في الطابق العلوي
fi al-tabiq al-'ulwi
The English word 'upstairs' can be translated into Arabic as في الطابق العلوي (fi al-tabiq al-'ulwi).
في الطابق العلوي is used to describe being on or moving to a higher floor or level.
Meaning: up the stairs, on or to a higher floor or level (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition 'in' (في), the noun 'floor' (الطابق) and the adjective 'upper' (العلوي), literally meaning 'in the floor the upper'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase في الطابق العلوي is used in formal situations. In casual spoken Arabic, people often simply use فوق to mean 'above' or 'upstairs' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the phrase 'the upper floor', the adjective علوي must match the definite article of the noun الطابق.
How do you pronounce it?
fi al-tabiq al-'ulwi
Did you know?
- The word for 'floor' or 'story' (الطابق) is derived from the root meaning 'to fold' or 'to layer'. This suggests that buildings were historically viewed as layers stacked on top of one another.
- Depending on the region, using فوق to mean 'upstairs' might be accompanied by a slight upward gesture of the chin, which is a common non-verbal cue in Arabic culture.
- In classical Arabic poetry, the concept of 'height' or 'upper levels' is often used as a metaphor for nobility and honor, making the root of العلوي associated with high status.
Examples in context
- هو في الطابق العلوي.He is upstairs.This sentence is useful for saying that someone is upstairs using في الطابق العلوي.Tatoeba #11677217 by dididodo, translation #8179452 by Amastan
- يقطن في الطابق العلوي.He lives upstairs.Tatoeba #11677221 by dididodo, translation #8182800 by Amastan
- منزله في الطابق العلوي.His place is upstairs.This sentence is useful for saying that a place is upstairs using في الطابق العلوي.Tatoeba #11609168 by dididodo, translation #8182799 by Amastan
- يوجد مكتبهم في الطابق العلوي من العمارة.Their office is on the upper floor of the building.
- الغرفة فوق.The room is upstairs.
- أين يوجد الطابق العلوي؟Where is the upper floor?
- أين تقع الغرفة العلوية؟Where is the upstairs room?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Layla and Ahmed are looking for a guest room in a house.
- ليلى Laylaأين غرفة الضيوف يا أحمد؟Ayna ghurfat al-duyuf ya Ahmed?Where is the guest room, Ahmed?
- أحمد Ahmedالغرفة موجودة في الطابق العلوي.Al-ghurfa mawjuda fi al-tabiq al-ulwi.The room is upstairs.
- ليلى Laylaهل هي كبيرة وواسعة؟Hal hiya kabira wa wasi'a?Is it big and spacious?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، هي أجمل غرفة في البيت.Na'am, hiya ajmal ghurfa fi al-bayt.Yes, it is the most beautiful room in the house.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
