بَرَّاق
barrāq
The English word 'shiny' can be translated into Arabic as بَرَّاق (barrāq) or لَامِع.
Meaning: reflecting light (adj)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| بَرَّاق | barrāq |
| لَامِع | lāmiʕ |
Both terms are adjectives used to describe something reflecting light.
What does it mean word for word?
The form لَامِع is derived from the Arabic root L-M-A (ل م ع), which relates to the act of shining or gleaming.
Which one should you use?
The form لَامِع is the more common, neutral term for a shiny, glossy or lustrous surface. In contrast, بَرَّاق implies a more intense, sparkling or dazzlingly shiny appearance.
How do you pronounce it?
barrāq
Did you know?
- The root of بَرَّاق is shared with the word بَرْق, which means 'lightning'. This is why بَرَّاق suggests a flashing or dazzling light rather than a steady glow.
- Arabic poetic tradition often uses the concept of 'shining' or 'gleaming' to describe the white teeth of a beautiful person. This is a common metaphor for perfection.
- While لَامِع describes a physical surface, it is also the standard word for a 'brilliant' or 'distinguished' person, such as a عقل لَامِع for a 'shiny' or brilliant mind.
Examples in context
- تلفوني لمّاعMy phone is shiny
- هذا الخاتم بَرَّاق جِدًّا.hadha al-khatim barraq jiddan.This ring is very shiny.
Example conversation
Ziyad and Maryam are looking at jewelry in a store.
- زياد Ziadانظري إلى هذا العقد بَرَّاق!Unzhuri ila hadha al-iqd barraq!Look at this necklace, it is shiny!
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنه جميل جداً يا زياد.Na'am, innahu jamil jiddan ya Ziyad.Yes, it is very beautiful, Ziyad.
- زياد Ziadهل يعجبكِ هذا الحجر البَرَّاق؟Hal yu'jibuki hadha al-hajar al-barraq?Do you like this shiny stone?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنه يلمع بقوة.Na'am, innahu yalma' bi-quwa.Yes, it shines strongly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shiny” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
