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A1 noun #2,400 más común 9 min de lectura

زَوْجَة

zawja
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos زَوْجَة en 30 segundos
Explicación زَوْجَة in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, learning the word for 'wife' is an essential step in building your basic Arabic vocabulary. This word is crucial because family is a central topic in everyday conversations. When you meet new people, they will often ask about your family, and you will want to ask about theirs. To use this word correctly, you need to know how to pronounce it and how to attach simple possessive pronouns. For example, you will learn to say 'my wife' (zawjati) and 'your wife' (zawjataka). You will also learn to combine it with basic adjectives, such as 'beautiful' or 'good'. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. Practice using this word in simple sentences, like 'This is my wife' or 'My wife is a teacher'. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures, such as the dual form and the sound feminine plural. Remember to pay attention to the feminine ending and ensure that any describing words match it.
At the A2 elementary level, your understanding of the word expands beyond simple introductions. You will start using it in more complex sentences involving daily routines, preferences, and past events. You will learn how to use it as the subject or object of a sentence, requiring an understanding of basic case endings in formal Arabic. For instance, you might say 'I went to the market with my wife' or 'My wife cooked dinner'. You will also become familiar with the plural form, which is necessary when talking about multiple wives in historical or cultural contexts. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. At this level, you should also be comfortable using the word in the construct state (idafa), such as 'the doctor's wife'. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures. Keep practicing by writing short paragraphs about family life.
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At the B1 intermediate level, you will encounter this word in a wider variety of contexts, including news articles, short stories, and opinion pieces. You will need to understand its role in more complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences and relative clauses. For example, 'The man whose wife is a doctor traveled to Egypt'. You will also start to notice the cultural nuances associated with the word, such as the expectations and roles traditionally assigned to spouses in Arab societies. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. You should be able to discuss topics like marriage, divorce, and family planning using this vocabulary. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures, such as the dual form and the sound feminine plural. Pay attention to how the word is used in media to describe public figures.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your grasp of the word becomes more sophisticated. You will be able to read and understand texts that discuss the legal and social rights of a wife in the Arab world. You will encounter related terminology, such as alimony, dowry, and custody, which frequently collocate with this word. You will also be able to express your own opinions on these topics clearly and persuasively. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. At this stage, you should be comfortable recognizing and using formal synonyms, such as 'qarina', in appropriate contexts. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures. You will also understand the subtle differences between how the word is used in Modern Standard Arabic versus various regional dialects.
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At the C1 advanced level, you have a near-native understanding of the word and its implications. You can easily navigate complex literary texts, academic papers, and legal documents where the term is used with precise legal or theological meaning. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its classical usage, where the masculine form was sometimes used for both genders. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. You can discuss abstract concepts related to marriage, such as gender roles, societal expectations, and the impact of modernization on family structures. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures, such as the dual form and the sound feminine plural. You are also adept at using idioms and proverbs that feature the word.
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At the C2 mastery level, your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You appreciate the poetic and rhetorical uses of the term in classical Arabic literature and contemporary poetry. You can analyze how the concept of a wife is portrayed across different eras of Arabic literature and how it reflects broader societal shifts. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. You can engage in high-level academic discourse regarding family law, sociology, and gender studies in the Arab world. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures. You understand every subtle connotation, regional variation, and historical context associated with the word, allowing you to use it with absolute precision and elegance in any setting.
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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

زَوْجَة en 30 segundos

  • Feminine noun for wife.
  • Ends in ta-marbuta.
  • Root is z-w-j (pair).
  • Plural is zawjaat.
The Arabic word for wife is a fundamental vocabulary item that every learner encounters early in their language journey. It is derived from the root letters z-w-j, which generally convey the concept of pairing, coupling, or joining two things together to make a pair. In classical and Quranic Arabic, the masculine form is often used for both husband and wife, emphasizing the concept of a spouse as one half of a pair. However, in Modern Standard Arabic and contemporary usage across all dialects, the feminine marker ta-marbuta is added to specifically denote a female spouse, distinguishing her clearly from the husband. Understanding this word is not just about memorizing a translation; it is about grasping the cultural and linguistic framework of family structures in the Arab world. The term is used in legal, social, and personal contexts, making it highly versatile. When you learn this word, you are also opening the door to a wide array of related vocabulary, such as marriage, wedding, husband, and family life. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures, such as the dual form and the sound feminine plural.
Root Origin
Derived from z-w-j, meaning to pair or couple.
Gender
Feminine noun, indicated by the ta-marbuta at the end.
Plural Form
Takes the regular sound feminine plural, ending in alif and taa.

