فرعون
fir'awn
The English word "pharaoh" is translated into Arabic as فرعون (fir'awn).
فرعون refers to the supreme ruler of ancient Egypt.
Meaning: supreme ruler of ancient Egypt (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is fir'awn.
Did you know?
- The Arabic word فرعون likely entered the language through Classical Syriac rather than coming directly from Ancient Egyptian.
- In Arabic, فرعون is often treated as a proper name for the specific enemy of Moses rather than a general title for any Egyptian king.
- Because of its association with the biblical and Qurʾānic figure, the word فرعون carries a heavy negative moral weight in Arabic that the English 'pharaoh' lacks.
Examples in context
- في عهد الفراعنة، كان هناك العديد من الآثار المعمارية الرائعة.During the pharaohs' era, there were many magnificent architectural landmarks.
- انت مثل فرعون، لا تعرف المشورة!You're like a pharaoh, you don't take advice!
- كان فرعون حاكماً قوياً.kana fir'awn hakimun qawiyyan.The pharaoh was a powerful ruler.
- قرأتُ عن حياة فرعون في الكتاب.qara'tu 'an hayat fir'awn fil-kitab.I read about the pharaoh's life in the book.
- بنى فرعون أهرامات عظيمة.bana fir'awn ahramat 'adhima.The pharaoh built great pyramids.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a history lesson.
- يوسف Youssefماذا تعلمتِ اليوم يا مريم؟Madha ta'allamti al-yawm ya Maryam?What did you learn today, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamدرستُ عن سلطة فرعون في مصر.Darastu 'an sultat fir'awn fi Misr.I studied the authority of the pharaoh in Egypt.
- يوسف Youssefهل كان فرعون يحكم بمفرده؟Hal kana fir'awn yahkum bi-mufradihi?Did the pharaoh rule alone?
- مريم Maryamنعم، كان هو القائد الأعلى.Na'am, kana huwa al-qa'id al-a'la.Yes, he was the supreme leader.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries فرعون, CC BY-SA 4.0.
