مخلب
mikhlab
The Arabic word for "paw" is مخلب (mikhlab).
مخلب is used to describe the soft foot of an animal, often specifically referring to the paws of predators.
Meaning: soft foot of an animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, مخلب translates to "claw" or "talon."
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of مخلب is مخالب.
How do you pronounce it?
mikhlab
Did you know?
- If you are describing a domestic cat's soft pad rather than its claws, an Arabic speaker might prefer the word كف, which literally means 'palm'.
- In Arabic literature, the term مخلب is often used metaphorically to describe someone's 'grasp' or 'grip' on power, much like saying someone has a 'clutch' on a situation.
- The word مخلب shares a root with the concept of 'piercing' or 'penetrating', which describes how a predator uses its paw to strike.
Examples in context
- أرى مخلب النمر في الصورة.ara mikhlab al-namir fi al-sura.I see the tiger's paw in the picture.
- مخلب الدب قوي جداً.mikhlab al-dub qawi jiddan.The bear's paw is very strong.
Example conversation
Sarah and Youssef are looking at a puppy.
- سارة Saraالكلب الصغير له مخلب سغيرة.al-kalb al-saghir lahu makhlab saghiraThe puppy has a small paw.
- يوسف Youssefنعم تلمسي المخلب يا سارة؟na'am talmisi al-makhlab ya Sarah?Yes, will you touch the paw, Sarah?
- سارة Saraنعملل، هي نعيم حقاً.na'am, huwa na'im haqqanYes, it is truly soft.
- يوسف Youssefإنه لطيف جداً.innahu latif jiddanIt is very cute.
