At the A1 level, 'Tabaq' is one of the essential nouns you learn when studying the kitchen and food. It simply means 'plate'. You use it to build basic sentences about eating and domestic life. For example, 'The plate is on the table' (Al-tabaq 'ala al-tawila). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just focus on the physical object you use every day. You should also learn the plural 'Atbaq' because you usually have more than one plate! It's a great word to practice your 'Ta' (ط) sound, which is a bit deeper than the English 'T'. Use it when you are learning colors and sizes: 'a red plate', 'a small plate'. This helps you practice adjective agreement in a very practical context.
As an A2 learner, you start to see 'Tabaq' used in restaurants. It transitions from just being an object to meaning 'a dish' or 'a course'. When you look at a menu, you will see 'Al-tabaq al-ra'isi' (The main dish) or 'Atbaq janibiyya' (Side dishes). You are now expected to use it in more complex sentences, such as 'I prefer this dish because it has vegetables'. You might also encounter the word in the context of 'washing the dishes' (ghasl al-atbaq). Understanding the difference between 'Tabaq' and 'Sahn' (the more colloquial word for plate) is useful at this level, as it helps you recognize formal vs. informal speech. You are building the vocabulary needed to survive a dining experience in an Arabic-speaking country.
At the B1 level, you begin to encounter 'Tabaq' in more diverse contexts. You might hear it in news reports or documentaries referring to 'Tabaqat' (layers). For instance, 'Tabaqat al-ghilaf al-jawwi' (layers of the atmosphere). You start to realize that the root meaning of 'matching' or 'layering' is very powerful. You will also see it in idioms or common expressions. For example, 'Tabaq al-asl' means 'an exact copy' or 'identical', coming from the idea of two things matching perfectly like two plates stacked together. Your vocabulary is expanding from the kitchen to the world of science and description. You should be comfortable using the word to describe both physical objects and more abstract concepts like layers of a cake or layers of history.
By B2, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'Tabaq' in literature and specialized media. You will see it used to describe social stratification—though usually in the feminine form 'Tabaqa'. However, the connection between the words is important for your morphological understanding of Arabic. You might read about 'Tabaq al-fada'' (space dish/satellite dish) in articles about technology. You should also be able to use the word in figurative speech. For example, 'Qaddamahu 'ala tabaq min dhahab' (He presented it on a golden plate), which means to give something to someone very easily without them having to work for it. This level is about mastery of collocations and cultural idioms that use the word.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the linguistic depths of the root (ط-ب-ق). You understand how 'Tabaq' relates to 'Mutabaqa' (conformity/agreement) and 'Tatbiq' (application/implementation). You can appreciate the word's use in classical poetry or complex philosophical texts where 'layers of meaning' are discussed. You are no longer just 'ordering a dish'; you are analyzing how the concept of 'layering' and 'covering' permeates the Arabic language. You might encounter the word in legal contexts regarding 'matching' documents or in high-level scientific discourse. Your use of the word is precise, and you can switch between its literal meaning and its various metaphorical applications with ease.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'Tabaq'. You can identify regional variations in its usage and understand the historical evolution of the word from its root. You might study how the word was used in ancient texts to describe the heavens (the seven layers/plates of heaven). You can use the word in sophisticated wordplay or puns. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and can use them in the right social or academic context. For you, 'Tabaq' is not just a word for a plate; it is a gateway to a vast web of related concepts in Arabic grammar, sociology, and science. You can write essays about 'social layers' or 'culinary traditions' using the word with absolute stylistic confidence.

طَبَق in 30 Sekunden

  • Tabaq primarily means a plate or a culinary dish.
  • It is a masculine noun with the broken plural 'Atbaq'.
  • It can also refer to layers, strata, or a satellite dish.
  • Commonly used in restaurants and daily kitchen vocabulary.

