs to keep interiors cool.
- In some Arabic architectural contexts, the word موزع can be used for a lobby, but it literally translates to 'distributor' or 'divider'.
Examples in context
- يرجى الانتظار في قاعة الاستقبال حتى يأتيك الموظف.Please wait in the reception hall until the staff member arrives.
- راح نلتقي في اللوبي قبل نروح السينما.We'll meet in the lobby before going to the cinema.
- في انتظارك في البهو اللي قدام الدرج.Waiting for you in the lobby in front of the staircase.
- الانتظار في بهو الفندق مريح.al-intizhar fi bahw al-funduq murih.Waiting in the hotel lobby is comfortable.
- التقينا عند بهو البناية.iltaqayna 'inda bahw al-binaya.We met at the building's lobby.
- بهو الشركة واسع جداً.bahw al-sharika wasi' jiddan.The company lobby is very spacious.
Example conversation
Omar and Sarah are meeting at a hotel.
- عمر Omarأين أنتِ يا سارة؟ayna anti ya Sarah?Where are you, Sarah?
- سارة Saraأنا في بهو الفندق الآن.ana fi bahw al-funduq al-an.I am in the hotel lobby now.
- عمر Omarحسناً، أنا قادم إليكِ.hasanan, ana qadim ilayki.Okay, I am coming to you.
- سارة Saraأنا أنتظرك في الداخل.ana antaziruka fil dakhil.I am waiting for you inside.
