What does it mean word for word?
The term مجنون is derived from a root meaning 'to cover' or 'to conceal'. Historically, this implies a person whose intellect is covered or someone who is possessed by a jinn.
Which one should you use?
There is a sharp distinction between being 'mad' in the sense of being insane and 'mad' in the sense of being angry. Use مجنون only for insanity. To express that someone is angry or irate, use غاضب (ghāḍib).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on the gender and number of the subject. To describe a female, add the suffix '-ah' to get مجنونة (majnūnah). For a group of males or a mixed group, use the plural form مجنونين (majnūnīn).
How do you pronounce it?
majnūn
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using مجنون when you actually mean that someone is angry. English speakers often make this mistake, but using مجنون to mean 'angry' will actually communicate that the person is insane.
Did you know?
- The root of مجنون is also used in the word for 'shield' (جُنّة), because a shield covers and protects the warrior from view.
- In classical Arabic poetry, the term مجنون was often used to describe 'madness' caused by overwhelming love, rather than a clinical mental illness.
- The word مجنون shares the same linguistic root as جن (jinn), the supernatural creatures of folklore. This connects the concept of insanity to the idea of being possessed by an invisible spirit.
Examples in context
- كان دافيد يتحدّث مع امرأة مجنونة محلّيّة.David was talking to a local mad woman.This sentence uses مجنون to describe a local woman who is insane.Tatoeba #11849393 by Amastan, translation #11504105 by Amastan
- زيري مجنون.Ziri is mad.This sentence uses مجنون to state that Ziri is insane.Tatoeba #10230955 by Amastan, translation #10207086 by Amastan
- بدا زيري مجنونا.Ziri sounded mad.This sentence uses مجنون to describe how Ziri sounded while being insane.Tatoeba #11615395 by dididodo, translation #10908229 by Amastan
- أشعر بالغضب.I feel angry.
- أنا غاضِبٌ جِدًّا!I am very mad!
- ما تزعلش!Don't get mad/upset!
Example conversation
Sarah and Youssef are talking about a coworker's reaction.
- سارة Saraهل رأيت المدير اليوم؟Hal ra'ayta al-mudir al-yawm?Did you see the manager today?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، يبدو مجنوناً بسبب العمل.Na'am, yabdu majnunan bisabab al-'amal.Yes, he seems mad because of work.
- سارة Saraلماذا هو غاضب جداً؟Limadha huwa ghadib jiddan?Why is he so angry?
- يوسف Youssefلأن التقرير لم يكتمل.Li'anna al-taqrir lam yaktamil.Because the report was not completed.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
