Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “subtitles” in Arabic. Whether you’re looking for formal or informal ways to express this term, we’ve got you covered. Arabic, with all its regional variations, offers unique expressions for different contexts. Let’s explore the various ways to say “subtitles” in Arabic.
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Formal Ways to Say Subtitles
In formal contexts, such as professional settings or official documents, you can use the following terms to refer to subtitles:
1. الترجمة التوضيحية (Al-Tarjama Al-Tawdeehiya)
Al-Tarjama Al-Tawdeehiya is the formal Arabic term for subtitles. It typically refers to the translated text that appears at the bottom of the screen in movies, TV shows, or other multimedia presentations.
Example: “عليك تفعيل خيار الترجمة التوضيحية للفيلم.” (You need to enable the subtitles for the movie.)
2. الترجمة المرفقة (Al-Tarjama Al-Muraffa’a)
Al-Tarjama Al-Muraffa’a is another formal term used for subtitles. It generally refers to the translated text that accompanies audio or video content.
Example: “تأكد من ترجمة المرفقة بنفس اللغة المشاهدة.” (Make sure to have the subtitles in the same language as the video.)
Informal Ways to Say Subtitles
When it comes to informal conversations or everyday language, you can use these more colloquial expressions to refer to subtitles:
1. الترجمة تحت الشاشة (Al-Tarjama Taht Al-Shasha)
This casual expression directly translates to “translation/subtitles below the screen.” It is commonly understood and used in casual conversations or when discussing movies and TV shows.
Example: “إزاي بتشوف مسلسل تركي بدون الترجمة تحت الشاشة؟” (How can you watch a Turkish series without subtitles below the screen?)
2. الكلمات المترجمة (Al-Kalimat al-Mutrjamah)
This informal phrase translates to “transcribed/translated words.” It is often used in less formal settings to refer to subtitles or translated text.
Example: “الفيلم ده مش مترجم ولا فيه الكلمات المترجمة؟” (Is this movie not subtitled or does it not have translated words?)
Regional Variations
While the above expressions are widely understood and used across the Arabic-speaking world, regional variations do exist. Here are a few examples:
1. العنوانات (Al-‘Anawatat)
In some Gulf countries, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, people use the term “Al-‘Anawatat,” which translates to “captions” rather than “subtitles.”
2. الترجمة الكتابية (Al-Tarjama Al-Kitabiya)
In some North African countries, such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the term “Al-Tarjama Al-Kitabiya” is used instead of the standard terms for subtitles. This expression refers to “written translation” and may be used interchangeably with the other terms.
Remember, while these regional variations do exist, they are not essential for everyday conversations.
Final Tips
When discussing subtitles in Arabic, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Always specify the language of the subtitles you are referring to: ترجمة الترجمة باللغة العربية (the subtitles in Arabic).
- In written Arabic, you can use the English loanword “سبتايتل” (Sibtaytl) to refer to subtitles.
- If you are unsure about the appropriate term, it’s always safe to go with “الترجمة التوضيحية” (Al-Tarjama Al-Tawdeehiya).
- Context matters. Adjust your language based on formality and the people you are conversing with.
Now that you are equipped with several ways to say “subtitles” in Arabic, you can confidently express yourself in both formal and informal settings. Expand your language skills and enjoy movies, TV shows, and multimedia content in Arabic to the fullest!
