طفل
طفل en 30 segundos
- Tifl means child in Arabic, covering the age from birth to puberty.
- The plural is Atfal, and the feminine singular is Tifla.
- It is a high-frequency word used in formal, medical, and daily contexts.
- It carries connotations of innocence, vulnerability, and the need for care.
- Biological Context
- Refers to the stage of life characterized by rapid physical and cognitive development before the onset of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Social Context
- Used to denote a person who is under the guardianship of parents or the state, emphasizing their status as a dependent member of society.
رأيت طفلاً يلعب في الحديقة مع أصدقائه.
كل طفل يستحق تعليماً جيداً وبيئة آمنة.
كان الـ طفل يبكي لأنه فقد لعبته المفضلة.
يتميز الـ طفل بالفضول وحب الاستكشاف في سنواته الأولى.
ساعدت الأم الـ طفل على عبور الشارع بأمان.
- Emotional Nuance
- The word often carries a connotation of vulnerability and the need for protection, frequently appearing in poetry and literature to symbolize purity.
- Subject Position
- نام الطفلُ مبكراً (The child slept early). Here, the word is the doer of the action.
- Object Position
- أعطيتُ الطفلَ كتاباً (I gave the child a book). Note the change in case ending in formal Arabic.
هذا الـ طفل ذكي جداً ويحب القراءة.
أصبح الـ طفل الآن شاباً يافعاً.
لا تترك الـ طفل وحيداً في المنزل.
- Adjective Agreement
- الطفلُ المطيعُ محبوبٌ (The obedient child is loved). The adjective follows the noun in gender, number, and definiteness.
- In the Media
- News reports often highlight the plight of 'the displaced child' (al-tifl al-nazih) or 'the creative child' (al-tifl al-mubdi').
نشرت الصحيفة مقالاً عن حماية الـ طفل من التنمر.
يجب علينا توفير بيئة صحية لكل طفل في المجتمع.
- In Literature
- Arabic poetry and novels often use the child as a symbol of hope or the future of the nation.
- Gender Confusion
- Using 'tifl' for a girl in a specific context is incorrect; 'tifla' is necessary for clarity.
خطأ: هؤلاء تفلون يلعبون. (Incorrect pluralization)
صح: هؤلاء أطفال يلعبون. (Correct pluralization)
- Contextual Usage
- Don't use 'tifl' to mean 'son' in a possessive sense unless the son is actually a young child. Use 'ibn' for 'son'.
- Tifl vs. Walad
- Tifl emphasizes the age/stage of life; Walad emphasizes the relationship (offspring) or gender (boy).
- Tifl vs. Radia'
- Radia' is specific to the nursing stage (infancy); Tifl covers the whole period until puberty.
هذا رضيع يحتاج إلى الحليب. (This is an infant...)
- Sabi (صبي)
- Often used to describe a boy who is old enough to run errands but not yet a man.
How Formal Is It?
"يجب على المجتمع حماية حقوق الطفل."
"الطفل يلعب في الحديقة."
"شوف الطفل ده، شو مهضوم!"
"يا طفلي الصغير، وقت النوم."
"بطل حركات الأطفال دي."
Dato curioso
The root T-F-L is also used to derive the word for 'parasite' (tufayli) because a parasite, like a child in a purely biological/dependency sense, relies on another for sustenance.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'T' as a soft English 't' instead of the emphatic 'Ta'.
- Elongating the 'i' sound to 'ee' (Teefl).
- Dropping the 'l' sound at the end.
- Confusing the 'f' with a 'v' sound (though rare in Arabic).
- Not giving the 'Ta' its full velarized weight.
Nivel de dificultad
Very easy to read; simple three-letter structure.
Easy, but requires learning the emphatic 'Ta'.
Requires practice for the emphatic 'Ta' sound.
Distinct sound, easy to recognize in speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Broken Plural
طفل -> أطفال
Gender Marking
طفل (m) / طفلة (f)
Adjective Agreement
طفلٌ صغيرٌ / طفلةٌ صغيرةٌ
Idafa Construction
لعبةُ الطفلِ (The child's toy)
Dual Formation
طفلان / طفلين
Ejemplos por nivel
هذا طفل.
This is a child.