هَذِهِ زَوْجَة أَخِي.

هُوَ يُحِبُّ زَوْجَتَهُ كَثِيراً.

سَافَرَ مَعَ زَوْجَتِهِ إِلَى مِصْر.

هِيَ زَوْجَة صَالِحَة.

أَيْنَ زَوْجَتُكَ يَا أَحْمَد؟

Using this noun correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Arabic noun states, possession, and agreement. As a feminine noun, any adjective modifying it must also be feminine. For example, to say 'a beautiful wife', you must use the feminine form of the adjective. When attaching possessive pronouns, the ta-marbuta opens up into a regular taa. This is a crucial phonetic and orthographic rule in Arabic. For instance, 'my wife' becomes 'zawjati', 'your wife' (addressing a male) becomes 'zawjataka', and 'his wife' becomes 'zawjatahu'. In formal Arabic, the case endings will change depending on the word's role in the sentence. If it is the subject, it takes a damma; if it is the object, it takes a fatha; and if it follows a preposition, it takes a kasra. In construct states (idafa), such as 'the manager's wife', the word loses its nunation (tanween) but retains its case ending, while the second word takes the genitive case. The dual form is also commonly used, especially in legal or formal contexts discussing two wives, formed by adding 'ani' or 'ayni' depending on the case. The plural is formed by dropping the ta-marbuta and adding 'aat'. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures.
Possession
Attach suffixes directly to the opened taa.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must be feminine and match in definiteness.
Idafa Construction
Used as the first term (mudaf) without the definite article.

رَأَيْتُ زَوْجَة المُدِير.

هَذِهِ سَيَّارَةُ زَوْجَتِي.

تَحَدَّثْتُ مَعَ زَوْجَة صَدِيقِي.

هِيَ زَوْجَة مُخْلِصَة.

حَضَرَ الحَفْلَ مَعَ زَوْجَتِهِ.

This vocabulary word is ubiquitous in both formal and informal Arabic contexts. In everyday conversation, you will hear it when people introduce their family members at social gatherings, dinners, or formal events. It is a staple of Arabic television, particularly in soap operas (musalsalat), where family dynamics, marriage, and relationships form the core of the dramatic narrative. In these shows, you will frequently hear characters discussing the rights, duties, and emotional lives of spouses. In news broadcasts, the term appears in reports about public figures, politicians, or royalty, often in the context of official visits or state dinners. Legal documents, such as marriage certificates, divorce papers, and inheritance decrees, use the term extensively to define legal standing and rights. Religious sermons and texts also employ the word frequently when discussing family values, marital harmony, and social responsibilities within the community. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. This foundational knowledge will support learners as they progress to more complex grammatical structures, such as the dual form and the sound feminine plural. You will also encounter it in literature, poetry, and songs, where it often carries deep emotional resonance.
Social Settings
Used during introductions and family discussions.
Media
Common in soap operas, movies, and news reports.
Legal Documents
Standard terminology in marriage and family law.

أُقَدِّمُ لَكَ زَوْجَتِي.

وَقَّعَتِ الزَّوْجَة عَلَى العَقْد.

رَحَّبَ الرَّئِيسُ بِزَوْجَة السَّفِير.

تَتَحَدَّثُ الرِّوَايَةُ عَنْ زَوْجَة شُجَاعَة.

حُقُوقُ الزَّوْجَة مَحْفُوظَة.

Learners of Arabic often make a few predictable errors when using this word. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to change the ta-marbuta into a regular taa when adding possessive suffixes. For example, writing or saying 'zawja-i' instead of the correct 'zawjati'. Another frequent error involves adjective agreement; because the word refers to a female, any describing word must also be in the feminine form. Saying 'zawja jamil' (masculine adjective) instead of 'zawja jamila' (feminine adjective) is a grammatical mistake that native speakers will immediately notice. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse the modern usage with the classical usage. While reading classical texts or the Quran, they might see the masculine form used to refer to a female spouse, which can cause confusion if they try to apply that rule to Modern Standard Arabic, where the feminine form is strictly required for clarity. Pronunciation errors also occur, particularly with the vowel sounds. The first syllable should have a clear 'aw' diphthong, not a flat 'o' sound. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. Avoiding these common pitfalls will greatly improve a learner's accuracy and confidence.
Suffix Error
Failing to open the ta-marbuta before a pronoun.
Agreement Error
Using a masculine adjective to describe the feminine noun.
Pronunciation Error
Mispronouncing the 'aw' diphthong as a simple vowel.

