مسطرة
mastara
The English word 'ruler' can be translated into Arabic as مسطرة (mastara) when referring to a measuring or drawing device.
Meaning: measuring or drawing device (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use مسطرة for the physical tool. For a person in power, use one of the following terms: سلطان, أمير, ملك or شيخ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the United Arab Emirates, the word شيخ is often used to refer to a ruler or leader.
How do you pronounce it?
mastara
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, مسطرة is used metaphorically to describe something perfectly straight or a person who is very rigid and strict.
- The word مسطرة comes from the verb سطر which means to write or to line up, suggesting the tool is used to create straight lines of text.
- Because Arabic uses entirely different words for a measuring tool and a political leader, calling a king a مسطرة would sound completely absurd to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- لقد تم تنصيب السلطان الجديد كحاكم على المملكة.The new sultan has been installed as the ruler of the kingdom.
- قام الأمير بتطبيق سياسة تنموية ناجحة في إمارته.The emir implemented a successful development policy in his emirate.
- تلقى الملك استقبالًا حارًا خلال زيارته للدولة.The king received a warm reception during his visit to the country.
- الأمير قاد القبيلة بحكمة وشجاعة.The amir led the tribe with wisdom and courage.
- أحتاج إلى مسطرة جديدة.Ahtaju ila mistara jadida.I need a new ruler.
- هل لديك مسطرة هنا؟Hal ladayki mistara huna?Do you have a ruler here?
Example conversation
Omar and Nour are studying together at a desk.
- عمر Omarيا نور، هل معكِ مسطرة؟Ya Nour, hal ma'aki mistara?Nour, do you have a ruler with you?
- نور Nourنعم، تفضل هذه المسطرة.Na'am, tafaddal hadhihi al-mistara.Yes, here is this ruler.
- عمر Omarشكراً لكِ، هي قصيرة جداً.Shukran laki, hiya qasira jiddan.Thank you, it is very short.
- نور Nourلا مشكلة، استعملها للدرس.La mushkila, ista'milha lil-dars.No problem, use it for the lesson.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مسطرة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