The Arabic word طَبَق (pronounced 'tabaq') is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a physical object used for serving food, known in English as a 'plate' or a 'dish'. However, its usage extends far beyond the ceramic surface on a dining table. In the culinary world, it represents a specific prepared meal or course. If you are at a restaurant in Cairo or Dubai, you might ask for the 'dish of the day', using this exact word. Linguistically, it stems from the root (ط-ب-ق), which carries the core meaning of 'covering' or 'matching'. This explains why the word is also used to describe a 'layer' or a 'tray'.

The Physical Object
The most common use for an A2 learner is referring to the plate itself. Whether it is made of porcelain, plastic, or metal, it is a 'tabaq'.

وضعت الطعام في الـ طَبَق الكبير.
I put the food in the large dish.

The Culinary Course
In a menu, you will see 'The Main Dish' (الطبق الرئيسي). Here, it refers to the food composition rather than the vessel.

هذا الـ طَبَق مشهور جداً في لبنان.
This dish is very famous in Lebanon.

Modern Technology
Interestingly, the word is used for a 'satellite dish' (طبق فضائي), showing how traditional vocabulary adapts to modern needs by focusing on the shape of the object.

نحتاج إلى طَبَق استقبال جديد للقنوات.
We need a new reception dish for the channels.

أحب هذا الـ طَبَق لأنه صحي.
I love this dish because it is healthy.

غسل الـ أطباق واجب يومي.
Washing the dishes is a daily duty.

Using 'Tabaq' correctly involves understanding its plural form 'Atbaq' (أطباق) and how it pairs with adjectives. Because it is a masculine noun, adjectives following it must also be masculine. For instance, 'a large plate' is 'Tabaq kabir'. When you want to describe a meal, you often use the construction 'Tabaq min' (a dish of...). For example, 'a dish of rice' is 'Tabaq min al-ruzz'. In social settings, offering someone a 'Tabaq' is a sign of hospitality, a core value in Arabic-speaking cultures.

Ordering in a Restaurant
Use 'Arid hadha al-tabaq' (I want this dish) while pointing at the menu. It is polite and clear.

هل هذا الـ طَبَق حار؟
Is this dish spicy?

Describing Quantity
When talking about multiple plates, remember that 'Atbaq' is a non-human plural, so adjectives describing it will be feminine singular: 'Atbaq kathira' (Many plates).

هناك عشرة أطباق على الطاولة.
There are ten plates on the table.

قدمت لي أمي طَبَقاً من الفاكهة.
My mother served me a plate of fruit.

Metaphorical Layers
In geography or science, 'tabaq' can refer to a stratum or layer. 'Tabaqat al-ard' means the layers of the earth.

الـ طَبَق العلوي من الكعكة لذيذ.
The top layer of the cake is delicious.

نظف الـ طَبَق قبل الاستخدام.
Clean the dish before use.

You will encounter 'Tabaq' in diverse environments. In a domestic setting, it is the standard word for washing dishes or setting the table. In a professional culinary environment, chefs use it to discuss 'plating' and presentation. On television, cooking shows are filled with this word as they introduce 'The Dish of the Day' (Tabaq al-Yawm). Furthermore, in news broadcasts, you might hear about 'Tabaqat al-Ozone' (the Ozone layer), showing the word's scientific reach. It is a bridge between the mundane kitchen and the complex atmosphere.

The Marketplace
Vendors selling kitchenware will display 'Atbaq' of various sizes and colors. You might hear: 'Kam thaman hadha al-tabaq?' (How much is this plate?)

اشترت مريم أطباقاً ملونة للعيد.
Maryam bought colorful plates for the Eid.

The Weather Forecast
Meteorologists use it to describe layers of clouds. 'Tabaqat min al-ghuyum' refers to cloud layers covering the sky.

تتكون الأرض من عدة طبقات.
The earth consists of several layers.

ما هو طبقك المفضل؟
What is your favorite dish?

