عَشَاء
عَشَاء in 30 Sekunden
- Asha' means dinner in Arabic and is a masculine noun used for the evening meal.
- It is culturally significant as a time for family gatherings and showing hospitality to guests.
- One must distinguish it from 'Isha', which refers to the Islamic night prayer, by the first vowel.
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, dinner is eaten much later in the evening compared to Western cultures.
The word عَشَاء (ʿashāʾ) represents more than just a caloric intake at the end of the day; it is a cultural cornerstone in the Arabic-speaking world. Linguistically, it refers to the meal eaten during the period of ʿashāʾ, which begins after sunset. In modern standard Arabic and most dialects, it is the equivalent of 'dinner' or 'supper'. Unlike the quick, functional dinners often found in fast-paced Western environments, the Arabic عَشَاء is traditionally a time for family gathering, reflection, and hospitality.
- Grammatical Category
- Noun (Masculine, Singular)
- Root
- ʿ-Sh-W (ع-ش-و), relating to the evening or darkness.
- Plural Form
- أَعْشِيَة (Aʿshiya) - though rarely used in daily conversation.
"تَفَضَّلُوا إِلَى الـعَشَاء، الطَّعَامُ جَاهِزٌ."
(Please come to dinner, the food is ready.)
Historically, the timing of عَشَاء has shifted. In nomadic Bedouin traditions, it was the primary meal after the day's heat had subsided and the livestock were settled. Today, in urban centers like Cairo, Beirut, or Riyadh, dinner is often served much later than in Europe or North America, frequently starting after 9:00 PM. This late-night dining culture is reflected in the vibrant restaurant scenes of Arab capitals.
The عَشَاء was a grand feast with roasted lamb and rice.
We discussed our plans over a light عَشَاء.
The host prepared a traditional عَشَاء for the guests.
I prefer a healthy عَشَاء before sleeping.
- Synonym
- طعام المساء (Evening food)
- Related Verb
- تَعَشَّى (To eat dinner)
Using the word عَشَاء correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. In Arabic, you don't just 'have' dinner; you usually 'eat' it (ākulu) or 'take' it (atanāwalu). The latter is considered more formal and polite, especially in social invitations.
Common Verb Pairings
- تَنَاوَلَ العَشَاء: (To have/take dinner) - Used in formal writing and polite conversation.
- أَكَلَ العَشَاء: (To eat dinner) - More direct and common in casual settings.
- دَعَا إِلَى العَشَاء: (To invite to dinner) - A vital social phrase in Arab hospitality.
- حَضَّرَ العَشَاء: (To prepare dinner) - Used for cooking or setting the table.
The word is often modified by adjectives to describe the type of meal. For example, ʿashāʾ khafīf (a light dinner) is common for those who prefer not to eat heavily before bed, while ʿashāʾ fākhir (a luxurious/grand dinner) is used for weddings or formal events.
هل تود الانضمام إلينا على الـعَشَاء؟
In terms of grammar, عَشَاء follows standard declension rules. It is a triptote (munṣarif), meaning it can take all three short vowels (damma, fatha, kasra) depending on its position in the sentence. For example, 'The dinner is delicious' would be Al-ʿashāʾu ladhīdhun.
You will encounter the word عَشَاء in a variety of settings, ranging from the most intimate family circles to the most formal diplomatic functions. Understanding these contexts helps in mastering the word's social weight.
1. The Domestic Sphere
In the home, you will hear mothers or fathers calling out, "Al-ʿashāʾ jāhiz!" (Dinner is ready!). This is the signal for the family to gather. In this context, the word carries a sense of warmth and completion of the day's work.
2. Hospitality and Invitations
If you are visiting an Arabic-speaking country, you will frequently hear the invitation: "Tafaḍḍal ʿala al-ʿashāʾ" (Please, come for dinner). Refusing such an invitation often requires a polite excuse, as dinner is a primary vehicle for showing generosity (karam).
3. Restaurants and Menus
On menus, you might see a section titled "Qāʾimat al-ʿashāʾ" (Dinner Menu). Waiters will ask, "Mādhā tufaḍḍilūna lil-ʿashāʾ?" (What do you prefer for dinner?).
