الحد الأدنى
The English phrase "minimum" can be translated into Arabic as الحد الأدنى.
The term الحد الأدنى للأجور is the standard expression used for "the minimum wage" in Arabic-speaking countries. In a broader sense, the phrase refers to a lowest limit.
Meaning: lowest limit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase الحد الأدنى is composed of الحد (the limit/boundary) and الأدنى (the lowest/minimal).
Did you know?
- The word الأدنى is the superlative form of a root meaning 'near'. To say something is the 'minimum' in Arabic is literally to describe it as the 'nearest' or 'closest' point to a boundary.
- The word الحد used in 'minimum' also refers to the blade of a sword or knife in Arabic. This connects the idea of a 'limit' or 'boundary' to the sharp physical edge of a weapon.
- In Islamic jurisprudence, the word حدود (the plural of الحد) refers to specific punishments prescribed by law. While الحد الأدنى is a neutral term for a minimum, the root word carries heavy legal and moral weight in religious contexts.
Examples in context
- سأعمل أقل شيء مطلوب مني.I'll do the minimum required of me.
- ما هو الحد الأدنى للدرجة؟ma huwa al-hadd al-adna lil-daraja?What is the minimum grade?
- يجب دفع الحد الأدنى من المبلغ.yajibu daf' al-hadd al-adna min al-mablagh.The minimum amount must be paid.
- وصلنا إلى الحد الأدنى من السعة.wasalna ila al-hadd al-adna min al-si'a.We reached the minimum capacity.
Example conversation
Omar and Nour are discussing a project's requirements.
- عمر Omarكم عدد الصفحات المطلوبة للبحث يا نور؟Kam 'adad al-safahat al-matluba lil-bahth ya Nour?How many pages are required for the research, Nour?
- نور Nourالحد الأدنى هو خمس صفحات.Al-hadd al-adna huwa khams safahat.The minimum is five pages.
- عمر Omarهل يمكنني كتابة ثلاث صفحات فقط؟Hal yumkinuni kitabat thalath safahat faqat?Can I write only three pages?
- نور Nourلا، يجب الالتزام بالحد الأدنى.La, yajib al-iltizam bil-hadd al-adna.No, you must stick to the minimum.