خَطَأ: زَوْجَةِي. صَحِيح: زَوْجَتِي.

خَطَأ: زَوْجَة جَمِيل. صَحِيح: زَوْجَة جَمِيلَة.

تَذَكَّرْ أَنْ تَكْتُبَ زَوْجَتُهُ بِالتَّاءِ المَفْتُوحَة.

هَذِهِ زَوْجَة جَدِيدَة.

لَا تَقُلْ زُوجَة، بَلْ قُلْ زَوْجَة.

The Arabic language is rich in vocabulary related to family and relationships, offering several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. A very common alternative, especially in spoken dialects, is the word for woman, which is often used to mean wife depending on the context. In highly formal or legal contexts, you might encounter terms that translate to 'consort' or 'lawful spouse', which emphasize the legal and religious bonds of marriage. Another related term is 'partner', which is increasingly used in modern contexts to refer to a life partner, encompassing both husbands and wives in a more egalitarian tone. It is absolutely essential for learners of the Arabic language to thoroughly understand the nuances and intricacies of this particular vocabulary item, as it forms the bedrock of conversational fluency regarding personal relationships. By mastering its pronunciation, spelling, and grammatical behavior, students can confidently engage in discussions about their own families or ask others about theirs. Furthermore, the word serves as an excellent example of how Arabic morphology works, demonstrating the straightforward application of the feminine suffix to a masculine noun to create a distinct, gender-specific term. Understanding these similar words allows learners to choose the most appropriate term based on the register—whether they are speaking casually with friends, reading a formal news article, or studying a legal document. The choice of word can subtly shift the tone of the conversation, reflecting respect, formality, or intimacy.
اِمْرَأَة
Means woman, but frequently used to mean wife in dialects.
قَرِينَة
A formal term for consort or spouse, often used for royalty.
شَرِيكَة
Means female partner, used in modern contexts for life partner.

هِيَ زَوْجَة وَأُمٌّ عَظِيمَة.

تُرَافِقُهُ قَرِينَتُهُ فِي الرِّحْلَة.

هِيَ شَرِيكَةُ حَيَاتِهِ وَزَوْجَتُهُ.

فِي العَامِّيَّةِ يَقُولُونَ مَرْتِي بَدَلاً مِنْ زَوْجَتِي.

الحَلِيلَةُ هِيَ الزَّوْجَةُ الشَّرْعِيَّة.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Feminine ta-marbuta

Possessive suffixes

Adjective agreement

Idafa (Construct state)

Sound feminine plural

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

هَذِهِ زَوْجَتِي.

This is my wife.

Possessive suffix 'i' attached to the noun.

2

أَيْنَ زَوْجَتُكَ؟

Where is your wife?

Possessive suffix 'ka' for masculine singular.

3

زَوْجَتِي مُعَلِّمَة.

My wife is a teacher.

Feminine noun requires a feminine predicate.

4

أُحِبُّ زَوْجَتِي.

I love my wife.

Object of the verb takes a fatha (hidden by possessive).

5

مَا اسْمُ زَوْجَتِكَ؟

What is your wife's name?

Idafa construction.

6

زَوْجَتُهُ جَمِيلَة.

His wife is beautiful.

Possessive suffix 'hu' for masculine third person.

7

ذَهَبْتُ مَعَ زَوْجَتِي.

I went with my wife.

Preposition 'ma'a' followed by genitive case.

8

هِيَ زَوْجَةٌ صَالِحَة.

She is a good wife.

Adjective agreement in gender and case.

1

سَافَرَ الرَّجُلُ مَعَ زَوْجَتِهِ إِلَى لَنْدَن.

The man traveled with his wife to London.

Prepositional phrase modifying the verb.

2

تَعْمَلُ زَوْجَتِي فِي مُسْتَشْفَى كَبِير.

My wife works in a big hospital.

Feminine subject requires feminine verb conjugation.

3

اِشْتَرَى لِزَوْجَتِهِ هَدِيَّةً.

He bought his wife a gift.