Learners often confuse 'Tabaq' (plate/dish) with 'Tabaqa' (class/layer). While they share the same root, 'Tabaq' is the object or the meal, while 'Tabaqa' is more abstract, referring to social class or a specific geological layer. Another common error is using the wrong plural. Some learners try to make it a feminine plural (Tabaqat) when referring to kitchen plates, but the correct plural for plates is the broken plural 'Atbaq'. 'Tabaqat' is reserved for layers or social strata. Additionally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'Ta' (ط)—it is a heavy, emphatic 'T', not the soft 'T' found in the English word 'table'.

Confusing Plate with Class
Saying 'Ana fi tabaq kabira' (I am in a big plate) when you mean 'I am in a high social class' (Ana min tabaqa 'aliya).

الـ طَبَق مكسور، وليس الطبقة.
The plate is broken, not the layer.

Pluralization Errors
Avoid saying 'Tabaqat' for kitchen dishes. Use 'Atbaq' to sound like a native speaker.

غسلت الـ أطباق بعد العشاء.
I washed the plates after dinner.

هذا الـ طَبَق نظيف جداً.
This dish is very clean.

Arabic is rich with synonyms, and 'Tabaq' has several close relatives depending on the context and dialect. Understanding these helps you navigate different social situations. 'Sahn' (صحن) is perhaps the most common alternative in daily conversation, especially in the Levant and Gulf. While 'Tabaq' feels slightly more formal or descriptive of the meal itself, 'Sahn' is the go-to word for the physical plate you hold. There is also 'Inaa' (إناء), which is a more general term for any vessel or container, including pots and bowls. For a large serving tray, you might hear 'Siniyya' (صينية).

Tabaq vs. Sahn
Tabaq: Often used for 'a dish' (the meal) or formal 'plate'. Sahn: Very common in dialects for the physical 'plate'.

هل تريد صحناً آخر؟
Do you want another plate? (Dialect/Common)

Tabaq vs. Wajba
Wajba (وجبة) means 'a meal'. A 'tabaq' is a part of a 'wajba'. You might have a three-course meal (wajba) consisting of three dishes (atbaq).

هذه الوجبة تتكون من أطباق متنوعة.
This meal consists of various dishes.

أحضر الـ إناء الكبير للحساء.
Bring the large vessel for the soup.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word for 'satellite dish' in modern Arabic is 'Tabaq' because it resembles the shape of a traditional serving plate.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈtæbæk/
US /ˈtɑːbæk/
Stress is on the first syllable: TA-baq.
Reimt sich auf
شفق (Shafaq) قلق (Qalaq) علق (Alaq) ورق (Waraq) رمق (Ramaq) نفق (Nafaq) غسق (Ghasaq) فلق (Falaq)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'Ta' as a soft English 'T'.
  • Pronouncing 'q' as a simple 'k' without the deep throat constriction.
  • Confusing the vowel length with 'Taa-baq' (long 'a').

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to read, common letters.

Schreiben 2/5

Three letters, straightforward spelling.

Sprechen 3/5

Emphatic 'Ta' and 'Qaf' require practice.

Hören 2/5

Clear sound, rarely confused in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

طعام (Food) أكل (Eat) طاولة (Table) مطبخ (Kitchen) ماء (Water)

Als Nächstes lernen

ملعقة (Spoon) شوكة (Fork) سكين (Knife) كوب (Cup) منديل (Napkin)

Fortgeschritten

تطابق (Congruence) استراتيجية (Strategy - often involving layers) جيولوجيا (Geology) طبقات (Strata) تطبيق (Application)

Wichtige Grammatik

Non-human Plural Agreement

الأطباقُ نظيفةٌ (The plates are clean - feminine singular adjective).

Masculine Noun Declension

هذا طبقٌ (Nominative), رأيت طبقاً (Accusative), في طبقٍ (Genitive).

Broken Plural Pattern (Af'aal)

طبق -> أطباق (Tabaq -> Atbaq).

Adjective Matching

طبقٌ كبيرٌ (Masculine matches masculine).

Idafa Construction (Possession)

طبقُ الأرزِ (The dish of rice).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

هذا طبق صغير.

This is a small plate.

Demonstrative 'hadha' matches the masculine 'tabaq'.

