خطيئة
khaṭī'ah
The English word 'sin' is translated into Arabic as خطيئة (khaṭī'ah).
خطيئة is used to describe a misdeed or a sin.
Meaning: misdeed (noun)
Which one should you use?
While خطيئة often refers to a moral or religious sin, ذنب is frequently used to refer to a fault, guilt or a specific wrongdoing. The term ذَنْبٌ refers to a sin in a general sense and can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts. The term إِثْمٌ refers to committing an offense or wrongdoing and encompasses both major and minor sins.
How do you pronounce it?
khaṭī'ah
Did you know?
- The word for 'sin' in the ancient Ethiopian language Ge'ez is nearly identical to the Arabic خطيئة, likely due to a shared borrowing from Syriac.
- If you make a mistake in a mathematical or logical sense, you might use a root similar to the one found in خطيئة. This links the act of 'sinning' to the act of 'being incorrect'.
Examples in context
- عَصِيَانُ آدَمَ لِأَمْرِ اللهِAdam's disobedience to God's command.
- أشعر بالندم على هذا الإثمI feel remorse for this sin/offense.
- هذه خطيئة كبيرة.hadhihi khati'ah kabirah.This is a great sin.
- لا ترتكب خطيئة أخرى.la tartakib khati'ah ukhra.Do not commit another sin.
- لقد شعرت بالندم على كل خطيئة.laqad sha'artu bil-nadam 'ala kull khati'ah.I felt regret for every sin.
Example conversation
Ziad and Maryam are discussing a character in a novel.
- زياد Ziadهل تعتقد أن بطل القصة ارتكب خطيئة؟hal ta'taqid anna batal al-qissa artakaba khati'ah?Do you think the hero of the story committed a sin?
- مريم Maryamنعم، لقد كانت خطيئة فادحة.na'am, laqad kanat khati'ah fadiha.Yes, it was a grave sin.
- زياد Ziadمريم، هل تعتقدين أنه سيغفر له؟Maryam, hal ta'taqidina annahu sayughfar lahu?Maryam, do you think he will be forgiven?
- مريم Maryamربما، إذا طلب السماح.rubbama, idha talaba al-samah.Maybe, if he asks for forgiveness.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries خطيئة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
