مَاكْيَاج
makyājmasculine
The English word "makeup" is translated into Arabic as مَاكْيَاج (makyāj). Wiktionary also lists مستحضرات التجميل and بُنْيَة (bunya).
Meaning: cosmetics, colorants and other substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مَاكْيَاج | makyāj | masculine |
| مستحضرات التجميل | ||
| بُنْيَة | bunya | feminine |
In Arabic, several words can be used to refer to cosmetics and the substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance. You can use the transliterated forms like مَاكْيَاج or the more descriptive phrase مستحضرات التجميل to refer to cosmetics generally.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term مستحضرات التجميل literally breaks down into مستحضرات (prepared substances) and التجميل (beautification).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For professional or commercial contexts, use the formal term مستحضرات التجميل. In informal settings, especially among younger people, you may hear the direct transliterations ميكب or الميك-أب.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Egyptian dialect, ماكياج is used to refer to makeup.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term مَاكْيَاج is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
makyāj
Did you know?
- In some Arabic-speaking cultures, the word كحل (kohl) is used specifically for eyeliner and is seen as a traditional remedy for the eyes, not just 'makeup'.
- The root of the word تجميل comes from the triconsonantal root J-M-L, which is also the root for 'beauty' and 'camel' in certain contexts of splendor.
- The root of مستحضرات is related to the word حضر, which means 'to be present' or 'to attend', implying these substances are 'brought into presence'.
Examples in context
- شو رأيك بمكياجي الجديد؟ صح أنه حلو؟What do you think of my new makeup? It looks nice, doesn't it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “makeup” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