2

أين الطبق؟

Where is the plate?

Simple question structure.

3

الطبق على الطاولة.

The plate is on the table.

Prepositional phrase usage.

4

أريد طبقاً من الأرز.

I want a plate of rice.

Accusative case for the object 'tabaqan'.

5

هذا الطبق جميل.

This plate is beautiful.

Adjective agreement.

6

الطبق نظيف.

The plate is clean.

Subject-predicate sentence.

7

عندي طبق واحد.

I have one plate.

Number agreement for 'wahid'.

8

خذ هذا الطبق.

Take this plate.

Imperative verb 'khudh'.

1

ما هو الطبق الرئيسي اليوم؟

What is the main dish today?

Compound noun 'Al-tabaq al-ra'isi'.

2

أحب هذا الطبق لأنه لذيذ.

I love this dish because it is delicious.

Subordinating conjunction 'li'annahu'.

3

هل يمكنني الحصول على طبق إضافي؟

Can I have an extra plate?

Requesting with 'hal yumkinuni'.

4

وضعت الفاكهة في طبق كبير.

I put the fruit in a large dish.

Past tense verb 'wada'tu'.

5

الأطباق في المطبخ.

The plates are in the kitchen.

Plural form 'Atbaq'.

6

هذا الطبق مشهور في بلدي.

This dish is famous in my country.

Possessive 'baladi'.

7

نحن نغسل الأطباق معاً.

We wash the dishes together.

Present tense plural 'naghsilu'.

8

الطبق ساخن جداً، انتبه!

The dish is very hot, be careful!

Warning with 'intabih'.

1

يحتوي هذا الطبق على الكثير من البهارات.

This dish contains a lot of spices.

Verb 'yahtawi' followed by 'ala'.

2

قدموا لنا طبقاً من الحلويات العربية.

They served us a plate of Arabic sweets.

Past tense 'qaddamu' (they served).

3

يوجد طبق فضائي فوق السطح.

There is a satellite dish on the roof.

Technical use of 'tabaq'.

4

هذه الصورة طبق الأصل من الحقيقة.

This picture is an exact copy of reality.

Idiomatic expression 'tabaq al-asl'.

5

تتكون الكعكة من ثلاث طبقات.

The cake consists of three layers.

Feminine plural 'tabaqat' for layers.

6

اختار الضيوف طبق السمك.

The guests chose the fish dish.

Definite object 'tabaq al-samak'.

7

الطبق مزين بشكل رائع.

The dish is wonderfully decorated.

Passive participle 'muzayyan'.

8

هل تفضل طبق اللحم أم الدجاج؟

Do you prefer the meat dish or the chicken?

Alternative question with 'am'.

1

يعتبر الحمص طبقاً وطنياً في العديد من الدول.

Hummus is considered a national dish in many countries.

Passive verb 'yu'tabar'.

2

تم تقديم الجائزة له على طبق من فضة.

The prize was presented to him on a silver platter.

Metaphorical use of 'tabaq'.

3

هناك تباين كبير بين طبقات المجتمع.

There is a great contrast between social classes.

Use of 'tabaqat' for social strata.

4

هذا التطبيق هو طبق الأصل من البرنامج القديم.

This application is an exact replica of the old program.

Abstract use of the idiom.

5

يجب تنظيف الطبق اللاقط للإشارة.

The signal-receiving dish must be cleaned.

Technical compound noun.

6

تنوع الأطباق يعكس ثقافة الشعوب.

The variety of dishes reflects the culture of nations.

Abstract subject 'tanawwu' al-atbaq'.

7

الطبق الذي أعددته نال إعجاب الجميع.

The dish I prepared won everyone's admiration.

Relative clause 'alladhi a'dadtuhu'.

8

تحدثنا عن طبقات الأرض في حصة العلوم.

We talked about the earth's layers in science class.

Scientific terminology.

1

لا يمكننا حصر الأطباق التقليدية في منطقة واحدة.

We cannot limit traditional dishes to one region.

