مفهوم
mafhūm
In Arabic, the word for 'understood' is مفهوم (mafhūm).
The adjective مفهوم is used to describe something that has been comprehended. Other phrases like فهمت ما قلته (I understood what you said) are used to express the action of understanding.
Meaning: comprehended (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word مفهوم is a passive participle derived from the root f-h-m (ف–ه–م), which means 'to understand'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the word must agree in gender with the noun it describes, so use the feminine form مفهومة for feminine nouns. If the word functions as an object or follows certain particles, it will take the accusative ending '-an' as seen in مفهوماً.
How do you pronounce it?
mafhūm
Did you know?
- The term 'mafhum' (مفهوم) is often used in legal or philosophical Arabic to refer to a 'concept' or a 'notion' rather than just something that has been comprehended.
- In a formal setting, simply saying مفهوم might sound overly blunt or clinical, almost like a computer confirming a command, whereas 'fahamtu' (I understood) is more human.
- In many Arabic dialects, if you want to say 'Understood?' as a question to check if someone follows you, you might skip the word 'understood' entirely and simply say فهمت؟ (Did you understand?) or use the word تمام؟ (Okay?).
Examples in context
- جوابها لم يكن مفهوماً.Her answer couldn't be understood.This sentence is useful for showing how مفهوم appears in the accusative case as مفهوماً.Tatoeba #1383196 by alanood, translation #308155 by CK
- كلامه لم يكن مفهوماً.kalamu hu lam yakun mafhouman.His speech was not understood.
- هل هذا الشرح مفهوم؟hal hadha al-sharh mafhoum?Is this explanation understood?
Example conversation
Sara and Yusef are discussing a school assignment.
- سارة Saraهل الدرس مفهوم الآن يا يوسف؟Hal ad-dars mafhum alan ya Yusef?Is the lesson understood now, Yusef?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، كل شيء أصبح واضحاً.Na'am, kullu shay' asbaha wadihan.Yes, everything has become clear.
- سارة Saraجيد، لنبدأ بحل التمارين.Jayyid, linabda' bi-hall at-tamarin.Good, let's start solving the exercises.
- يوسف Youssefأنا جاهز للبدء يا سارة.Ana jahiz lil-bad' ya Sara.I am ready to start, Sara.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
