باور بانك
bāwir bānk
The English phrase 'power bank' is translated into Arabic as باور بانك (bāwir bānk).
The term refers to a portable battery used to charge electronic devices.
Which one should you use?
While باور بانك is a transliteration of the English term, you may also encounter شاحن محمول or شاحن متنقل, both of which mean 'portable charger'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
باور بانك is an informal transliteration of the English term and is the most common way to refer to the device in casual conversation across the Arab world. For a more formal or grammatically correct approach, you can use شاحن محمول or شاحن متنقل.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, the term مكنة شحن is used for a power bank. In some Gulf states, people refer to the device as بنك الطاقة.
How do you pronounce it?
bāwir bānk
Did you know?
- Because باور بانك is written using the Arabic alphabet, the 'p' sound in 'power' is replaced by ب (b) because the Arabic language does not have a native 'p' sound.
- The word شاحن (shāḥin) comes from the root meaning 'to charge' or 'to load', which in a different context can refer to loading a weapon or a cargo ship.
- The formal term شاحن متنقل uses the word متنقل, which can also describe a nomadic lifestyle or a mobile clinic, emphasizing the 'ability to move' rather than just being 'portable'.
Examples in context
- هل يتوفر شاحن محمول في المتجر؟Is a portable charger available in the store?
- لا تنسَ حمل بطارية متنقلة في حالة انتهاء الشحن.Don't forget to carry a portable battery in case the charge runs out.
- هل معك باور بانك؟Hal ma'aka باور بانك?Do you have a power bank with you?
Example conversation
Omar and Nour are at a cafe and Omar's phone is dying.
- عمر Omarنور، بطارية هاتفي منخفضة جداً.Nour, battāriyat hātifī munkhafida jiddan.Nour, my phone battery is very low.
- نور Nourلا تقلق يا عمر، لدي باور بانك.lā taqlaq yā Omar, ladayya bawir bānk.Don't worry Omar, I have a power bank.
- عمر Omarشكراً جزيلاً لكِ.shukran jazīlan laki.Thank you very much.
- نور Nourالعفو، تفضل استخدمه.al-afw, tafaddal istakhdimhu.You're welcome, go ahead and use it.