Indirect object using preposition 'li'.

4

هَلْ زَوْجَتُكَ تَتَحَدَّثُ العَرَبِيَّة؟

Does your wife speak Arabic?

Question structure with feminine subject.

5

زَوْجَةُ أَخِي طَبَّاخَةٌ مَاهِرَة.

My brother's wife is a skilled cook.

Complex idafa (wife of my brother).

6

رَأَيْتُ زَوْجَتَهُ فِي السُّوق.

I saw his wife in the market.

Direct object in accusative case.

7

هُمَا زَوْجٌ وَزَوْجَة.

They are husband and wife.

Compound predicate.

8

زَوْجَتِي لَا تُحِبُّ القَهْوَة.

My wife does not like coffee.

Negation with present tense verb.

1

تَلْعَبُ الزَّوْجَةُ دَوْراً مُهِمّاً فِي تَرْبِيَةِ الأَطْفَال.

The wife plays an important role in raising children.

Abstract usage of the definite noun.

2

بَعْدَ الطَّلَاقِ، أَصْبَحَتْ زَوْجَةً سَابِقَة.

After the divorce, she became an ex-wife.

Adjective 'sabiqa' meaning former or ex.

3

يَجِبُ عَلَى الزَّوْجِ أَنْ يَحْتَرِمَ زَوْجَتَهُ.

The husband must respect his wife.

Subjunctive mood after 'an'.

4

حَضَرَ الرَّئِيسُ وَزَوْجَتُهُ حَفْلَ الِافْتِتَاح.

The president and his wife attended the opening ceremony.

Conjunction linking two subjects.

5

تَعَرَّفْتُ عَلَى زَوْجَتِي فِي الجَامِعَة.

I met my wife at the university.

Verb 'ta'arrafa' takes preposition 'ala'.

6

الزَّوْجَةُ الثَّانِيَةُ لَهَا نَفْسُ الحُقُوق.

The second wife has the same rights.

Ordinal number as an adjective.

7

شَكَرَ المُدِيرُ زَوْجَتَهُ عَلَى دَعْمِهَا.

The manager thanked his wife for her support.

Verb 'shakara' taking direct object.

8

كَانَتْ زَوْجَتُهُ تَنْتَظِرُهُ فِي المَحَطَّة.

His wife was waiting for him at the station.

Past continuous tense using 'kana' + present verb.

1

يَنْصُصُ القَانُونُ عَلَى حِمَايَةِ حُقُوقِ الزَّوْجَة.

The law stipulates the protection of the wife's rights.

Legal terminology and complex idafa.

2

تُعْتَبَرُ الزَّوْجَةُ شَرِيكَةً أَسَاسِيَّةً فِي اتِّخَاذِ القَرَارَاتِ المَالِيَّة.

The wife is considered a fundamental partner in making financial decisions.

Passive voice 'tu'tabaru'.

3

رَغْمَ الخِلَافَاتِ، بَقِيَتْ زَوْجَةً مُخْلِصَةً لِعَائِلَتِهَا.

Despite the disagreements, she remained a loyal wife to her family.

Concessive clause starting with 'raghma'.

4

تُعَانِي بَعْضُ الزَّوْجَاتِ مِنَ التَّمْيِيزِ فِي مَكَانِ العَمَل.

Some wives suffer from discrimination in the workplace.

Sound feminine plural form 'zawjaat'.

5

طَالَبَتِ الزَّوْجَةُ بِالنَّفَقَةِ بَعْدَ الِانْفِصَال.

The wife demanded alimony after the separation.

Verb 'talaba' with preposition 'bi'.

6

إِنَّ دَوْرَ الزَّوْجَةِ فِي المُجْتَمَعِ الحَدِيثِ قَدْ تَطَوَّرَ كَثِيراً.

The role of the wife in modern society has evolved significantly.

Use of 'inna' for emphasis.

7

لَمْ تَكُنْ مُجَرَّدَ زَوْجَةٍ، بَلْ كَانَتْ مُسْتَشَارَتَهُ الأُولَى.

She was not just a wife, but rather his primary advisor.

Negation 'lam takun' followed by 'bal'.

8

تَحْظَى زَوْجَةُ السَّفِيرِ بِاحْتِرَامٍ كَبِيرٍ فِي الدَّوَائِرِ الدِّبْلُومَاسِيَّة.