Simple demonstrative sentence.
الطفل صغير.
The child is small.
Noun-adjective agreement.
أنا أحب الطفل.
I love the child.
Verb-object structure.
الطفل ينام.
The child is sleeping.
Present tense verb.
أين الطفل؟
Where is the child?
Interrogative sentence.
الطفل يأكل.
The child is eating.
Subject-verb agreement.
هذه طفلة.
This is a (female) child.
Feminine form of the noun.
عندي طفل واحد.
I have one child.
Expressing possession.
الطفل يلعب في الحديقة.
The child is playing in the park.
Prepositional phrase usage.
رأيت طفلاً جميلاً اليوم.
I saw a beautiful child today.
Accusative case for the object.
الأطفال يذهبون إلى المدرسة.
The children are going to school.
Plural noun and verb agreement.
هل هذا طفلك؟
Is this your child?
Possessive suffix.
الطفلة تقرأ كتاباً.
The girl (child) is reading a book.
Feminine subject and verb.
اشتريت لعبة للطفل.
I bought a toy for the child.
Dative use with 'li'.
الطفل يحتاج إلى الحليب.
The child needs milk.
Verb 'yahtaj' with 'ila'.
هؤلاء الأطفال مهذبون.
These children are polite.
Plural demonstrative and adjective.
تربية الطفل مسؤولية كبيرة.
Raising a child is a big responsibility.
Masdar (verbal noun) as subject.
كان الطفل يبكي بصوت عالٍ.
The child was crying loudly.
Past continuous construction.
يجب حماية حقوق الطفل في كل مكان.
Child rights must be protected everywhere.
Passive meaning with 'himaaya'.
تحدثت مع طبيب الأطفال عن صحته.
I spoke with the pediatrician about his health.
Compound noun (Idafa).
الطفل الموهوب يحتاج إلى تشجيع.
The gifted child needs encouragement.
Attributive adjective.
قضيت طفولة سعيدة في القرية.
I spent a happy childhood in the village.
Related word 'Tufula'.
لا تترك الطفل وحده أمام التلفاز.
Don't leave the child alone in front of the TV.
Negative imperative.
ساعد الطفل الفقير في دروسه.
He helped the poor child with his lessons.
Verb-object-adjective.
تؤثر البيئة المحيطة على نمو الطفل.
The surrounding environment affects the child's growth.
Verb with preposition 'ala'.
يعاني الكثير من الأطفال من سوء التغذية.
Many children suffer from malnutrition.
Quantifier 'al-kathir min'.
يتميز هذا الطفل بذكاء خارق.
This child is characterized by extraordinary intelligence.
Reflexive verb 'yatamayaz'.
وضعت الدولة قوانين صارمة لحماية الطفل.
The state enacted strict laws for child protection.
Formal vocabulary.
يجب أن يتعلم الطفل كيفية الاعتماد على نفسه.
The child must learn how to rely on himself.
Subjunctive mood after 'an'.
تعتبر مرحلة الطفولة أهم مراحل الحياة.
Childhood is considered the most important stage of life.
Passive verb 'tu'tabar'.
أظهر الطفل شجاعة كبيرة في مواجهة الخوف.
The child showed great courage in facing fear.
Abstract noun usage.
يساهم اللعب في تطوير مهارات الطفل الاجتماعية.
Play contributes to developing the child's social skills.
Complex Idafa construction.
إن استغلال الطفل في العمل جريمة نكراء.
The exploitation of children in labor is a heinous crime.
Emphatic 'Inna' and formal vocabulary.
تجسد شخصية الطفل في الرواية براءة مفقودة.
The character of the child in the novel embodies a lost innocence.
Literary analysis register.
يخضع الطفل لتأثيرات نفسية معقدة أثناء الحروب.
The child is subject to complex psychological effects during wars.
Scientific/Psychological register.
يجب مراعاة الفروق الفردية بين كل طفل وآخر.
Individual differences between each child and another must be taken into account.
Educational theory terminology.
أصبح الطفل اليوم أكثر انفتاحاً على التكنولوجيا.
The child today has become more open to technology.
Comparative structure.
تتطلب رعاية الطفل ذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة صبراً طويلاً.