Verb 'hasr' (limiting/restricting).

2

جاءت النتائج طبق التوقعات التي وضعها الخبراء.

The results came in accordance with the expectations set by experts.

Adverbial use meaning 'according to'.

3

تتجلى مهارة الطاهي في طريقة تزيين الطبق.

The chef's skill is manifested in the way the dish is decorated.

Verb 'tatajalla' (to manifest).

4

انقسم المجتمع إلى طبقات متصارعة تاريخياً.

Society was historically divided into conflicting classes.

Sociological context.

5

وضعت الخطة طبقاً للمعايير الدولية.

The plan was laid out according to international standards.

Adverbial 'tabaqan li-'.

6

هذا التحليل هو طبق الواقع الذي نعيشه.

This analysis is an exact reflection of the reality we live in.

Metaphorical idiom.

7

تراكمت الأطباق في الحوض بسبب الإهمال.

The dishes piled up in the sink due to neglect.

Verb 'tarakamat' (piled up).

8

الطبق الفضائي يعاني من تشويش في الإشارة.

The satellite dish is suffering from signal interference.

Technical context.

1

تتطابق الروايتان طبق الأصل في أدق التفاصيل.

The two narratives match identically in the finest details.

Emphasis on exactness.

2

استخدم الكاتب استعارة الطبقات لوصف النفس البشرية.

The writer used the metaphor of layers to describe the human soul.

Literary analysis.

3

قُدمت له الفرصة على طبق من ذهب لكنه أضاعها.

The opportunity was handed to him on a golden platter, but he wasted it.

Classic idiom for ease of access.

4

إن مفهوم الطبقات الجيولوجية أساسي لفهم تاريخ الكوكب.

The concept of geological strata is fundamental to understanding the planet's history.

Scientific depth.

5

جاء القرار طبقاً لمقتضيات المصلحة العامة.

The decision was made in accordance with the requirements of the public interest.

Formal legal phrasing.

6

تتميز الأطباق العربية بتنوع نكهاتها وعمق تاريخها.

Arabic dishes are characterized by the diversity of their flavors and the depth of their history.

High-level descriptive sentence.

7

تراكمت طبقات الغبار فوق الكتب القديمة.

Layers of dust accumulated over the old books.

Evocative imagery.

8

هذا العمل الفني هو طبق الأصل من روح العصر.

This artwork is an exact reflection of the zeitgeist (spirit of the age).

Philosophical usage.

Häufige Kollokationen

طبق رئيسي
طبق جانبي
طبق اليوم
طبق فضائي
طبق الأصل
طبق فاكهة
غسل الأطباق
طبق طائر
طبق تقديم
خزنة الأطباق

Häufige Phrasen

على طبق من ذهب

— To give something easily without effort. Usually used for opportunities.

حصل على الوظيفة على طبق من ذهب.

طبق اليوم

— The special dish served by a restaurant on a specific day.

سأطلب طبق اليوم.

غسالة الأطباق

— The dishwasher machine.

نحتاج إلى غسالة أطباق جديدة.

أطباق طائرة

— UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects).

يتحدث الناس عن الأطباق الطائرة.

بين الطبقات

— Between the layers or between social classes.

هناك فروق بين الطبقات.

طبق من ورق

— A paper plate.

استخدمنا أطباقاً من ورق في الرحلة.

طبق بلاستيك

— A plastic plate.

لا تضع الطعام الساخن في طبق بلاستيك.

مجموعة أطباق

— A set of plates.

اشترت أمي مجموعة أطباق جديدة.

طبق عميق

— A deep dish or bowl.

أريد طبقاً عميقاً للحساء.

طبق مسطح

— A flat plate.

اللحم يوضع في طبق مسطح.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

طَبَق vs صحن (Sahn)

Sahn is more common in dialects; Tabaq is more formal.

طَبَق vs طبقة (Tabaqa)

Tabaqa means a layer or class, while Tabaq is the plate.

