على
ʕalā/ʕa.laː/
The English word "on" is translated into Arabic as على (ʕalā).
على is used to indicate that something is positioned at or resting against the outer surface of something else, or is attached to it. Beyond physical contact, it is also used for figurative meanings, such as expressing reliance or dependence (e.g., "depending on").
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʕa.laː/ (two syllables).
Did you know?
- When used in certain idioms, على can indicate a state of being. For example, saying someone is 'on' a certain mood or condition uses this preposition where English would use 'in'.
- In Arabic, the word على can sometimes be used to mean 'above' or 'over' without the objects actually touching. This allows one word to cover both the English meanings of 'on' and 'over'.
- The word على can be used to express an obligation or a duty, similar to the English phrase 'it is upon me'. In this context, it functions more like the word 'must' than a spatial preposition.
Examples in context
- سقط توم على وجهه.Tom fell flat on his face.This sentence demonstrates the use of على to describe falling on a body part.Tatoeba #8346843 by Amastan, translation #2649840 by sharptoothed
- لم يعتمد على أحد.He didn't count on anyone.This sentence shows the figurative use of على meaning to rely or count on someone.Tatoeba #12827565 by dididodo, translation #11938059 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- وضع يديه على كتفي.He rested his hand on my shoulder.This sentence shows the physical use of على meaning to rest something on a body part.Tatoeba #384401 by saeb, translation #299203 by mamat
- اللوحة معلقة على الحائط.The painting is hanging on the wall.
- حط الكتاب ع الطاولة.Put the book on the table.
- الكتاب فوق الطاولة.The book is on the table.
- كان القلم ملقى فوق الأرض.The pen was lying on the ground.
- 514 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Omar are looking for a pen in the living room.
- نور Nourأين القلم يا عمر؟ayna al-qalam ya 'umar?Where is the pen, Omar?
- عمر Omarإنه على الطاولة.innahu 'ala al-tawila.It is on the table.
- نور Nourشكراً لك.shukran lak.Thank you.
- عمر Omarعفواً يا نور.afwan ya nur.You're welcome, Nour.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry على, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