Caring for a child with special needs requires long patience.
Specific social terminology.
ينشأ الطفل على القيم التي يراها في والديه.
A child is raised on the values he sees in his parents.
Proverbial/Sociological tone.
لا يمكن إنكار دور الطفل في بناء مستقبل الأمة.
The role of the child in building the nation's future cannot be denied.
Rhetorical construction.
تتشكل هوية الطفل عبر تفاعلات سوسيولوجية عميقة.
A child's identity is formed through deep sociological interactions.
Advanced academic register.
يعد الطفل اللبنة الأساسية في صرح المجتمع المتماسك.
The child is considered the fundamental brick in the edifice of a cohesive society.
High-level metaphor.
إن حرمان الطفل من حنان الأم يؤدي إلى اضطرابات سلوكية.
Depriving a child of maternal tenderness leads to behavioral disorders.
Clinical/Psychological precision.
تتجلى عبقرية الطفل في قدرته على التكيف مع المتغيرات.
A child's genius is manifested in his ability to adapt to variables.
Sophisticated verb 'tatajalla'.
تطرح إشكالية عمالة الأطفال تحديات حقوقية دولية.
The problematic issue of child labor poses international human rights challenges.
Legal/Political discourse.
يظل الطفل في الأدب العربي رمزاً للنقاء والبدايات الجديدة.
The child remains in Arabic literature a symbol of purity and new beginnings.
Literary criticism.
تتأثر مخيلة الطفل بالحكايات الشعبية الموروثة.
A child's imagination is influenced by inherited folk tales.
Cultural/Anthropological tone.
يقتضي النهوض بواقع الطفل تضافر الجهود الرسمية والشعبية.
Improving the reality of the child requires the concerted efforts of official and popular bodies.
Formal policy language.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Walad means boy/son; Tifl means child (age-specific).
Tafalla (to intrude) shares the root but is a verb.
Specifically a female child; don't use 'tifl' if gender is important.
Modismos y expresiones
— A spoiled child. Used for someone who gets everything they want.
يتصرف كأنه طفل مدلل.
Neutral— My child's son (grandchild), but sometimes used affectionately.
هو طفلي المدلل.
Affectionate— Like a small child. Used for someone acting helpless.
يبكي مثل الطفل الصغير.
Neutral— Children of the stones. A specific political/historical reference.
اشتهر أطفال الحجارة بشجاعتهم.
PoliticalFácil de confundir
Both mean child.
Walad is more about gender/relation; Tifl is about age.
هذا ولدي (This is my son) vs هذا طفل (This is a child).
Both mean young person.
Sabi is specifically a boy, often slightly older than a toddler.
الصبي يلعب الكرة.
Both refer to young humans.
Radia' is only for infants who are still nursing.
الرضيع يبكي للجوع.
Both refer to youth.
Nashe' is more like 'junior' or 'adolescent' in formal contexts.
منتخب الناشئين.
Both are non-adults.
Murahiq is a teenager; Tifl is pre-puberty.
المراهق يحب الاستقلال.
Patrones de oraciones
هذا [noun]
هذا طفل.
[noun] [adjective]
الطفل صغير.
[noun] [verb]
الطفل يلعب.
عندي [number] [plural noun]
عندي ثلاثة أطفال.
منذ أن كنت [noun]
منذ أن كنت طفلاً.
يجب [verb] [noun]
يجب حماية الطفل.
تعتبر [noun] [adjective]
تعتبر الطفولة مهمة.
إن [noun] [verb]
إن الطفل يحتاج للرعاية.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Extremely high; used daily.
-
Using 'Tifl' for a 20-year-old.
→
Using 'Shabb' or 'Rajul'.
Tifl is only for those below puberty.
-
Pluralizing as 'Tifloon'.
→
Atfal (أطفال).
It is a broken plural, not a regular one.
-
Using 'Tifl' for a girl in a specific context.
→
Tifla (طفلة).
Gender agreement is important for clarity.
-
Pronouncing with a soft 'T'.
→
Emphatic 'Ta'.
The meaning can change or sound wrong with a soft 'T'.
-
Confusing 'Tifl' with 'Ibn'.
→
Use 'Ibn' for 'son'.
