سحر
siḥr
The Arabic word for magic is سحر (siḥr).
سحر refers to magic or sorcery. In many everyday contexts, it carries a strong negative connotation, often implying sorcery or black magic. In fantasy contexts, it can also refer to the illusion of the supernatural.
Meaning: illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural (noun)
Which one should you use?
سحر is the noun used to describe the concept of magic or sorcery. To use the word as an adjective, such as in the phrase 'a magic lamp', you should use the form سحري.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun سحر is typically used as an uncountable noun, even when you are referring to multiple acts of magic.
How do you pronounce it?
siḥr
Did you know?
- The word سحر shares the same root as the word for 'dawn'. This suggests that ancient speakers linked magic to the mysterious changes in light at daybreak.
- The Arabic language has a distinct word for 'magic' as a performance, خفة يد (literally 'lightness of hand'), to separate stage illusions from the supernatural سحر.
- While سحر is the general word for magic, the term طلسم is used specifically for a magical talisman or amulet. This word is a direct loanword from the Greek 'telesma'.
Examples in context
- لن ينفع سحرك هنا.Your magic won't work here.This sentence shows how to use the noun سحر to describe magic that does not work.Tatoeba #11994789 by dididodo, translation #9056149 by Amastan
- ليس كل مصباح سحريا.Not every lamp is magic.This sentence demonstrates using the adjective form to describe a lamp.Tatoeba #5120129 by damascene, translation #406475 by FeuDRenais
- هذا هو سحر الجزائر.This is the magic of Algeria.This sentence illustrates how سحر can be used to describe the charm or magic of a place.Tatoeba #11645150 by dididodo, translation #8236908 by Amastan
- في كتابي الجديد، تناولت الفنون السحرية القديمة.In my new book, I delved into ancient magical arts.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ziad is showing Noor a card trick.
- زياد Ziadانظري يا نور، هذا سحر!Unzuri ya Noor, hadha sihr!Look Noor, this is magic!
- نور Nourكيف فعلت ذلك يا زياد؟Kayfa fa'alta dhalika ya Ziyad?How did you do that, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadإنه مجرد سحر بسيط.Innahu mujarrad sihr basit.It is just simple magic.
- نور Nourإنه مذهل حقاً!Innahu mudhhil haqqan!It is truly amazing!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries سحر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