طَبَق vs طباخ (Tabbakh)

Tabbakh is the cook/chef, sharing the same root but a different meaning.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"طبق الأصل"

— Exactly the same; identical. Used for documents, people, or ideas.

الولد طبق الأصل من أبيه.

Neutral
"قدمه على طبق من ذهب"

— To hand someone a victory or chance without them working for it.

المدافع قدم الهدف للمهاجم على طبق من ذهب.

Common
"انطبق عليه الأمر"

— To apply to someone or something (same root).

هذا القانون ينطبق على الجميع.

Formal
"طباق السماء"

— The layers or levels of the heavens.

خلق الله سبع سموات طباقاً.

Religious/Classical
"من طبق إلى طبق"

— From one state to another (changing conditions).

الحياة تنتقل من طبق إلى طبق.

Literary
"أطبق الصمت"

— Silence descended or covered the place.

أطبق الصمت على القاعة.

Literary
"بين طيات الطبقات"

— Deep within the layers (metaphorical).

الحقيقة مخفية بين طيات الطبقات.

Academic
"يا طبق الفول"

— A friendly way to refer to a simple, beloved meal.

ما أجملك يا طبق الفول في الصباح.

Informal
"كسر طبق"

— Sometimes used to imply making a mistake or creating a mess.

لقد كسر طبقاً في كلامه.

Informal
"طبق الخير"

— A dish shared with neighbors or the poor.

وزعنا طبق الخير في رمضان.

Cultural

Leicht verwechselbar

طَبَق vs طَبَق

Looks similar to Tabaqa.

Tabaq is the object (plate); Tabaqa is the abstract concept (layer/class).

وضعت الطبق (Plate) في الطبقة (Layer) العليا.

طَبَق vs طَبَخَ

Similar sounds.

Tabakha is a verb meaning 'to cook'. Tabaq is a noun.

طبخ (Cooked) الطعام في الطبق (Dish).

طَبَق vs طَبَعَ

Last letter difference.

Taba'a means 'to print'.

طبعت (Printed) قائمة الأطباق (Dishes).

طَبَق vs صَحْن

Same meaning.

Sahn is more likely to be used for a physical bowl/plate in dialects.

أريد صحناً (Plate) صغيراً.

طَبَق vs طابِق

Vowel difference.

Tabiq means a 'floor' or 'story' of a building.

أنا في الطابق (Floor) الثاني.

Satzmuster

A1

هذا [Noun]

هذا طبق.

A1

[Noun] [Adjective]

طبق كبير.

A2

أريد طبقاً من [Food]

أريد طبقاً من اللحم.

A2

أين [Noun]؟

أين الأطباق؟

B1

يعتبر هذا الطبق [Adjective]

يعتبر هذا الطبق تقليدياً.

B1

[Noun] طبق الأصل من [Noun]

الابن طبق الأصل من أبيه.

B2

تم تقديم [Noun] على طبق من ذهب

تم تقديم الفوز له على طبق من ذهب.

C1

طبقاً لـ [Source]

طبقاً للتقرير الأخير.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

طبقة (Tabaqa) - Layer/Class
تطبيق (Tatbiq) - Application
أطباق (Atbaq) - Plates
تطابق (Tatabuq) - Congruence

Verben

طبق (Tabbaqa) - To apply/implement
انطبق (Intabaqa) - To apply to/suit
تطابق (Tatatabaqa) - To match

Adjektive

مطابق (Mutabiq) - Matching
تطبيقي (Tatbiqi) - Applied
طبقي (Tabaqi) - Class-based

Verwandt

مطبخ (Matbakh) - Kitchen
طباخ (Tabbakh) - Cook
طبيخ (Tabikh) - Cooked food
غطاء (Ghitaa') - Cover
سقف (Saqf) - Ceiling/Roof

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very frequent in daily and professional life.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'Tabaqat' for plates. أطباق (Atbaq)

    Tabaqat means layers or classes; Atbaq is the specific plural for plates/dishes.

