Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “they” in Arabic. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this pronoun, along with various tips, examples, and a brief mention of regional variations. So, whether you’re a beginner learning Arabic or already familiar with the language, this guide will help you navigate the usage of “they” in Arabic.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “They” in Arabic
When it comes to using formal language, Arabic offers specific pronouns to address the third person plural, which translates to “they” in English. Here are the most common formal ways to express “they” in Arabic:
- Hum: هم
Example: يذهبون إلى الجامعة. هم طلاب مجتهدين.
Translation: They go to university. They are diligent students.
- Humā: هما
Example: هما يدرسان العلوم الطبية. هما يكنّان حبًا للمساعدة.
Translation: They study medical sciences. They both have a passion for helping others.
Informal Ways to Say “They” in Arabic
When you’re using informal language or addressing friends, family, or people of a similar age group, the vocabulary for expressing “they” differs slightly. Below are some informal ways to say “they” in Arabic:
- Hum: هم (similar to the formal version)
Example: يلعبون في الحديقة. هم أصدقاء مقربون.
Translation: They play in the park. They are close friends.
- Ihumm: إيهم (used in some dialects)
Example: إيهم قادمون إلى الحفلة اليوم؟
Translation: Are they coming to the party today?
Tips for Using “They” in Arabic
Now that we’ve covered the basic ways to say “they” in Arabic, here are some useful tips to keep in mind when using this pronoun:
- Arabic verbs are conjugated differently based on the pronouns, so pay attention to the verb forms when using “they.”
- If you’re uncertain about the formality of a situation, it’s safer to use the formal pronouns until you have a better understanding.
- When speaking informally, you can often drop the pronoun altogether, especially if it’s clear from the context. This is more common in conversational Arabic.
- Arabic dialects can vary significantly across regions, so it’s important to adapt to the appropriate pronoun usage when communicating with native speakers of a specific dialect.
Example Sentences
Let’s explore a few additional example sentences to solidify your understanding of using “they” in Arabic:
1. يدرسون معًا في المكتبة. هم يساعدون بعضهم البعض. (Translation: They study together in the library. They help each other.)
2. تحب هاتان الفتاتان الموسيقى. هما يمارسان العزف يوميًا. (Translation: These two girls love music. They practice playing instruments every day.)
3. يشكلون فريقًا متميزًا. هؤلاء يفوزون دائمًا. (Translation: They form an outstanding team. They always win.)
As you progress in learning Arabic, continue practicing the usage of “they” in various contexts to enhance your language skills.
Arabic is a rich and diverse language, and each dialect brings its unique nuances to pronoun usage. While we have primarily focused on standard Arabic and some informal variations, don’t hesitate to explore dialect-specific resources to gain a deeper understanding of your target dialect.
Remember, language learning is a journey, so embrace every opportunity to practice and expand your knowledge. Soon enough, you’ll master the usage of “they” in Arabic effortlessly!
