مَعًا
maʕan
The English word "together" can be translated into Arabic as مَعًا (maʕan). Wiktionary also lists سَوِيًّا (sawiyyan).
Meaning: at the same time, in the same place (adv)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| مَعًا | maʕan |
| سَوِيًّا | sawiyyan |
The term is used to describe people or things being in the same place or acting as a single unit, or to describe actions occurring at the same time.
Which one should you use?
The form مَعًا is the most common way to express people or things being in the same place together as a group. In contrast, the formal form سَوِيًّا is often used to emphasize performing an action in unison or simultaneously.
How does it change in a sentence?
Be careful not to confuse مَعًا with the preposition مَعَ, which simply means "with".
How do you pronounce it?
maʕan
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, the standard مَعًا is replaced by the word سَوَا (sawā). While the classical form is used in writing, you will hear the shorter, more rhythmic version almost exclusively in spoken street language.
- The word سَوِيًّا shares a root with the Arabic word for 'straight' or 'level', implying that doing something together creates a sense of balance or alignment.
- In formal news broadcasts, if two events happen 'together' in time, you will rarely hear مَعًا. Instead, the presenters use the sophisticated phrase في آنٍ واحد to signal precise simultaneity.
Examples in context
- نحن نعيش معًا.We live together.
- سنعمل على هذا المشروع معًا.We will work on this project together.
- لنعمل سوا لإنجاز هذه المهمة.Let's work together to accomplish this task.
- دعونا نستمتع بالوقت مع بعض.Let's enjoy the time together.
- نَحْنُ نَعْمَلُ مَعًاWe work together
- نَحْنُ نَعْمَلُ مَعًا.nahnu na'malu ma'an.We work together.
- يَجِبُ أَنْ نَأْكُلَ مَعًا.yajibu an na'kula ma'an.We must eat together.
- سَنَذْهَبُ إِلَى الشَّاطِئِ مَعًا.sanadhhabu ila ash-shati'i ma'an.We will go to the beach together.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ahmed are planning a meal.
- سارة Saraهل تريد أن نطبخ مَعًا اليوم؟Hal turidu an natbukha ma'an al-yawm?Do you want to cook together today?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، هذه فكرة رائعة يا سارة.Na'am, hadhihi fikra ra'i'a ya Sarah.Yes, that is a great idea, Sarah.
- سارة Saraسأقوم بتجهيز المكونات الآن.Sa-aqumu bi-tajhiz al-mukawwinat al-an.I will prepare the ingredients now.
- أحمد Ahmedحسناً، سأساعدك في المطبخ.Hasanan, sa-usa'iduki fi al-matbakh.Okay, I will help you in the kitchen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “together” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
