بدون
bidun
The English phrase 'without' is translated into Arabic as بدون (bidun).
The word is used to indicate that someone or something does not have a particular thing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word بدون is composed of the prefix bi- (with) and dun (without/except), though in modern usage it is treated as a single unit meaning 'without'.
How do you pronounce it?
bidun
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, the word بدون is used as a noun to describe a stateless person, specifically those who lack official nationality documents.
- The word بدون is a linguistic paradox because it literally combines the prefix for 'with' bi- and the word for 'below' or 'less than' dūn. To a native speaker, it is a single unit, but its structure is a contradiction of opposites.
- In classical Arabic poetry, the word دُونَ (dūn) can be used to indicate that something is 'short of' a goal or just before a destination, rather than just a lack of a physical object.
Examples in context
- ما من حياة بدون ماء.There is no life without water.This sentence is useful for showing how to use بدون in a general statement about life and water.Tatoeba #10116638 by Amghar, translation #853069 by piksea
- أجاب زيري بدون تردد.Ziri answered without hesitation.This sentence shows how to use بدون to describe an action performed without hesitation.Tatoeba #11615971 by dididodo, translation #10206961 by Amastan
- تموت الأزهار بدون ماء.Flowers die without water.This sentence demonstrates the use of بدون when discussing the needs of flowers.Tatoeba #8434011 by TheBahi, translation #5156864 by CarpeLanam
- بدون ماء لا يمكن العيش.Without water, it is impossible to live.
- لا يمكن الاستمرار من دون تعاون.It is impossible to continue without cooperation.
- ما بتقدر تعيش من غير صحاب.You can't live without friends.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Omar are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- نور Nourهل تريد القهوة بدون سكر؟hal turid al-qahwa bidun sukkar?Do you want the coffee without sugar?
- عمر Omarنعم، أنا أشرب القهوة بدون سكر.na'am, ana ashrab al-qahwa bidun sukkar.Yes, I drink coffee without sugar.
- نور Nourحسناً، هل تريد حليباً أيضاً؟hasanan, hal turid haliban aydan?Okay, do you want milk too?
- عمر Omarلا، بدون حليب من فضلك.la, bidun halib min fadlik.No, without milk please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بدون, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