The ambassador's wife enjoys great respect in diplomatic circles.

Verb 'tahza' with preposition 'bi'.

1

تُجَسِّدُ شَخْصِيَّةُ الزَّوْجَةِ فِي الرِّوَايَةِ صِرَاعَ التَّقَالِيدِ مَعَ الحَدَاثَة.

The character of the wife in the novel embodies the conflict between tradition and modernity.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

2

أَثَارَتْ تَصْرِيحَاتُ زَوْجَةِ المُرَشَّحِ جَدَلاً وَاسِعاً فِي الأَوْسَاطِ السِّيَاسِيَّة.

The statements of the candidate's wife sparked widespread controversy in political circles.

Complex sentence with multiple modifiers.

3

يُشْتَرَطُ فِي عَقْدِ الزَّوَاجِ مُوَافَقَةُ الزَّوْجَةِ الصَّرِيحَة.

The marriage contract requires the explicit consent of the wife.

Passive verb 'yushtaratu' in legal context.

4

تَنَاوَلَ البَحْثُ الأَكَادِيمِيُّ تَأْثِيرَ عَمَلِ الزَّوْجَةِ عَلَى الِاسْتِقْرَارِ الأُسْرِيّ.

The academic research addressed the impact of the wife's employment on family stability.

Academic register and vocabulary.

5

كَانَتْ زَوْجَتُهُ بِمَثَابَةِ البَوْصَلَةِ الَّتِي تُرْشِدُهُ فِي أَحْلَكِ الظُّرُوف.

His wife was like the compass that guided him in the darkest of circumstances.

Metaphorical usage with 'bimathabati'.

6

تُعَدُّ النَّفَقَةُ حَقّاً أَصِيلاً مِن حُقُوقِ الزَّوْجَةِ كَمَا نَصَّتْ عَلَيْهِ الشَّرِيعَة.

Alimony is considered an inherent right among the wife's rights as stipulated by Islamic law.

Theological and legal terminology.

7

تَجَلَّتْ حِكْمَةُ الزَّوْجَةِ فِي إِدَارَةِ الأَزْمَةِ المَالِيَّةِ الَّتِي عَصَفَتْ بِالأُسْرَة.

The wife's wisdom was evident in managing the financial crisis that struck the family.

Advanced vocabulary 'tajallat', 'asafat'.

8

لَا يُمْكِنُ اخْتِزَالُ كَيَانِ المَرْأَةِ فِي كَوْنِهَا زَوْجَةً فَقَط.

A woman's entity cannot be reduced to merely being a wife.

Philosophical/sociological phrasing 'ikhtizal kiyan'.

1

إِنَّ المُقَارَبَةَ السُّوسْيُولُوجِيَّةَ لِمَفْهُومِ الزَّوْجَةِ تَكْشِفُ عَنْ تَحَوُّلَاتٍ بِنْيَوِيَّةٍ عَمِيقَة.

The sociological approach to the concept of the wife reveals profound structural transformations.

Highly academic sociological jargon.

2

تَتَضَافَرُ الجُهُودُ التَّشْرِيعِيَّةُ لِسَدِّ الثَّغَرَاتِ الَّتِي قَدْ تَنْتَقِصُ مِنْ الأَهْلِيَّةِ القَانُونِيَّةِ لِلزَّوْجَة.

Legislative efforts are combining to close the loopholes that might diminish the legal capacity of the wife.

Advanced legal discourse 'ahliyya qanuniyya'.

3

فِي الشِّعْرِ الجَاهِلِيِّ، نَادِراً مَا تُذْكَرُ الزَّوْجَةُ بِلَفْظِهَا المُبَاشِر، بَلْ يُكْنَى عَنْهَا.

In pre-Islamic poetry, the wife is rarely mentioned by her direct term, but rather alluded to.

Literary criticism and historical linguistics.

4

تُشَكِّلُ الذِّمَّةُ المَالِيَّةُ المُسْتَقِلَّةُ لِلزَّوْجَةِ حَجَرَ الزَّاوِيَةِ فِي فِقْهِ المُعَامَلَاتِ الإِسْلَامِيّ.

The independent financial liability of the wife constitutes the cornerstone in Islamic commercial jurisprudence.

Specialized theological and financial terms.

