غَرِيب
ḡarībmasculine
The Arabic word for 'stranger' is غَرِيب (ḡarīb). Wiktionary also lists غَرِيبَة (ḡarība).
Meaning: person whom one does not know (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| غَرِيب | ḡarīb | masculine |
| غَرِيبَة | ḡarība | feminine |
The term غَرِيب is used to refer to a person whom one does not know. It is also the same word used as an adjective to describe something as 'strange' or 'weird'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the word is غُرَبَاء.
How do you pronounce it?
ḡarīb
Did you know?
- In spiritual or Sufi contexts, the term غَرِيب can be used to describe the human condition on Earth as being a 'temporary stranger'.
- The root of غَرِيب is linked to the idea of something being 'hidden' or 'obscure' from the eyes.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, calling someone a غَرِيب can imply they are a person without a tribe or social support system, rather than just an unknown person.
Examples in context
- مرحبًا، أنت غريب عنّي.Hello, you are a stranger to me.
- هل أنت أجنبي؟Are you a foreigner?
- لا تتحدث مع أي غَرِيب.la tatahaddath ma'a ayy gharib.Do not talk to any stranger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stranger” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