4. Media and Literature
In news reports, you might hear about a "Maʾdubat ʿashāʾ" (Dinner banquet) held in honor of a visiting dignitary. In literature, dinner scenes are often used to develop dialogue and character relationships, as the meal provides a natural pause for conversation.
Even advanced learners of Arabic can stumble when using the word عَشَاء. The most frequent errors are phonetic, orthographic, or cultural.
1. The 'A' vs 'I' Confusion
The most common mistake is confusing عَشَاء (ʿashāʾ - dinner) with عِشَاء (ʿishāʾ - night prayer). Because they share the same root and consonants, the only difference is the first vowel. Saying "I ate the ʿishāʾ" would sound like you ate the prayer time, which is nonsensical.
2. Misplacing the Hamza
In writing, the hamza at the end (ء) must sit on the line because it is preceded by a long 'alif'. Some learners mistakenly try to put it on a 'yā' or 'wāw' seat. It is always ʿashāʾ, never ʿashāʾi or ʿashāʾu with a seat.
3. Gender Agreement
Since عَشَاء is masculine, all adjectives describing it must be masculine. For example, 'a big dinner' is ʿashāʾ kabīr, not ʿashāʾ kabīra. Beginners often default to feminine adjectives for food items, but dinner is strictly masculine.
4. Confusion with 'Ghadāʾ'
In some cultures, the main meal is in the evening. In many Arab countries, the main meal is lunch (ghadāʾ). Learners often use ʿashāʾ when they actually mean the heavy mid-afternoon meal. It is important to distinguish based on the time of day.
To truly master عَشَاء, one must understand its place within the hierarchy of Arabic meals and related culinary terms.
- فُطُور (Fuṭūr)
- Breakfast. The meal that 'breaks' the fast. In Ramadan, this is also the name of the sunset meal, which can be confusing since it happens at the same time as dinner.
- غَدَاء (Ghadāʾ)
- Lunch. Traditionally the largest and most important meal in the Arab world, usually eaten between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
- وَلِيمَة (Walīmah)
- A banquet or feast. This is a more formal and larger-scale version of a dinner, usually for a wedding or a major celebration.
- سُحُور (Suḥūr)
- The pre-dawn meal during Ramadan. While it is eaten at night, it is distinct from dinner because of its specific religious and timing context.
- مَأْدُبَة (Maʾdubah)
- A formal dinner party or banquet, often used in diplomatic or high-society contexts.
Understanding these distinctions allows a speaker to be precise. For instance, calling a wedding feast a 'ʿashāʾ' is technically correct but using 'walīmah' shows a much higher level of linguistic and cultural fluency.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Beispiele nach Niveau
العَشَاءُ لَذِيذٌ.
The dinner is delicious.
Subject-predicate sentence.
أُرِيدُ العَشَاءَ.
I want dinner.
Direct object with fatha.
مَتَى العَشَاءُ؟
When is dinner?
Interrogative sentence.
هَذَا عَشَاءٌ طَيِّبٌ.
This is a good dinner.
Demonstrative pronoun.
أَكَلْتُ العَشَاءَ.
I ate dinner.
Past tense verb.
العَشَاءُ جَاهِزٌ.
Dinner is ready.
Common phrase.
أَيْنَ العَشَاءُ؟
Where is the dinner?
Question word 'ayna'.
شُكْراً عَلَى العَشَاءِ.
Thanks for the dinner.
Preposition 'ala' followed by genitive.
أَتَنَاوَلُ العَشَاءَ فِي السَّاعَةِ الثَّامِنَةِ.
I have dinner at eight o'clock.
Present tense with time expression.
هَلْ تُرِيدُ عَشَاءً خَفِيفاً؟
Do you want a light dinner?
Adjective agreement (masculine).
نَحْنُ نَطْبُخُ العَشَاءَ الآنَ.
We are cooking dinner now.
Present continuous sense.
العَشَاءُ اليَوْمَ فِي المَطْعَمِ.
