شاب
shabb
The Arabic word for young is شاب (shabb).
The word شاب refers to a young man, typically in his late teens or early twenties.
Meaning: belonging in the early part of life (adj)
Which one should you use?
While شاب specifically refers to a young man or a person in their prime, the word صغير is the more general term for young used for children or small ages.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the adjective functions as an object or follows certain particles, it takes the accusative ending -an, appearing as شاباً. Additionally, the related noun شباب can be used to mean 'youth' as a collective group.
How do you pronounce it?
shabb
Did you know?
- The root of شاب can also relate to the word شيب, which refers to grey hair. This creates a linguistic irony where the same root connects the beginning of adulthood to the signs of aging.
- In many Arabic dialects, شباب is used as a casual greeting similar to 'guys' or 'folks', regardless of the actual age of the people in the group.
- If you use the word صغير (saghir) to describe a person, you are not just saying they are young, but you might also be implying they are 'small' in stature or importance.
Examples in context
- توم شاب و أعزبTom is young and single.This sentence uses شاب to describe a person's age and marital status.Tatoeba #5495353 by ahmedsho, translation #5493861 by CK
- كان مدرّسنا البديل شابّا.Our substitute teacher was young.This sentence uses شاب to describe a teacher.Tatoeba #7040255 by OsoHombre, translation #7039367 by OsoHombre
- ارتدي ملابسا تبديكِ شابة.Dress young.This sentence uses شاب to describe how to dress.Tatoeba #8338338 by OsoHombre, translation #7140047 by OsoHombre
- هذا الشاب لديه إمكانات كبيرةThis young man has great potential
- شباب اليوم يحبوا الرياضةToday's youth loves sports
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Youssef are talking about a new colleague at work.
- نور Nourهل رأيت الموظف الجديد؟Hal ra'ayta al-muwazzaf al-jadid?Did you see the new employee?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، إنه يبدو شاباً جداً.Na'am, innahu yabdu shabban jiddan.Yes, he looks very young.
- نور Nourأعتقد أنه تخرج للتو.A'taqidu annahu takharraja lil-taw.I think he just graduated.
- يوسف Youssefهذا يفسر لماذا هو شاب.Hadha yufassiru limadha huwa shabb.That explains why he is young.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
