راهبة
rahiba
The Arabic word for 'nun' is راهبة (rahiba).
راهبة is used to refer to a woman who is a member of a Christian religious community.
Meaning: member of a Christian religious community of women (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Arabic root r-h-b (ر–ه–ب), which relates to the concept of asceticism or withdrawing from the world.
How do you pronounce it?
rahiba
Did you know?
- The root of راهبة is shared with the word for 'terror' or 'dread' (رهبة), linking the life of a nun to a state of spiritual awe.
- The term رهبنة (rahbana) describes the state of monasticism and is mentioned in the Quran, showing that the concept of the 'monk' was recognized in Islamic scripture.
- Unlike English, where 'nun' is a distinct noun, the Arabic راهبة is an active participle, meaning it literally describes someone who 'is practicing' the act of monasticism.
Examples in context
- أنا أدرس العربية ووصلت إلى الحرف [ن]I'm studying Arabic and I've reached the letter 'N'.
- هل يمكنك تكرار اسمك من فضلك؟ فاتني الحرف [ن]Could you please repeat your name? I missed the letter 'N'.
Example conversation
Nour and Ahmed are talking about a local charity.
- نور Nourمن يدير هذا الملجأ يا أحمد؟man yudiru hadha al-malja' ya Ahmad?Who runs this shelter, Ahmed?
- أحمد Ahmedتديره راهبة طيبة جداً.tudiru-hu rahiba tayyiba jiddan.A very kind nun runs it.
- نور Nourهل هي من هذه المدينة؟hal hiya min hadhihi al-madina?Is she from this city?
- أحمد Ahmedلا، هي جاءت من مدينة أخرى.la, hiya ja'at min madina ukhra.No, she came from another city.