Dinner today is at the restaurant.
Locative phrase.
لَا آكُلُ العَشَاءَ مُتَأَخِّراً.
I don't eat dinner late.
Negation with 'la'.
أُمِّي تُحَضِّرُ عَشَاءً خَاصّاً.
My mother is preparing a special dinner.
Subject-verb-object.
بَعْدَ العَشَاءِ، نَشْرَبُ الشَّايَ.
After dinner, we drink tea.
Temporal preposition 'ba'da'.
كَانَ العَشَاءُ جَمِيلاً جِدّاً.
The dinner was very beautiful/nice.
Using 'kana' for past state.
أَدْعُوكَ لِتَنَاوُلِ العَشَاءِ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي.
I invite you to have dinner with my family.
Idafa construction (tanawul al-asha').
مَاذَا سَنُقَدِّمُ لِلضُّيُوفِ فِي العَشَاءِ؟
What will we serve the guests for dinner?
Future tense with 'sa'.
يُفَضِّلُ العَرَبُ العَشَاءَ المُتَأَخِّرَ.
Arabs prefer late dinner.
Generalization.
نَسِيتُ أَنْ أَشْتَرِيَ الخُبْزَ لِلْعَشَاءِ.
I forgot to buy bread for dinner.
Subjunctive after 'an'.
كَانَ العَشَاءُ فُرْصَةً جَيِّدَةً لِلْحَدِيثِ.
Dinner was a good opportunity for talk.
Abstract noun usage.
هَلْ يُمْكِنُنَا حَجْزُ طَاوِلَةٍ لِلْعَشَاءِ؟
Can we reserve a table for dinner?
Modal expression.
لَمْ يَكُنْ هُنَاكَ مِلْحٌ كَافٍ فِي العَشَاءِ.
There wasn't enough salt in the dinner.
Negation of 'kana'.
يَجْتَمِعُ الأَصْدِقَاءُ كُلَّ جُمُعَةٍ عَلَى العَشَاءِ.
Friends meet every Friday for dinner.
Habitual action.
تَمَّ تَنْظِيمُ مَأْدُبَةِ عَشَاءٍ عَلَى شَرَفِ الوَفْدِ.
A dinner banquet was organized in honor of the delegation.
Passive construction with 'tamma'.
العَشَاءُ الرَّسْمِيُّ يَتَطَلَّبُ مَلَابِسَ أَنِيقَةً.
The formal dinner requires elegant clothes.
Requirement verb.
رَغْمَ بَسَاطَةِ العَشَاءِ، إِلَّا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مُشْبِعاً.
Despite the simplicity of the dinner, it was filling.
Concessive clause (raghma... illa).
نَاقَشْنَا مَشَارِيعَنَا المُسْتَقْبَلِيَّةَ خِلَالَ العَشَاءِ.
We discussed our future projects during dinner.
Temporal preposition 'khilal'.
يُعْتَبَرُ العَشَاءُ أَهَمَّ وَقْتٍ لِلتَّوَاصُلِ الأُسَرِيِّ.
Dinner is considered the most important time for family communication.
Passive verb 'yu'tabar'.
لَا تَنْسَ أَنْ تَشْكُرَ المُضِيفَ عَلَى العَشَاءِ الفَاخِرِ.
Don't forget to thank the host for the luxurious dinner.
Imperative negation.
كَانَ العَشَاءُ مَزِيجاً مِنَ الأَطْبَاقِ الشَّرْقِيَّةِ وَالغَرْبِيَّةِ.
The dinner was a mix of Eastern and Western dishes.
Complex predicate.
بَدَا عَلَيْهِ التَّعَبُ فَلَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ إِكْمَالَ عَشَائِهِ.
He looked tired, so he couldn't finish his dinner.
Resultative clause.
انْتَهَى العَشَاءُ بِسِجَالٍ فِكْرِيٍّ عَمِيقٍ.
The dinner ended with a deep intellectual debate.
Abstract noun 'sijal'.
كَانَ ضَوْءُ الشُّمُوعِ يُضْفِي جَوّاً شَاعِرِيّاً عَلَى العَشَاءِ.
