صخرة
sakhra
The Arabic word for rock is صخرة (sakhra).
The term صخرة is used to describe a large stone or a boulder.
Meaning: large stone or boulder (noun)
Which one should you use?
While صخرة refers specifically to a large rock or boulder, the word حجر is typically used for a smaller stone or any solid, hard mineral matter.
How does it change in a sentence?
صخرة is the singular form of the word. The plural form is صخور.
How do you pronounce it?
sakhra
Did you know?
- The word صخر is a traditional male given name in several Arabic-speaking regions. It evokes qualities of strength, stability and endurance.
- In Arabic grammar, صخرة is a singulative noun derived from the collective noun صخر. This means the base word refers to a mass of rocks, and the suffix is added to pick out one single rock.
- In some Arabic dialects, calling a person صخرة can imply they are incredibly stubborn or unyielding, much like the physical properties of a boulder.
Examples in context
- ماذا يعيش تحت صخرة؟What lives under a rock?This example shows how to use صخرة when asking about life under a rock.Tatoeba #11978481 by dididodo, translation #8324610 by Amastan
- جلس زيري على صخرة أخرى.Ziri sat down on another rock.This example demonstrates the use of صخرة in the context of sitting on a rock.Tatoeba #11960117 by dididodo, translation #11195834 by Amastan
- كان بإمكان سامي أن يقيم صداقة حتّى مع صخرة.Sami could make friends with a fucking rock.This example uses صخرة in an idiomatic expression regarding making friends with an inanimate object.Tatoeba #7294257 by OsoHombre, translation #7203044 by OsoHombre
- قرأت كتاباً عن الصخور البركانية.I read a book about volcanic rocks.
Example conversation
Two hikers are resting on a mountain trail.
- مريم Maryamاجلس فوق هذه الصخرة الكبيرة.ijlis fawqa hadhihi al-sakhra al-kabira.Sit on top of this large rock.
- عمر Omarحسناً، هل هي صخرة ثابتة؟hasanan, hal hiya sakhra thabita?Okay, is it a stable rock?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنها صخرة قوية جداً.na'am, innaha sakhra qawiya jiddan.Yes, it is a very strong rock.
- عمر Omarشكراً لكِ يا مريم.shukran laki ya Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries صخرة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
