خرزة زرقاء
kharaza zarqa
The English term "nazar" (the eye-shaped protective amulet) is translated into Arabic as خرزة زرقاء (kharaza zarqa).
Meaning: eye-shaped protective amulet (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term العين الحاسدة is used to describe the abstract concept of the "envious eye" in a more formal setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the concept of the envious eye is frequently referred to as عين الحسود.
How do you pronounce it?
kharaza zarqa
Did you know?
- While the amulet is called خرزة زرقاء ('blue bead'), the color blue is specifically chosen because it was historically believed to be the color of people with light eyes, who were thought more likely to cast the evil eye.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, people may shout خمسة في عينك ('five in your eye') while holding up a hand to ward off the evil eye associated with the خرزة زرقاء.
- While many people call the amulet a nazar, the word itself is actually Turkish in origin and has been adopted into many Arabic dialects.
Examples in context
- احذر من النظرة الشريرةBeware of the evil glance
- هذه خرزة زرقاء جميلة.hathihi kharza zarqa' jamilah.This is a beautiful blue eye-shaped amulet.
- اشتريت خرزة زرقاء للمكتب.ishtaraytu kharza zarqa' lil-maktab.I bought a blue eye-shaped amulet for the office.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are looking at jewelry in a shop.
- أحمد Ahmedانظري يا سارة، هذه خرزة زرقاء.Unzhuri ya Sarah, hadhihi kharaza zarqa'.Look Sarah, this is a blue bead.
- سارة Saraهل تعتقد أنها تحمي من الحسد؟Hal ta'taqidu annaha tahmi min al-hasad?Do you think it protects against the evil eye?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، الكثير من الناس يؤمنون بذلك.Na'am, al-kathir min al-nas yu'minuna bidhalik.Yes, many people believe that.
- سارة Saraسأشتري واحدة لي إذاً.Sa-ashtari wahida li idhan.I will buy one for myself then.