The candlelight was lending a poetic atmosphere to the dinner.
Metaphorical verb 'yudfi'.
تَعَشَّى القَوْمُ ثُمَّ انْصَرَفُوا إِلَى شُؤُونِهِمْ.
The people had dinner then departed to their affairs.
Collective noun 'qawm'.
لَمْ يَكُنِ العَشَاءُ سِوَى ذَرِيعَةٍ لِلّقَاءِ.
Dinner was nothing but a pretext for the meeting.
Exception with 'siwa'.
تَفَنَّنَتِ الطَّاهِيَةُ فِي إِعْدَادِ مَأْدُبَةِ العَشَاءِ.
The chef excelled in preparing the dinner banquet.
Verb 'tafannana' (to excel/be artistic).
يَعْكِسُ العَشَاءُ فِي هَذِهِ الرِّوَايَةِ تَفَكُّكَ العَائِلَةِ.
The dinner in this novel reflects the family's disintegration.
Literary analysis.
أَقَامَ السَّفِيرُ حَفْلَ عَشَاءٍ بِمُنَاسَبَةِ العِيدِ الوَطَنِيِّ.
The ambassador held a dinner party on the occasion of the National Day.
Official terminology.
مَا لَذَّ وَطَابَ مِنَ الطَّعَامِ كَانَ حَاضِراً فِي العَشَاءِ.
Whatever was delicious and good of food was present at the dinner.
Idiomatic expression 'ma ladhdha wa taba'.
اسْتَحَالَتْ جَلْسَةُ العَشَاءِ إِلَى مَنَصَّةٍ لِتَبَادُلِ الرُّؤَى السِّيَاسِيَّةِ.
The dinner session transformed into a platform for exchanging political visions.
Verb 'istahala' (to transform).
كَانَ العَشَاءُ الأَخِيرُ مَوْضُوعاً لِكَثِيرٍ مِنَ الأَعْمَالِ الفَنِّيَّةِ.
The Last Supper has been a subject for many artistic works.
Historical/Religious reference.
تَجَلَّتْ كَرَمُ الضِّيَافَةِ العَرَبِيَّةِ فِي أَبْهَى صُوَرِهَا خِلَالَ ذَلِكَ العَشَاءِ.
Arab hospitality manifested in its finest forms during that dinner.
High-level rhetoric.
لَمْ يَكُنِ العَشَاءُ بَاذِخاً، لَكِنَّهُ كَانَ مَفْعَماً بِالدِّفْءِ الإِنْسَانِيِّ.
The dinner was not extravagant, but it was full of human warmth.
Contrastive adjectives.
أَرْخَى اللَّيْلُ سُدُولَهُ وَنَحْنُ لَا نَزَالُ نَتَحَلَّقُ حَوْلَ مَائِدَةِ العَشَاءِ.
Night drew its curtains while we were still gathered around the dinner table.
Poetic imagery.
تَضَمَّنَ العَشَاءُ نِقَاشاً سُوفِسْطَائِيّاً حَوْلَ مَاهِيَّةِ الوُجُودِ.
The dinner included a sophistical discussion about the essence of existence.
Academic vocabulary.
إِنَّ طُقُوسَ العَشَاءِ تَتَجَاوَزُ مُجَرَّدَ تَنَاوُلِ القُوتِ إِلَى أَبْعَادٍ أَنْثُرُوبُولُوجِيَّةٍ.
The rituals of dinner transcend mere consumption of food to anthropological dimensions.
Philosophical register.
غَدَا العَشَاءُ فِي عَصْرِ السُّرْعَةِ وَجْبَةً ثَانَوِيَّةً لَدَى البَعْضِ.
Dinner has become a secondary meal for some in the age of speed.
Verb 'ghada' (to become).
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
العشاء جاهز
تفضل على العشاء
ماذا سنأكل في العشاء؟
عشاء عمل
حفلة عشاء
بعد العشاء
قبل العشاء
عشاء عائلي
وجبة العشاء
صحن العشاء
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
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Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Younger generations might use 'dinner' (English word) in casual speech.
