علم
‘ulim
The English phrase "noted" can be translated into Arabic as علم (‘ulim).
When used as an adjective, علم means well known because of one's reputation. In other contexts, the word تَمام can be used informally to convey that something is noted or understood.
Meaning: well known because of one's reputation (adj)
Which one should you use?
The adjective علم refers to a person's reputation or being well known, whereas the informal term تَمام is used to indicate that a message has been received or understood.
How do you pronounce it?
‘ulim
Did you know?
- The word عَلَم (with a different vowel) can also refer to a person of great importance, essentially turning the word for 'flag' into a metaphor for a 'noted' individual.
- The informal تمام comes from the Arabic root for 'completion' or 'perfection'. When you say it to mean 'noted', you are literally saying that the matter is 'complete' or 'settled'.
- In some dialects, saying علم to mean 'understood' can sound like you are a soldier receiving an order, due to its precision and formal weight.
Example conversation
Sarah and Omar are discussing a famous professor.
- سارة Saraهل تعرف البروفيسور أحمد؟Hal ta'rif al-borofisūr Ahmad?Do you know Professor Ahmad?
- عمر Omarنعم، هو أستاذ علم في الجامعة.Na'am, huwa ustādh 'alam fī al-jāmi'ah.Yes, he is a noted professor at the university.
- سارة Saraسمعت أن أبحاثه مهمة جداً.Sami'tu anna abhāthahu muhimmah jiddan.I heard that his research is very important.
- عمر Omarبالتأكيد، الجميع يحترم علمه.Bi-tta'kīd, al-jamī' yahtarim 'ilmah.Certainly, everyone respects his knowledge.