Tifl is a stage of life, Ibn is a relationship.
Consejos
Broken Plural
Remember that 'Atfal' is a broken plural. You cannot just add 'oon' or 'at' to 'Tifl' to make it plural in most cases.
Emphatic Ta
Don't let the 'Ta' sound like a 'Te'. Keep it heavy and deep in your throat.
Tifl vs Walad
Use 'Tifl' when you want to sound more formal or focus on the age of the child.
Affection
Arabs often use diminutive forms or nicknames for children to show affection.
Hamza
Always write the hamza on the plural 'Atfal' (أطفال).
Generic Masculine
In a general sense, 'Tifl' can refer to any child regardless of gender.
Dialect Watch
Be prepared to hear 'walad' much more often in street speech.
Dual Form
Practice 'Tiflan' for two children; it's very common.
Root Learning
Learn the root T-F-L to easily remember related words like Tufula.
Politeness
Calling someone 'Tifl' when they are older can be an insult, implying immaturity.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a 'Tough Little' (T-f-l) person who is actually just a child. The 'T' is tough (emphatic), but the child is small.
Asociación visual
Imagine a small child wearing a giant 'T' shaped hat. The 'T' stands for Tifl.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use the word 'Tifl' in three different sentences today: one about a boy, one about a girl, and one about a group of children.
Origen de la palabra
The word comes from the Arabic root T-F-L (ط-ف-ل). This root historically relates to things that are small, emerging, or soft. It also carries the meaning of something that requires shade or protection from the sun.
Significado original: Something small or a part of a larger whole; also associated with the late afternoon when the sun's heat diminishes.
Afroasiatic, Semitic, Central Semitic, Arabic.Contexto cultural
Always use 'Tifl' or 'Tifla' respectfully; avoid using 'Tufayli' (parasite) which shares the same root but is derogatory.
In English, 'child' is very broad; in Arabic, 'Tifl' is equally broad but 'Walad' is often used more in casual speech.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family
- كم طفل عندك؟
- أطفالي في المدرسة.
- الطفل يشبه أباه.
- أحب الأطفال.
School
- الطفل ذكي.
- تعليم الطفل مهم.
- الطفل يحب الرسم.
- أدوات الطفل المدرسية.
Hospital
- طبيب الأطفال.
- صحة الطفل.
- تطعيم الأطفال.
- وزن الطفل.
Park
- الطفل يلعب.
- أرجوحة الأطفال.
- مكان للأطفال.
- انتبه للطفل.
Store
- ملابس أطفال.
- ألعاب أطفال.
- حذاء طفل.
- قسم الأطفال.
Inicios de conversación
"هل عندك أطفال؟ (Do you have children?)"
"ما هو اسم هذا الطفل الجميل؟ (What is this beautiful child's name?)"
"كيف يقضي الطفل وقته في العطلة؟ (How does the child spend his time on holiday?)"
"هل تحب العمل مع الأطفال؟ (Do you like working with children?)"
"ما هو أفضل كتاب للأطفال برأيك؟ (What is the best children's book in your opinion?)"
Temas para diario
صف ذكرى من طفولتك كنت فيها سعيداً جداً. (Describe a memory from your childhood where you were very happy.)
ما هي أهم القيم التي يجب أن يتعلمها الطفل؟ (What are the most important values a child should learn?)
كيف تغيرت حياة الأطفال مع وجود التكنولوجيا؟ (How has children's life changed with technology?)
اكتب رسالة إلى طفلك المستقبلي. (Write a letter to your future child.)
تحدث عن دور الطفل في بناء مجتمع أفضل. (Talk about the child's role in building a better society.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'Tifl' can be a general term for any child. However, 'Tifla' is used specifically for girls.
The plural is 'Atfal' (أطفال). It is a broken plural.
It's better to use 'Ibn' (ابن) for son. 'Tifl' refers to the age, not the relationship.
In Egypt, you say 'iyyal'. In the Levant, 'ulad' is common.
It means 'childhood'.
Yes, it appears several times to describe the stages of human creation.
It is an emphatic 'Ta', like the 't' in 'tall' but much deeper.
It is a pediatrician (children's doctor).
Legally yes, but socially no. Socially it usually ends at puberty.
