حمامة
hamama
The English word pigeon is حمامة (hamama) in Arabic.
The term refers to birds in the Columbidae family, which includes both pigeons and doves.
Meaning: bird of the dove and pigeon family Columbidae (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term حمام is used in more formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, حمامة is commonly used to refer to a pigeon.
How does it change in a sentence?
حمامة is a feminine noun. To express the plural, use حمامات.
How do you pronounce it?
hamama
Did you know?
- The word حمام can mean 'pigeons' in the plural, but it is also the word for 'bathroom' or 'public bath'.
- In some Arab cities, the tradition of 'pigeon flying' is a competitive hobby where breeders train حمامة to perform acrobatic aerial maneuvers.
- Ancient Middle Eastern traditions often associated the حمامة with the divine, leading to the bird being protected or fed by locals near mosques.
Examples in context
- شوفت حمامة حلوة في الشارع.I saw a beautiful pigeon in the street.
- رأيت حمامة بيضاء في الحديقة.ra'aytu hamāmatan bayḍā'a fī al-ḥadīqa.I saw a white pigeon in the garden.
Example conversation
Layla and Ziyad are walking in a public square.
- ليلى Laylaانظر يا زياد، هناك حمامة صغيرة!Unzur ya Ziyad, hunaka hamama saghira!Look Ziyad, there is a small pigeon!
- زياد Ziadنعم، إنها تبحث عن طعام.Na'am, innaha tabhath 'an ta'am.Yes, it is looking for food.
- ليلى Laylaهل تريد إطعام هذه الحمامة؟Hal turid it'am hadhihi al-hamama?Do you want to feed this pigeon?
- زياد Ziadلا، ليس معي طعام الآن.La, laysa ma'i ta'am al-an.No, I don't have any food right now.
