مؤسف
mu'sif
The English word "unfortunate" translates to Arabic as مؤسف (mu'sif).
مؤسف is used to describe something that is marked by, accompanied by or results in misfortune. A common way to express that a situation or event is unfortunate is to use the phrase أمر مؤسف, which means "an unfortunate matter".
Meaning: marked or accompanied by or resulting in misfortune (adj)
Which one should you use?
While مؤسف describes something that is unfortunate, the word مشؤوم carries a sense of misfortune, describing something cursed or ill-fated.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective takes the feminine form مؤسفة when describing a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
mu'sif
Did you know?
- In Arabic culture, mentioning an 'unfortunate' event sometimes prompts the speaker to say الحمد لله ('praise be to God') to show resilience and acceptance of fate.
- The root of مؤسف is connected to the concept of 'sorrow' or 'regret'. While it translates to 'unfortunate' in English, an Arabic speaker is literally describing something that 'causes grief'.
- While مؤسف describes a regrettable situation, the word سيء الحظ is used specifically for people who have 'bad luck'. Using مؤسف to describe a person would sound as if you are calling them a 'sad person'.
Examples in context
- نتيجة المشروع كانت مؤسفة.The outcome of the project was unfortunate.
- مؤسف إني فاتني الباص.It's unfortunate that I missed the bus.
- كان الحادث مؤسفًا حقًا.The accident was truly unfortunate.
- هو مثل المغناطيس للحظ السيئ!He's like a magnet for misfortune!
- هذا أمر مؤسف حقاً.hadha amrun mu'sifun haqqan.This is truly unfortunate.
- لقد كان قراراً مؤسفاً.laqad kana qararan mu'sifan.It was an unfortunate decision.
Example conversation
Mariam and Youssef are discussing a canceled event.
- مريم Maryamلقد ألغوا الحفل المفاجئ.laqad alghaw al-hafla al-mufaji'a.They canceled the surprise party.
- يوسف Youssefهذا خبر مؤسف جداً يا مريم.hadha khabarun mu'sifun jiddan ya Mariam.That is very unfortunate news, Mariam.
- مريم Maryamنعم، لقد خططنا له طويلاً.na'am, laqad khatatna lahu tawilan.Yes, we planned it for a long time.
- يوسف Youssefأنا آسف لسماع ذلك.ana asifun li-sama'i dhalik.I am sorry to hear that.