In Egypt, it's often pronounced 'ʿAsha' without the final hamza.
- Saying 'Isha' (prayer) instead of 'Asha' (dinner).
- Using a feminine adjective like 'ladhidha' with 'Asha'.
- Writing the hamza on a 'ya' instead of the line.
- Confusing 'Asha' with 'Ghada' (lunch) in time-sensitive contexts.
- Forgetting the definite article 'al' when talking about dinner in general.
Tipps
The First Vowel
Always emphasize the 'a' in Asha. If you say 'i', people will think you are talking about prayer. Practice saying 'A-sha' several times. This is the most important tip for this word.
Accepting Invitations
If someone invites you to 'Asha', they are showing you great respect. It is a key part of Arab hospitality. Try to bring a small gift like sweets. It is a great way to practice your Arabic.
Adjective Matching
Remember that 'Asha' is masculine. Use 'ladhidh', 'kabir', or 'khafif'. Don't add a 'ta marbuta' to the adjective. This is a common mistake for beginners.
The Verb Form
Learn the verb 'ta'ashsha'. It is easier to use in a sentence than the noun. For example: 'Ta'ashshaytu' means 'I had dinner'. It sounds very natural and fluent.
Late Nights
Don't be surprised if dinner starts at 10 PM. This is normal in many Arabic-speaking cities. Adjust your schedule when traveling there. The evening is when the city comes alive.
The Hamza
The final hamza is 'hamza mutatarrifa'. It sits on the line because of the alif before it. Never put it on a chair like 'ئ'. Keep your writing clean and accurate.
Ramadan Context
During Ramadan, 'Iftar' is the meal at sunset. 'Asha' might be a second, smaller meal later. Understand the difference during the holy month. It will help you navigate social events.
Menu Reading
Look for 'Asha' on restaurant signs. It often indicates they are open late. It is a useful word for finding food at night. Most menus have a dedicated section for it.
Root Meaning
The root 'A-Sh-W' relates to the eyes and darkness. 'Asha' (night blindness) comes from the same root. It's interesting how light and food are linked. It helps you remember the 'evening' connection.
Polite Phrases
Say 'Shukran ala al-asha' after eating. It is polite and expected. You can also say 'Sallim yadayk' to the cook. These small phrases make a big difference.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Semitic
Kultureller Kontext
Expect dinner to be late when visiting Arab friends.
Traditional dinners may be served on a large floor mat.
Hosts will often insist you eat more than you can.
Never refuse a dinner invitation without a very good reason.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"ماذا طبختِ للعشاء اليوم؟"
"هل تفضل العشاء في البيت أم في الخارج؟"
"ما هو طبقك المفضل في العشاء؟"
"هل أنت جائع؟ هل تريد العشاء؟"
"متى تتناول العشاء عادة؟"
Tagebuch-Impulse
صف أفضل عشاء تناولته في حياتك.
ماذا أكلت في العشاء ليلة أمس؟
اكتب وصفة لطبق عشاء تحبه.
تحدث عن أهمية العشاء في عائلتك.
كيف يختلف العشاء في بلدك عن العشاء في العالم العربي؟
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenAsha with a 'fat-ha' (a) means dinner. Isha with a 'kasra' (i) means the night prayer. They are spelled almost identically but have different meanings and pronunciations. It is a very common point of confusion for students. Always check the first vowel.
Usually, no. Lunch (Ghada) is traditionally the main, heaviest meal of the day. However, in modern urban life, dinner is becoming more important. Dinner is often lighter, like bread and cheese, unless there are guests. Invitations for guests are often for dinner.
The verb is 'ta'ashsha' (تَعَشَّى). You can also say 'tanawala al-asha' (تَنَاوَلَ العَشَاء). Both are correct, but the verb form is very common in daily speech. 'Tanawala' is more formal and polite.
It is a masculine noun. This means you use masculine adjectives and pronouns with it. For example, you say 'asha' ladhidh' (delicious dinner) not 'ladhidha'. This is a rule you must follow in Standard Arabic.