It is 'Tiflat' (طفلات), but 'Atfal' is more common for mixed groups.
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
Write a sentence using 'طفل' and 'صغير'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The children are playing.'
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Write a sentence about your childhood.
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Translate: 'I saw a beautiful girl child.'
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Write a sentence using 'حقوق الطفل'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The child needs milk.'
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Write a sentence using 'طبيب الأطفال'.
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Translate: 'Children's stories are fun.'
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Write a sentence using 'طفل مدلل'.
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Translate: 'Since I was a child, I love reading.'
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Write a sentence using 'أطفال الشوارع'.
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Translate: 'This child is a prodigy.'
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Write a sentence using 'غرفة الأطفال'.
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Translate: 'Childhood is the best stage.'
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Write a sentence using 'ملابس الأطفال'.
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Translate: 'The child is sleeping in his bed.'
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Write a sentence using 'نمو الطفل'.
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Translate: 'I have two children.'
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Write a sentence using 'براءة الأطفال'.
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Translate: 'Every child has rights.'
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Describe a child you know.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about your favorite childhood memory.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What are the rights of a child?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Do you think technology is good for children?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe your childhood home.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How many children do you want to have?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is the best way to raise a child?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about a famous children's book in your country.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Why is childhood important?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe a pediatrician's job.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What did you want to be when you were a child?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Are children today different from children in the past?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about 'street children' and how to help them.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is the role of play in a child's life?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe a gift you would buy for a child.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Talk about the importance of education for every child.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What are the challenges of being a parent?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe a funny thing a child did.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is your opinion on child labor?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How do you say 'child' in your native language and compare it to Arabic?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and identify the word: 'Atfal'.
Listen to the sentence: 'Al-tifl yal'abu'. What is the child doing?
Listen to the sentence: 'Ayna al-atfal?'. What is the speaker asking?
Listen to the phrase: 'Tabib al-atfal'. What profession is this?
Listen and count how many times 'tifl' is mentioned.
Listen to the story and identify the main character's age stage.
Listen to the news clip about 'Huquq al-tifl'. What is the topic?
Listen to the poem. What does the child symbolize?
Listen to the dialogue. How many children does the woman have?
Listen and distinguish between 'tifl' and 'tifla'.
Listen to the instructions for a children's game.
Listen to the song. What is the repetitive word?
Listen to the doctor's advice about a child.
Listen and identify the broken plural 'Atfal'.
Listen to the description of a 'tifl madallal'.
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'Tifl' (طفل) is the standard Arabic term for 'child.' It is essential for basic communication and remains relevant through advanced levels in legal and psychological contexts. Example: 'Al-tifl yal'abu' (The child plays).
- Tifl means child in Arabic, covering the age from birth to puberty.
- The plural is Atfal, and the feminine singular is Tifla.
- It is a high-frequency word used in formal, medical, and daily contexts.
- It carries connotations of innocence, vulnerability, and the need for care.
Broken Plural
Remember that 'Atfal' is a broken plural. You cannot just add 'oon' or 'at' to 'Tifl' to make it plural in most cases.
Emphatic Ta
Don't let the 'Ta' sound like a 'Te'. Keep it heavy and deep in your throat.
Tifl vs Walad
Use 'Tifl' when you want to sound more formal or focus on the age of the child.
Affection
Arabs often use diminutive forms or nicknames for children to show affection.
Ejemplo
الطفل يلعب بالكرة في الحديقة.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
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عاطفة
B1Una emoción o afecto profundo. Representa la inclinación del corazón hacia alguien o algo.
عائِلة
A1Una familia es un grupo de personas emparentadas por sangre o matrimonio.
عَائِل
B1El sostén de la familia o el proveedor.
عائل
B1El sustento de la familia; la persona que provee el apoyo financiero necesario.
عَائِلَة
A1Una unidad social que consiste en padres e hijos.
عازب
B1Soltero. Una persona que no está casada.
عقارات
B1Bienes raíces; propiedad que consiste en terrenos o edificios.
عِمَارَة
A2Un edificio grande dividido en varios apartamentos u oficinas.
عرس
A2Una fiesta o ceremonia donde dos personas se casan. Es un evento social muy importante.