Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| صَبْر | ṣabr | masculine |
| تَحَمُّل | taḥammul | masculine |
The word صَبْر refers to the virtue of patience, often used in a spiritual or emotional sense such as waiting or enduring hardship. A common idiomatic expression is صَبْر جميل, which translates to "beautiful patience" and describes a way of enduring hardship with dignity and without complaint.
Which one should you use?
صَبْر (ṣabr) is used for the virtue of patience and steadfastness, whereas تَحَمُّل (taḥammul) refers specifically to the physical or mental act of bearing, tolerating or enduring a heavy load or a difficult situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the word is often said as الصبر.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form صَبْرًا (ṣabran) is an absolute accusative used as an elliptical command to tell someone to "be patient" or "have patience".
How do you pronounce it?
ṣabr
Did you know?
- The word صَبْر shares the same root as the Arabic word for 'aloe', a plant known for its intense bitterness. This links the concept of patience to the ability to endure a bitter taste.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the word صَبْر is deeply connected to the concept of 'divine compensation'. People often say 'God will compensate you for your patience', implying that patience is a form of spiritual investment.
- The root of صَبْر is often linked in classical literature to the idea of 'binding' or 'holding fast', suggesting that patience is the act of holding oneself together when things fall apart.
Examples in context
- أُعجب بصبركI admire your patience
- أظهرت صبراً كبيراً في الأوقات الصعبةShe showed great patience during the difficult times
- كُن هادئًا واصبُرKeep calm and be patient
- ينقصه الصبرHe lacks patience
- صبرك سيكون ذا قيمةYour patience will pay off
- من الأمور الهامة أن يكون لديك صبر أثناء تعلم لغة جديدة.It's important to have patience while learning a new language.
- الصبر فضيلة رئيسية في بناء علاقات قوية.Patience is a key virtue in building strong relationships.
- الحفاظ على الصبر في الأوقات الصعبة يمكن أن يؤدي إلى النمو الشخصي.Keeping patience during challenging times can lead to personal growth.
Example conversation
Mariam and Omar are discussing a difficult situation at work.
- مريم Maryamهَذَا الْعَمَلُ يَحْتَاجُ إِلَى صَبْرٍ طَوِيلٍ.hadha al-amalu yahtaju ila sabrin tawil.This work requires long patience.
- عمر Omarأَنْتِ مُحِقَةٌ يَا مَرْيَمُ.anti muhiqqatun ya Mariam.You are right, Mariam.
- مريم Maryamهَلْ لَدَيْكَ الصَّبْرُ لِإِنْهَاءِ هَذَا؟hal ladayka al-sabru li-inha'i hadha?Do you have the patience to finish this?
- عمر Omarسَأُحَاوِلُ، لَكِنَّ الأَمْرَ صَعْبٌ.sa-uhawilu, lakinna al-amra sa'bun.I will try, but it is difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “patience” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