5

لَقَدْ أَسْفَرَتِ الدِّينَامِيكِيَّةُ الجَدِيدَةُ لِسُوقِ العَمَلِ عَنْ إِعَادَةِ صِيَاغَةِ العَقْدِ الِاجْتِمَاعِيِّ بَيْنَ الزَّوْجِ وَالزَّوْجَة.

The new dynamics of the labor market have resulted in a reformulation of the social contract between husband and wife.

Economic and sociological phrasing.

6

يَتَجَلَّى التَّنَاصُّ فِي الرِّوَايَةِ مِنْ خِلَالِ اسْتِدْعَاءِ صُورَةِ الزَّوْجَةِ المُضَحِّيَةِ مِنْ التُّرَاثِ الشَّعْبِيّ.

Intertextuality is evident in the novel through the invocation of the image of the self-sacrificing wife from folklore.

Advanced literary theory 'tanass'.

7

إِنَّ تَفْكِيكَ الخِطَابِ الأَبَوِيِّ يَقْتَضِي إِعَادَةَ النَّظَرِ فِي التَّنْمِيطِ الثَّقَافِيِّ لِدَوْرِ الزَّوْجَة.

Deconstructing patriarchal discourse requires reconsidering the cultural stereotyping of the wife's role.

Critical theory and gender studies vocabulary.

8

تَبْقَى إِشْكَالِيَّةُ التَّوْفِيقِ بَيْنَ الطُّمُوحِ المِهَنِيِّ وَمَسْؤُولِيَّاتِ الزَّوْجَةِ مِحْوَرَ نِقَاشٍ مُسْتَفِيض.

The problematic of reconciling professional ambition with the responsibilities of a wife remains the focus of extensive debate.

Formal debate and analytical phrasing.

Sinónimos

عَقِيلَة شَرِيكَة حَيَاة مَرْأَة قَرِينَة

Colocaciones comunes

زَوْجَة صَالِحَة
زَوْجَة ثَانِيَة
زَوْجَة سَابِقَة
حُقُوق الزَّوْجَة
زَوْجَة المُدِير
طَلَاق الزَّوْجَة
نَفَقَة الزَّوْجَة
عَمَل الزَّوْجَة
ضَرْب الزَّوْجَة
إِعَالَة الزَّوْجَة

Frases Comunes

الزَّوْجُ وَالزَّوْجَة
زَوْجَتِي العَزِيزَة
أُمُّ الأَوْلَاد
رَبَّةُ البَيْت
شَرِيكَةُ الحَيَاة
زَوْجَةُ المُسْتَقْبَل
زَوْجَةُ الأَب
حُقُوقُ الزَّوْجَةِ الشَّرْعِيَّة
زَوْجَةٌ مُطِيعَة
زَوْجَةٌ عَامِلَة

Se confunde a menudo con

زَوْجَة vs زَوْج (Husband/Pair)

زَوْجَة vs اِمْرَأَة (Woman)

زَوْجَة vs عَرُوس (Bride)

Modismos y expresiones

"نِصْفُ الدِّين"
"شَرِيكَةُ العُمُر"
"رَفِيقَةُ الدَّرْب"
"قُرَّةُ العَيْن"
"عَمُودُ البَيْت"
"سِتُّ البَيْت"
"شَقِيقَةُ الرُّوح"
"تَاجُ الرَّأْس"
"نُورُ العَيْن"
"بِنْتُ الحَلَال"

Fácil de confundir

زَوْجَة vs

زَوْجَة vs

زَوْجَة vs

زَوْجَة vs

زَوْجَة vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

dialects

Levantine: Marti. Egyptian: Mirati. Gulf: Zawjati / Hurmati.

classical vs modern

In the Quran, 'zawj' is used for both husband and wife. 'Zawja' is a later development for clarity.

Errores comunes
  • Writing زَوْجَةِي instead of زَوْجَتِي (forgetting to open the ta-marbuta).
  • Using a masculine adjective like زَوْجَة جَمِيل instead of زَوْجَة جَمِيلَة.
  • Pronouncing the word as 'zo-ja' instead of 'zaw-ja'.
  • Confusing زَوْج (husband) with زَوْجَة (wife) when speaking quickly.
  • Adding 'al-' to the first word in an idafa, like الزَّوْجَةُ المُدِير instead of زَوْجَةُ المُدِير.

Consejos

Open the Taa

Always remember to change the closed ta-marbuta (ة) to an open taa (ت) when adding any possessive suffix. This is a fundamental rule of Arabic spelling. For example, زَوْجَة becomes زَوْجَتِي. If you forget this, your writing will be incorrect.

