بناء
bannā'
The Arabic word for mason is بناء (bannā').
بناء is used to refer to a person who builds with stone or brick.
Meaning: one who builds with stone or brick (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root b-n-y (ب–ن–ي), which relates to the concept of building or constructing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The sound masculine plural form of the noun is بناءون (bannā'ūn).
How do you pronounce it?
bannā'
Did you know?
- The word بناء shares its DNA with the Hebrew word בְּנִיָּה, both originating from ancient Semitic roots describing the act of construction.
- In Arabic grammar, the term for the 'construction' of a sentence is a derivative of the same root as بناء, treating language like a physical structure.
- Because the root relates to 'constructing', it can be used in religious contexts to describe 'building' one's faith or 'constructing' a logical argument.
Examples in context
- هو بناء ماهر جداً.huwa bannā'un māhirun jiddan.He is a very skilled mason.
- نحتاج إلى بناء لترميم الحائط.naḥtāju ilā bannā'in li-tarmīm al-ḥā'it.We need a mason to repair the wall.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are discussing renovations for their new house.
- نور Nourهل وجدتَ بناءً جيداً؟hal wajadta bannā'an jayyidan?Did you find a good mason?
- زياد Ziadنعم، البناء سيأتي غداً.naʿam, al-bannā'u say'atī ghadan.Yes, the mason will come tomorrow.
- نور Nourهذا ممتاز، هل هو رخيص؟hādhā mumtāz, hal huwa rakhīṣ?That is excellent, is he cheap?
- زياد Ziadسعره مناسب جداً.siʿruhu munāsibun jiddan.His price is very reasonable.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بناء, CC BY-SA 4.0.
