الوالدان
al-wālidān
The phrase "mother and father" is translated into Arabic as الوالدان (al-wālidān).
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the dual suffix -ān, which specifically indicates that the noun refers to exactly two people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While الوالدان is a formal way to say "the two parents", the phrase الأب والأم is a very common way to refer to "father and mother" in everyday speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some dialects, the term والدة can be used instead of أمّ to mean mother.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes from الوالدان to الوالدين when it is the object of a verb or follows a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
al-wālidān
Did you know?
- In Arabic culture, the phrase بر الوالدين refers to 'filial piety' or the duty of extreme kindness and respect toward one's parents. This concept is a central moral pillar in both Islamic law and general Arab social ethics.
- The root ولد found in الوالدان is also used to create the word وليد, which refers specifically to a newborn baby, linking the parents and the child by the same linguistic root.
- In many Arabic cultures, the word for 'mother' is often used as a term of endearment or deep respect for any elder woman, even if there is no biological relation.
Examples in context
- أين الوالدان؟ayna al-walidān?Where are the parents?
- الوالدان في المنزل.al-walidāni fī al-manzil.The parents are at home.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ziad are talking about their families.
- مريم Maryamهل الوالدان في المنزل؟Hal al-walidan fi al-manzil?Are your parents at home?
- زياد Ziadلا، هما في العمل.La, huma fi al-amal.No, they are at work.
- مريم Maryamمتى سيعودان إذاً؟Mata sayaudan idhan?When will they return then?
- زياد Ziadسيعودان في المساء.Sayaudan fi al-masa.They will return in the evening.