  • Pronouncing it as 'Tabak' with a light T. Tabaq (Emphatic T)

    Using a light 'T' changes the flavor of the word and might make it sound like 'Tabak' (tobacco) in some dialects.

  • Using 'hadhihi' with Tabaq. هذا طبق (Hadha Tabaq)

    Tabaq is masculine, so it requires the masculine demonstrative 'hadha'.

  • Confusing Tabaq with Tabiq. طابق (Tabiq) for floor.

    A Tabaq is a dish; a Tabiq is a level/floor of a building. Note the long 'a'.

  • Thinking 'Tabaq' only means the physical object. It also means the meal.

    If a waiter asks about the 'tabaq', he might be asking how the food tastes, not about the ceramic plate.

Tipps

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'Atbaq' (plural) is treated as feminine singular for adjectives. So 'Clean plates' is 'Atbaq nadhifa'.

Restaurant Speak

When ordering, just say 'Al-tabaq al-ra'isi' to find the main courses quickly on any menu.

The Heavy Ta

Practice the 'Ta' sound by saying 'Table' but with a much deeper, throatier resonance.

Sharing is Caring

In many Arab homes, food is served in one large 'Tabaq'. Don't be surprised if everyone eats from the same dish!

Spelling Check

Don't forget the dot under the 'Ta' (ط) and the two dots over the 'Qaf' (ق) if writing by hand.

Context Matters

If you hear 'Tabaq' in a science video, think 'layer'. In a kitchen, think 'plate'.

Golden Opportunities

Use 'ala tabaq min dhahab' to describe something given very easily. It makes you sound very advanced!

Regional Variations

In Egypt, you might hear 'Taba' (dropping the Qaf). In other places, 'Sahn' is king.

Visual Link

Visualize a plate (Tabaq) being 'applied' (Tabbaqa) to a table. Both words share the same root.

Modern Tech

If your TV signal is bad, check the 'Tabaq' (satellite dish) on the roof!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Tabaq' as a 'Table-Back'—the thing you put back on the table after filling it with food.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a stack of plates. Each plate is a 'Tabaq', and the stack forms 'Tabaqat' (layers).

Word Web

Plate Dish Layer Satellite Matching Main Course Kitchen Serving

Herausforderung

Try to label every plate in your kitchen with a sticky note saying 'طَبَق' for one day.

Wortherkunft

From the Arabic triliteral root ط-ب-ق (T-B-Q).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The root fundamentally relates to things that fit together, cover one another, or are layered.

Semitic

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but avoid confusing 'Tabaq' (dish) with 'Tabikh' (slang for nonsense in some contexts).

English speakers might use 'dish' to mean both the container and the food, just like 'Tabaq'.

The Quranic verse mentioning 'Samawat tabaqa' (layers of heaven). Common TV show title 'Tabaq al-Yawm' (Dish of the Day). The idiom 'Golden Plate' used in political commentary.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Restaurant

  • أريد طبق اليوم
  • هل هذا الطبق حار؟
  • الطبق الرئيسي من فضلك
  • طبق جانبي

Home/Kitchen

  • اغسل الأطباق
  • ضع الطبق هنا
  • الطبق مكسور
  • أين الأطباق؟

Science/School

  • طبقات الأرض
  • طبقة الأوزون
  • الطبق الفضائي
  • طبقات الجو

Office/Legal

  • نسخة طبق الأصل
  • تطبيق القانون
  • مطابق للمواصفات
  • تطابق البيانات

Shopping

  • كم سعر هذا الطبق؟
  • أريد مجموعة أطباق
  • طبق من السيراميك
  • طبق كبير

Gesprächseinstiege

"ما هو طبقك المفضل في المطبخ العربي؟ (What is your favorite dish in Arabic cuisine?)"

"هل تحب غسل الأطباق أم الطبخ؟ (Do you like washing dishes or cooking?)"

"هل جربت هذا الطبق من قبل؟ (Have you tried this dish before?)"

"كم طبقاً نحتاج لهذه العزومة؟ (How many plates do we need for this invitation?)"

