غريب
gharib
The Arabic word for weird is غريب (gharib).
The term is used to describe something that is deviating from the normal or is bizarre. Note that غريب is also the standard word used to refer to a 'stranger' (a person whom one does not know).
Meaning: deviating from the normal, bizarre (adj)
Which one should you use?
While غريب is the standard term for weird or bizarre, it also functions as the word for a stranger. For a more intense sense of being 'awfully strange' or 'weird' in an informal context, you might hear the expression عَجِيب مَرِيب.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective takes the feminine form غريبة when describing a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
gharib
Did you know?
- The term الغريب (the stranger) is sometimes used in a spiritual context to describe someone who is an outsider to the worldly or material existence.
- In classical Arabic literature, being described as غريب could be a high compliment, suggesting a person is 'extraordinary' or 'unique' instead of just 'odd'.
- The root of غريب is linked to the concept of being 'away' or 'distant', reflecting how something 'weird' feels foreign or removed from the norm.
Examples in context
- كان زيري غريبا حقا.Ziri was really weird.This sentence shows how to use غريب to describe a person.Tatoeba #10979496 by Amghar, translation #10204255 by Amastan
- بدأ سامي يصبح غريبًا.Sami started getting weird.This sentence shows the use of غريب to describe a person's behavior or state.Tatoeba #11621453 by elmassoudi, translation #6807097 by OsoHombre
- كانت رائحة زيري غريبة.Ziri smelt weird.This sentence demonstrates using غريب to describe a scent.Tatoeba #10228969 by Amastan, translation #10204304 by Amastan
- الفيلم كَانَ عَجِيب مَرِيب!That movie was really weird!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are talking about a movie they just watched.
- أحمد Ahmedهل أعجبكِ الفيلم يا سارة؟Hal a'jabaki al-film ya Sarah?Did you like the movie, Sarah?
- سارة Saraنعم، لكنت النهاية غريبة جداً.Na'am, lakin al-nihaya ghariba jiddan.Yes, but the ending was very weird.
- أحمد Ahmedأوافقكِ الرأي، كان الأمر غريب حقاً.Uwafiquki al-ra'y, kana al-amr gharib haqqan.I agree with you, it was really weird.
- سارة Saraربما يجب أن نشاهده مرة أخرى.Rubbama yajibu an nushahidahu marra ukhra.Maybe we should watch it again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries غريب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
