النيل
an-Nīl
The Arabic word for the Nile is النيل (an-Nīl), which refers to the river name.
Meaning: river (name)
How do you pronounce it?
an-Nīl
Did you know?
- The name النيل is actually an ancient Greek loanword rather than a word of native Semitic or Egyptian origin. It entered the Arabic language via the Greek name Νεῖλος, meaning the word is a phonetic adaptation of a foreign term.
- Because the Nile is so central to Egyptian identity, the word النيل is often used in poetic metaphors to describe something that is infinite, generous or deeply nourishing. It can be used metaphorically to describe a person's overflowing kindness.
- The Arabic word for 'river' is نهر, but when referring to النيل, speakers rarely use the word نهر because the name is so iconic it stands alone.
Examples in context
- مصر هبة النيل.Egypt is a gift of the Nile.This sentence is useful for showing the relationship between Egypt and النيل.Tatoeba #13229850 by Adelpa, translation #13229815 by Adelpa
- أنا أحب السباحة في النيل.ana uḥibbu as-sibāḥata fī an-nīl.I love swimming in the Nile.
- هل زرت النيل من قبل؟hal zurta an-nīla min qablu?Have you visited the Nile before?
Example conversation
Ziyad and Sara are discussing a trip to Cairo.
- زياد Ziadهل زرتِ النيل من قبل يا سارة؟hal zurtī an-nīl min qabl yā sāra?Have you visited the Nile before, Sara?
- سارة Saraلا، لم أزره بعد.lā, lam azurhu ba‘d.No, I haven't visited it yet.
- زياد Ziadيمكننا أخذ جولة في النيل غداً.yumkinunā akhdh jawla fī an-nīl ghadan.We can take a tour on the Nile tomorrow.
- سارة Saraهذه فكرة رائعة يا زياد.hādhī fikra rāʾi‘a yā ziyād.That is a great idea, Ziyad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries النيل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
