رائع
rā'iʻ
The Arabic word for superb is رائع (rā'iʻ).
Arabic uses different words for superb depending on whether you are describing quality, performance or a feeling of astonishment.
Meaning: of the highest quality, exceptionally good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While رائع describes something of exceptional quality or beauty, ممتاز is a formal term specifically used to signify excellence and outstanding performance. For an informal sense of astonishment and admiration, you may use عَجِيب. If you want to informally refer to something as a masterpiece or a gem, use تحفة.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: رائعة is the feminine form, رائعون is the masculine plural form and رائعات is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
rā'iʻ
Did you know?
- The word رائع is rooted in the verb meaning 'to strike with terror' or 'to cause amazement'.
- The word تحفة is used for 'superb' items, but it is also the literal word for an 'artifact' or a 'piece of antiquity'.
- If you describe a situation as عَجِيب, you are describing something 'wonderful' that also carries a heavy sense of 'strangeness' or 'oddity'.
Examples in context
- واو، أداءك كان عجيبًا!Wow, your performance was superb!
- هذا المطعم رائع.hadha al-mat'am ra'i'.This restaurant is superb.
- كان عرضاً رائعاً!kana 'ardan ra'i'an!It was a superb performance!
- أنت طباخ رائع.anta tabbakh ra'i'.You are a superb cook.
Example conversation
Nour and Omar are discussing a movie they just watched.
- نور Nourما رأيك في الفيلم يا عمر؟Ma ra'yuka fi al-film ya Omar?What do you think of the movie, Omar?
- عمر Omarالفيلم كان رائعاً ومؤثراً.Al-film kana ra'i'an wa mu'athiran.The movie was superb and touching.
- نور Nourأنا أتفق معك تماماً.Ana attafiq ma'aka tamamann.I completely agree with you.
- عمر Omarهل تريد مشاهدته مرة أخرى؟Hal turid mushahadatahu marra ukhra?Do you want to watch it again?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries رائع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
