الطبقة الوسطى
al-tabaqa al-wusta
The phrase "middle class" in Arabic is الطبقة الوسطى (al-tabaqa al-wusta).
This term refers to the social and economic class known as the middle class.
Meaning: social and economic class (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-tabaqa (the class) and al-wusta (the middle).
How does it change in a sentence?
To function as a single cohesive phrase meaning "the middle class", both the noun and the adjective must take the definite article al-.
How do you pronounce it?
al-tabaqa al-wusta
Did you know?
- The word tabaqa also refers to a 'layer' of a cake or a 'floor' of a building. This reflects a spatial way of imagining social hierarchy as physical levels stacked on top of each other.
- While al-wusta means 'middle', the root word is used in the Quran to describe a 'just middle way' or 'moderation' (al-wasat), giving the term a moral connotation of balance beyond just wealth.
- In many Arabic speaking countries, the الطبقة الوسطى is historically linked to the 'Effendiya', a class of educated professionals and civil servants who emerged during the 19th century.
Examples in context
- أنا من الطبقة المتوسطةI am from the middle class
- العائلة التي أعيش معها تعود إلى الطبقة الوسطىThe family I live with belongs to the middle class
- الطبقة الوسطى هي أساس المجتمع.al-ṭabaqa al-wusṭā hiya asās al-mujtama'.The middle class is the foundation of society.
- تعاني الطبقة الوسطى من غلاء الأسعار.tu'ānī al-ṭabaqa al-wusṭā min ghalā' al-as'ār.The middle class is suffering from high prices.
- نحن ننتمي إلى الطبقة الوسطى.naḥnu nantamī ilā al-ṭabaqa al-wusṭā.We belong to the middle class.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the current economic situation in the city.
- مريم Maryamهل تعتقد أن الطبقة الوسطى بخير؟hal ta'taqid anna al-ṭabaqa al-wusṭā bikhayr?Do you think the middle class is doing okay?
- يوسف Youssefلا، الوضع الاقتصادي صعب جداً يا مريم.lā, al-waḍ' al-iqtiṣādī ṣa'b jiddan yā Maryam.No, the economic situation is very difficult, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamأنا أشعر بالقلق على عائلتي.anā ash'ur bi-al-qalaq 'alā 'ā'ilatī.I feel worried about my family.
- يوسف Youssefأتفهمك تماماً، يا مريم.atafahhamuki tamāman, yā Maryam.I understand you completely, Maryam.