"أين يمكنني شراء أطباق جميلة؟ (Where can I buy beautiful plates?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

اكتب عن طبق طعام يذكرك بطفولتك. (Write about a food dish that reminds you of your childhood.)

صف الأطباق التي تستخدمها في منزلك. (Describe the plates you use in your home.)

لماذا يعتبر 'طبق اليوم' مهماً في المطاعم؟ (Why is the 'dish of the day' important in restaurants?)

تحدث عن تجربة غريبة مع 'طبق طائر'. (Talk about a strange experience with a 'UFO'.)

كيف تختلف الأطباق بين بلدك والبلاد العربية؟ (How do dishes differ between your country and Arab countries?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, while its primary meaning is a physical plate, it also refers to a prepared culinary dish, a layer, or even a satellite dish. In a restaurant, 'Al-tabaq al-ra'isi' refers to the main course, not just the plate it sits on.

The plural is 'أطباق' (Atbaq). This is a broken plural, which is very common in Arabic. You use it whenever you are talking about more than two plates or dishes.

You say 'غسل الأطباق' (Ghasl al-atbaq). If you are using a dishwasher, it is 'غسالة الأطباق' (Ghassalat al-atbaq).

It is a masculine noun. Therefore, any adjectives or demonstrative pronouns used with it must be masculine, such as 'hadha al-tabaq' (this plate) or 'tabaq kabir' (a large plate).

Linguistically, they are very similar. 'Tabaq' is the Standard Arabic (Fusha) word and is used for 'dishes' on a menu. 'Sahn' is more common in daily dialects for the physical plate you eat from.

No, the word for a floor is 'طابق' (Tabiq), which sounds similar but has a long 'aa' sound. 'Tabaq' has a short 'a'.

It is a common idiom meaning 'an exact copy' or 'identical'. It is often used to describe how a child looks exactly like a parent or how a copy of a document is perfect.

The 'ط' (Ta) is an emphatic letter. You pronounce it by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth and creating a deep, resonant 'T' sound, unlike the light English 'T'.

Yes! In modern Arabic, a satellite dish is called 'طبق فضائي' (Tabaq fada'i) because of its dish-like shape.

It means 'The Main Dish'. It is the term you will see on almost every Arabic menu to denote the primary course of a meal.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 'Tabaq' and 'Kabir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I washed the dishes.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'What is the main dish?'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'A plate of rice.'

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writing

Describe a clean plate in Arabic.

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writing

Use 'Tabaq al-asl' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The satellite dish is on the roof.'

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writing

Write a sentence about your favorite dish.

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writing

Translate: 'I need five plates.'

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writing

Translate: 'The layers of the earth.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'This dish is spicy.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The dishes are in the kitchen.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'Atbaq' and 'Nadhifa' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'He gave me a golden opportunity.' (Idiom)

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'A small plate of salad.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is this plate for me?'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I don't like washing dishes.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Dish of the day.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The plate is broken.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'There are many dishes on the table.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'Tabaq' correctly with the emphatic 'Ta'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I want the main dish.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The plates are clean.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'Where is the plate?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'This is an exact copy.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I like this dish.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Satellite dish.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask: 'Is the dish hot?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Dish of the day.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Washing the dishes.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'A plate of fruit.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Small plate.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Large plate.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Side dish.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The plate is on the table.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I need a plate.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The plate is broken.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Is this plate clean?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The layers of the earth.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'My favorite dish.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write the word: 'Tabaq'.

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listening

Listen and write: 'Atbaq'.

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listening

Listen: 'Al-tabaq al-ra'isi'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq al-asl'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: 'Ghasl al-atbaq'. What activity is this?

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq fada'i'. What object is this?

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listening

Listen: 'Hadha tabaq jamil'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq kabir'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq saghir'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Atbaq nadhifa'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq al-yawm'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq fakiha'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Al-tabaq maksur'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaqat al-ard'. Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Tabaq harr'. Translate.

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/ 200 correct

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