إشارة الصليب
'ishārat aṣ-ṣalīb
The phrase for "the sign of the cross" in Arabic is إشارة الصليب ('ishārat aṣ-ṣalīb).
This phrase is used specifically within Christian contexts to refer to the ritual gesture.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of إشارة (sign/gesture) and الصليب (the cross).
How do you pronounce it?
'ishārat aṣ-ṣalīb
Did you know?
- The root of الصليب (ṣ-l-b) relates to the idea of being 'upright' or 'firm', connecting the physical object of the cross to the concept of strength.
- The word صليب is used not only for the ritual 'cross' but also as a common surname among Arab Christians, often indicating a family's long-standing faith.
- Arabic has a distinct word for the 'cross' as a symbol, صليب, which is different from the word for a generic 'cross' or 'intersection' of two lines, تقاطع.
Examples in context
- باسم الآب والابن والروح القدس، آمين.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
- باسم الآب، والابن، والروح القدس، الإله الواحد، آمين.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, amen.
- قام الكاهن بعمل إشارة الصليب.qama al-kahin bi'amal isharat al-salib.The priest made the sign of the cross.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are talking about a religious ceremony they attended.
- نور Nourهل رأيت كيف فعلوا إشارة الصليب؟hal ra'ayta kayfa fa'alu isharat al-salib?Did you see how they made the sign of the cross?
- زياد Ziadنعم، رأيت ذلك يا نور.na'am, ra'aytu dhalika ya Nour.Yes, I saw that, Nour.
- نور Nourكانت إشارة الصليب واضحة جداً.kanat isharat al-salib wadiha jiddan.The sign of the cross was very clear.
- زياد Ziadلقد كانت لحظة جميلة.laqad kanat lahza jamila.It was a beautiful moment.
