مع
ma'a
The English word "with" is translated into Arabic as مع (ma'a).
Meaning: with (prep)
Which one should you use?
Use مع when you mean accompaniment (being with someone). However, if you mean "with" in the sense of using a tool or an instrument, you should use the prefix بـ instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
مع can be combined with object pronouns to change the person being referred to. For example, adding the suffix -ka results in معك (with you, masculine), while adding the suffix -ki results in معكِ (with you, feminine).
How do you pronounce it?
ma'a
Did you know?
- In some dialects, مع is used as a shorthand way to say 'I have' by literally saying 'with me', such as معي فلوس for 'I have money'.
- The word مع is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word עם, which means 'people' or 'nation'.
- The word مع can be used in a mathematical context to express 'plus' or 'addition' in certain phrasing styles.
Examples in context
- كنا مع توم امسWe were with Tom yesterday.This sentence is useful for showing the use of مع to indicate accompaniment.Tatoeba #7484258 by Ahmed_Waleed, translation #7483473 by CK
- لا تخف، انا معكDon't be afraid, I am with you.This sentence shows how to use the combined form معك to mean "with you".Tatoeba #12293759 by HUSx, translation #12293734 by Aghanim
- مع من كنت تتكلم؟With whom were you speaking?This sentence demonstrates how to use مع in a question regarding whom someone was with.Tatoeba #372519 by saeb, translation #2982256 by AlanF_US
- أذهب إلى المكتبة مَع صديقي.I am going to the library with my friend.
- دعونا نذهب إلى الحفلة بصحبة والدي.Let's go to the party with my parents.
- رح أروح عالمدينة معاه.I'm going to the city with him.
- حابب أروح على الشاطئ معه.I want to go to the beach with him.
- 726 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryam and Youssef are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- مريم Maryamهل ستذهب إلى السينما مع أصدقائك؟Hal satadhhab ila al-sinima ma'a asdiqa'ika?Are you going to the cinema with your friends?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، وسأكون معهم في المساء.Na'am, wa sa-akuna ma'ahum fi al-masa'.Yes, and I will be with them in the evening.
- مريم Maryamهل يمكنني الذهاب معكما؟Hal yumkinuni al-dhahab ma'akuma?Can I go with you both?
- يوسف Youssefبالطبع، تعالي مع مريم.Biltab', ta'ali ma'a Maryam.Of course, come with Maryam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
