مربع
murabba'
In Arabic, 'square' is translated as مربع (murabba') when used as an adjective.
The adjective مربع describes something that is shaped like a square. If you are referring to a public town square, a different word is used.
Meaning: shaped like a square (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word مربع is derived from the root r-b-' (ر–ب–ع), which relates to the number four.
Which one should you use?
While مربع refers to a geometric square, use ميدان to refer to a public town square.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the word for a town square is ميدان, while in Levantine Arabic, the word is ساحة.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
murabba'
Did you know?
- In Arabic, the term مربع can describe a specific area of grazing land. This usage comes from the concept of animals feeding in a pasture during the spring.
- The word مربع is a passive participle of a verb meaning 'to quadruple'. This shows that the shape is viewed as the result of a process of multiplying by four.
- The root ر ب ع allows for a variety of meanings ranging from the number 'four' to the 'spring' season and 'pasture' lands.
Examples in context
- الميدان بجانب المسجد جميل جدًا.The square next to the mosque is very beautiful.
- الميدان يعتبر مركز المدينة.The square is considered the city center.
- هنروح نتجول في الميدان؟Shall we go for a stroll in the square?
- الميدان في وسط البلد.The square is in the city center.
- شو رأيك نتجول بالساحة؟What do you think about strolling in the square?
- الساحة مزدحمة اليوم.The square is crowded today.
- هذا الشكل مربع.hadha al-shakl murabba'.This shape is square.
- أريد وسادة مربعة.uridu wisada murabba'a.I want a square pillow.
- النافذة في الغرفة مربعة.al-nafidha fi al-ghurfa murabba'a.The window in the room is square.
Example conversation
Nour and Ahmed are choosing furniture for a room.
- نور Nourهل هذه الطاولة مربعة؟hal hadhihi al-tawila murabba'a?Is this table square?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، هي طاولة مربعة.na'am, hiya tawila murabba'a.Yes, it is a square table.
- نور Nourهل هي كبيرة؟hal hiya kabira?Is it big?
- أحمد Ahmedلا، هي صغيرة ومربعة.la, hiya saghira wa murabba'a.No, it is small and square.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مربع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
