عابر جنسيا
‘ābir jinsīyan
In Arabic, the word for transgender is عابر جنسيا (‘ābir jinsīyan).
This term describes a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, either broadly or specifically in the sense of having an opposite gender identity.
Meaning: (broadly) of a person: having a gender (identity) which is different from one’s assigned sex, (strictly) of a person: having a gender (identity) which is opposite from the sex one was assigned at birth (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word عابر (ābir) literally means 'passing' or 'crossing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of men or a mixed group in the masculine plural, use عابرون جنسياً (ābirūn jinsīyan).
How do you pronounce it?
‘ābir jinsīyan
Did you know?
- The root of عابر is the same as that used for the word 'crossing' in a bridge or border, framing the transition as a movement from one territory to another.
- While عابر جنسياً is a formal term, many Arabic speakers use the English word 'transgender' directly in casual conversation or social media to avoid ambiguity.
- The term عابر جنسيا is a 'calque', meaning it was constructed by translating the English concept word-for-word into Arabic rather than using a traditional Arabic term.
Examples in context
- لدينا برامج دعم للأشخاص المتحولين جنسياً.We have support programs for transgender individuals.
- لدي صديقة ترانسجندر.I have a transgender friend.
- هو شخص عابر جنسيا.huwa shakṣ 'ābir jinsiyan.He is a transgender person.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new book in a cafe.
- يوسف Youssefهل قرأتِ الرواية الجديدة؟hal qara'ti al-riwāya al-jadīda?Have you read the new novel?
- مريم Maryamنعم، إنها تتحدث عن شخص عابر جنسيا.na'am, innahā tataḥaddath 'an shakṣ 'ābir jinsiyan.Yes, it is about a transgender person.
- يوسف Youssefهل كانت القصة مؤثرة يا مريم؟hal kānat al-qiṣṣa mu'aththira yā Maryam?Was the story moving, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamنعم، كانت قصة جميلة جداً.na'am, kānat qiṣṣa jamīla jiddan.Yes, it was a very beautiful story.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries عابر جنسيا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
