عصفور
usfur
The Arabic word for sparrow is عصفور (usfur).
While it refers generically to any small, nondescript bird, عصفور is also frequently used metaphorically to describe something that is small, delicate or insignificant.
Meaning: generically, any small, nondescript bird (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of عصفور is عصافير.
How do you pronounce it?
usfur
Did you know?
- The root of عصفور is linked to the Proto-Afroasiatic word for 'guinea fowl', showing that the meaning shifted from a specific bird to a generic small one over millennia.
- The term عصفور is often used in traditional Arabic poetry to symbolize a longing for freedom or the fragility of youth.
Examples in context
- رأيت عصفوراً صغيراً في الحديقة.ra'aytu 'usfuuran sagheeran fil-hadiqa.I saw a small sparrow in the garden.
Example conversation
Omar and Sarah are sitting on a balcony during a sunny morning.
- عمر Omarانظري إلى ذلك العصفور الجميل يا سارة.unzhuree ila dhalika al-'usfuur al-jameel ya Sarah.Look at that beautiful sparrow, Sarah.
- سارة Saraنعم، إنه عصفور لطيف جداً.na'am, innahu 'usfuur lateef jiddan.Yes, it is a very cute sparrow.
- عمر Omarأعتقد أن العصفور يبحث عن طعام.a'taqidu anna al-'usfuur yabhasu 'an ta'aam.I think the sparrow is looking for food.
- سارة Saraصحيح، هو نشيط جداً اليوم.saheeh, huwa nasheet jiddan al-yawm.True, he is very active today.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عصفور, CC BY-SA 4.0.
