عَالِم
ʕālimmasculine
The English word 'scientist' is translated into Arabic as عَالِم (ʕālim). Wiktionary also lists عَالِمَة (ʕālima).
Meaning: one whose activities make use of the scientific method (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| عَالِم | ʕālim | masculine |
| عَالِمَة | ʕālima | feminine |
عَالِم refers to one whose activities make use of the scientific method. Depending on the context, it can also refer to a highly learned scholar or a religious authority.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Arabic root 'ʿ-l-m' (ع–ل–م), which relates to knowledge or knowing, making the term literally mean 'one who knows'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple scientists, use the masculine plural form عَالِمُونَ in the nominative case or the feminine plural form عَالِمَات.
How do you pronounce it?
ʕālim
Did you know?
- The term عَالِم is used in a specific way in Islamic theology to describe the 'All-Knowing', one of the primary names of God, which elevates the word's spiritual significance.
- The root 'ʿ-l-m' is also the source for the word عَلَم, which can mean a 'flag' or a 'sign', suggesting that a person of knowledge is a 'sign' or a 'landmark' in society.
- In many Arabic-speaking countries, if you call someone a عَالِم, they might assume you are complimenting their deep religious or philosophical wisdom rather than their laboratory skills.
Examples in context
- يُعتَبَر الدكتور أحمد عالِمًا رائِدًا في مَجالِ الفيزياء.Dr. Ahmed is considered a pioneering scientist in the field of physics.
- إن نجاح آية بجعة في مجال التكنولوجيا يُثبِت أنها باحِثة واعِدة.Ayah's success in the field of technology confirms her as a promising scientist.
- هُوَ عَالِمٌ مَشْهُورٌ فِي الكِيمْيَاء.Huwa ‘ālimun mashhūrun fī al-kīmiyā’.He is a famous scientist in chemistry.
- كُلُّ عَالِمٍ يَحْتَاجُ إِلَى الصَّبْرِ.Kullu ‘ālimin yahtāju ilā al-sabr.Every scientist needs patience.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Nour are discussing their dream jobs at school.
- أحمد Ahmedأريد أن أعمل كعَالِم في المستقبل.Urīdu an a‘mala ka-‘ālim fī al-mustaqbal.I want to work as a scientist in the future.
- نور Nourهذا رائع يا أحمد!Hādhā rāʾi‘ ya Ahmed!That is great, Ahmed!
- أحمد Ahmedماذا عنك يا نور؟Mādhā ‘anki ya Nour?What about you, Nour?
- نور Nourأنا سأصبح عَالِمَة في الكيمياء.Ana sa-asbaḥu ‘ālimah fī al-kīmiyāʾ.I will become a chemist scientist.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scientist” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
