كلمة
kilma/ka.li.ma/Egyptian Arabic, feminine
The English word "word" is translated into Arabic as كلمة (kilma). Wiktionary also lists كَلِمَة (kalima).
Meaning: unit of language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| كلمة | kilma | /ka.li.ma/ /kilma/ (Hijazi) |
Egyptian Arabic, feminine |
| كَلِمَة | kalima | feminine |
كلمة refers to a unit of language. It is also used in the specific religious phrase كلمة الله, which refers to the Creative word of God.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the form كلمة (romanized as kilma) is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
كلمة is a feminine noun, which affects the adjectives and verbs that agree with it. To express the plural "words", use كلمات. If you want to express the dual form for exactly "two words", use كلمتين.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ka.li.ma/ or kilma.
Did you know?
- When used in a religious context to mean 'the Word', the term كلمة is actually a semantic loan from the Greek word λόγος, rather than a purely Semitic concept.
- In many Arabic dialects, كلمة is used to mean 'a promise' or 'a vow' when someone gives their 'word' of honor.
- In colloquial settings, saying كلمة واحدة (one word) is a common way to tell someone to 'get to the point' or 'stop talking around the subject'.
Examples in context
- و لا كلمة، أفهمت؟Not one word, understand?This sentence is useful for practicing the negative command regarding a single كلمة.Tatoeba #5830229 by OsoHombre, translation #5828788 by OsoHombre
- ما معنى كلمة "شريعة"؟What does the word "sharia" mean?This sentence shows how to use كلمة to ask for the meaning of another term.Tatoeba #11979434 by dididodo, translation #8260537 by Amastan
- لا أصدّق أي كلمة تقول.I don't believe a word you're saying.This sentence demonstrates the use of كلمة when expressing disbelief.Tatoeba #11896271 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #5371582 by Hybrid
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed is learning a new language and asks Layla for help.
- أحمد Ahmedإيه معنى كلمة "سعادة"؟Eh ma'na kelma "sa'ada"?What is the meaning of the word "happiness"?
- ليلى Laylaدي كلمة معناها فرحة كبيرة.Dee kelma ma'naha farha kebeera.This is a word that means great joy.
- أحمد Ahmedدي كلمة صعبة في النطق.Dee kelma sa'ba fel nutq.This is a word that is difficult to pronounce.
- ليلى Laylaلا يا أحمد، الكلمة دي سهلة.La ya Ahmed, el-kelma dee sahla.No Ahmed, this word is easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word” translations and entries كلمة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries كلمة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
