عنقاء
'anqa'
The English word phoenix (referring to the capital city of Arizona, United States) is translated into Arabic as عنقاء ('anqa').
Meaning: capital city of Arizona, United States (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
'anqa'
Did you know?
- The term عنقاء is often paired in Arabic literature with the word 'ghoul' to form the expression 'the ghoul and the phoenix', describing two things that cannot be found.
- The word عنقاء shares a linguistic root with the word for 'long-necked', which describes the physical appearance of the mythical bird in traditional Arabic tales.
- Because عنقاء implies something that does not exist, an Arabic speaker might use the word to playfully suggest that a person's requested task is impossible.
Examples in context
- العنقاء هي طائرٌ خرافي يعتبر رمزًا للتجدد والخلود.The Phoenix is a mythical bird symbolizing renewal and immortality.
- طائر النار يمثل الهمة والشجاعة.The bird of fire represents ambition and courage.
Example conversation
Maryam and Ahmed are discussing their travel plans.
- مريم Maryamأريد السفر إلى الولايات المتحدة.Urid as-safar ila al-wilayat al-muttahida.I want to travel to the United States.
- أحمد Ahmedأي مدينة ستزورين يا مريم؟Ay madina satazurina ya Maryam?Which city will you visit, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamسأذهب إلى مدينة عنقاء.Sa-adhhab ila madinat 'Anqa.I will go to the city of Phoenix.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا اختيار رائع يا مريم.Hadha ikhtiyar ra'i' ya Maryam.That is a great choice, Maryam.
