تحامل
tahamul
The English word 'prejudice' is translated into Arabic as تحامل (tahamul).
The term refers to an irrational, hostile attitude toward someone or something.
Meaning: irrational hostile attitude (noun)
Which one should you use?
The formal term التحامَل is used when referring specifically to the general concept of prejudice in a formal context. Additionally, if you are specifically discussing 'racial prejudice', the formal term التحيز العرقي is used.
How do you pronounce it?
tahamul
Did you know?
- The root for تحامل is the same as the word for 'pregnancy' حمل, creating a linguistic link between carrying a child and carrying a prejudice.
- While تحامل describes a biased attitude, the word تحيز is often used to describe 'bias' or 'partiality'. The latter comes from the root for 'side', implying that the person has physically moved to one side of a conflict.
- Arabic distinguishes between an emotional burden تحامل and a strategic preference تحيز, whereas English often uses 'prejudice' or 'bias' for both.
Examples in context
- يجب أن نقاتل التحيز العرقي في مجتمعنا.We must fight racial prejudice in our society.
- الظاهرة الاجتماعية تستند على التحامَل والعداء للآخر.Social phenomenon is based on prejudice and hostility towards others.
- التحامَل مرفوض بشدة وينبغي مكافحته في المجتمع.Prejudice is strongly rejected and should be combated in society.
- هذا القرار ناتج عن تحامل واضح.hādha al-qarāru nātijun 'an tahāmulin wādih.This decision is the result of clear prejudice.
Example conversation
Youssef and Layla are discussing a recent decision at their company.
- يوسف Youssefهل شعرتِ بوجود تحامل في الاجتماع؟hal sha'arti bi-wujūdi tahāmulin fī al-ijtimā'?Did you feel there was prejudice in the meeting?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، كان تحامل المدير واضحاً جداً.na'am, kāna tahāmulu al-mudīri wādihan jiddan.Yes, the manager's prejudice was very clear.
- يوسف Youssefهذا التصرف غير مقبول أبداً.hādha al-tasarrufu ghayru maqbulin abadan.This behavior is absolutely unacceptable.
- ليلى Laylaيجب أن نتحدث مع الموارد البشرية.yajibu an natahaddatha ma'a al-mawarid al-bashariyyah.We must speak with Human Resources.