In many Arab countries, dinner is served late. It is common to eat between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. In the summer, it might be even later. This is due to the hot climate during the day. People enjoy the cooler evening air for social meals.
Yes, you can, but 'Walimah' is more specific for a feast. 'Asha' is a general term for any evening meal. If you are at a wedding, you can say 'The dinner was great'. But using 'Walimah' shows better vocabulary.
It is called 'asha' khafif' (عشاء خفيف). This usually consists of things like labneh, olives, cheese, and bread. Many people prefer this to sleep better. It is a very common phrase in health contexts.
It is written as ع-ش-ا-ء. The hamza at the end is written on the line. It follows a long alif. Make sure not to forget the hamza, as it is part of the root. It is a four-letter word in its basic form.
Yes, the plural is 'A'shiya' (أَعْشِيَة). However, it is very rarely used in conversation. Usually, people just use the singular form even if talking about multiple dinners. You might see the plural in classical literature.
The opposite in terms of time is 'Futur' (breakfast). In terms of state, it could be 'Ju' (hunger). Since it is a meal, it doesn't have a direct antonym like 'hot' and 'cold'. But breakfast is its morning counterpart.
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Summary
The word 'Asha' (عَشَاء) is essential for daily life and social interaction in Arabic. It signifies the final meal of the day, carries deep connotations of hospitality, and requires careful pronunciation to avoid confusion with religious terms.
- Asha' means dinner in Arabic and is a masculine noun used for the evening meal.
- It is culturally significant as a time for family gatherings and showing hospitality to guests.
- One must distinguish it from 'Isha', which refers to the Islamic night prayer, by the first vowel.
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, dinner is eaten much later in the evening compared to Western cultures.
The First Vowel
Always emphasize the 'a' in Asha. If you say 'i', people will think you are talking about prayer. Practice saying 'A-sha' several times. This is the most important tip for this word.
Accepting Invitations
If someone invites you to 'Asha', they are showing you great respect. It is a key part of Arab hospitality. Try to bring a small gift like sweets. It is a great way to practice your Arabic.
Adjective Matching
Remember that 'Asha' is masculine. Use 'ladhidh', 'kabir', or 'khafif'. Don't add a 'ta marbuta' to the adjective. This is a common mistake for beginners.
The Verb Form
Learn the verb 'ta'ashsha'. It is easier to use in a sentence than the noun. For example: 'Ta'ashshaytu' means 'I had dinner'. It sounds very natural and fluent.
Beispiel
هَلْ تُرِيدُ العَشَاءَ الآنَ؟
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A1Die Menschen, mit denen du durch Blut oder Heirat verbunden bist, wie deine Eltern und Geschwister.
عمل
A1'Amal' bedeutet Arbeit oder Tat. Ich suche eine neue Arbeit in Berlin.
عَمَل
A1Tätigkeit, die geistige oder körperliche Anstrengung erfordert, um ein Ziel zu erreichen; ein Beruf oder eine Beschäftigung. 'Er sucht eine neue Arbeit.'
عَرْض
B1Ein besonderes Angebot oder ein Schnäppchen im Geschäft.
عشاء
A1Die letzte Mahlzeit des Tages, die man abends oder nachts zu sich nimmt.
عَشاء
A1Die letzte Mahlzeit des Tages, die am Abend eingenommen wird. Beispiel: Das Abendessen ist fertig.
عِيَادَة
B1Das ist ein Ort, wie eine kleine Klinik, wo du medizinischen Rat oder Behandlung erhältst, ohne über Nacht zu bleiben.
عِيادَة
B1Eine Klinik ist ein Ort, wo du hingehst, um einen Arzt für eine Untersuchung oder Behandlung aufzusuchen.
أَدَوَات
B1Werkzeuge, Instrumente oder Utensilien, die für eine bestimmte Aufgabe verwendet werden. Es kann auch abstrakte Mittel oder grammatikalische Partikeln bezeichnen.
اجتماعي
B1Jemand, der sozial ist, ist freundlich und genießt es, mit anderen Menschen zusammen zu sein.