Master the Diphthong

The 'aw' sound in زَوْجَة is a diphthong. It should sound like the 'ow' in the English word 'cow'. Do not pronounce it as a flat 'o' like in 'go'. Proper pronunciation makes you sound much more natural.

Learn the Pair

Always learn زَوْجَة (wife) alongside زَوْج (husband). They share the same root and are the most common pair of words you will use when discussing marriage. Knowing both helps you understand the concept of gender marking in Arabic.

Respectful Inquiry

In some conservative Arab cultures, it is more polite to ask about the 'family' (al-usra) rather than directly asking a man about his 'wife' (zawja). Be mindful of the cultural context when making small talk. Use general terms if you are unsure.

Spotting the Root

When reading Arabic texts, look for the root letters ز - و - ج. If you see these letters, the word is likely related to marriage, pairing, or spouses. This will help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words like تَزَوَّجَ (he married).

Adjective Agreement

When writing sentences, always check that your adjectives match the noun. Since زَوْجَة is feminine, your adjectives must end in a ta-marbuta. For example, write زَوْجَة صَالِحَة (a good wife), not زَوْجَة صَالِح.

Dialect Variations

When listening to native speakers, don't be confused if you don't hear the word زَوْجَة. Many dialects use words like مَرْتِي (Levantine) or مِرَاتِي (Egyptian) for 'my wife'. However, they will all understand you if you use زَوْجَة.

The Idafa Structure

When saying 'the manager's wife', use the idafa structure: زَوْجَةُ المُدِيرِ. Notice that زَوْجَة does not take 'al-' (the) and loses its tanween. The second word takes the genitive case. This is crucial for formal Arabic.

Formal Synonyms

If you are reading the news, be prepared to see the word قَرِينَة instead of زَوْجَة. It means the same thing but is used for the spouses of important officials. Expanding your vocabulary to include formal terms improves reading comprehension.

Visual Association

To remember the word, visualize a wedding ring. The ring represents the pairing (z-w-j), and the feminine ending (a) represents the bride. Creating strong visual associations helps lock the vocabulary into your long-term memory.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a ZOO where animals are paired up, and the female of the pair is the ZAWJA.

Origen de la palabra

Arabic

Contexto cultural

A wife retains her maiden name after marriage in Arab culture, a practice rooted in Islamic tradition.

In traditional settings, it is polite to refer to someone's wife as 'Umm [Name]' or 'Hurma' rather than using her given name.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"مَاذَا تَعْمَلُ زَوْجَتُكَ؟"

"هَلْ زَوْجَتُكَ مِنْ هُنَا؟"

"كَيْفَ حَالُ الزَّوْجَةِ وَالأَوْلَاد؟"

"مَتَى تَعَرَّفْتَ عَلَى زَوْجَتِكَ؟"

"هَلْ تُسَاعِدُ زَوْجَتَكَ فِي البَيْت؟"

Temas para diario

Write a short description of an ideal wife.

Describe a time you bought a gift for your wife (or a family member's wife).

Write about the changing role of a wife in modern society.

Draft a fictional marriage contract outlining the wife's rights.

Write a letter of appreciation to a wife.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

While 'zawja' is universally understood because it is Modern Standard Arabic, many dialects use local words in daily speech. For example, in Egypt and the Levant, 'mra' (woman) with a possessive suffix is very common. However, 'zawja' is still used in formal contexts across all regions. It is the safest word to learn first. You will never be misunderstood using it.

To say 'my wife', you add the possessive suffix 'i' to the end of the word. Because the word ends in a ta-marbuta, it opens up into a regular 't'. Therefore, 'zawja' becomes 'zawjati'. This is a standard rule for all feminine nouns in Arabic.

The plural of 'zawja' is 'zawjaat'. It follows the rule for the sound feminine plural. You drop the ta-marbuta and add an alif and a regular taa. This form is used when talking about multiple wives.

In classical Arabic and in the Quran, 'zawj' is often used to mean spouse, regardless of gender. Therefore, it can mean wife in those specific historical contexts. However, in Modern Standard Arabic, 'zawj' strictly means husband, and 'zawja' strictly means wife. Do not mix them up in modern conversation.

'Zawja' specifically means wife, defining the woman's relationship to her husband. 'Imra'a' simply means woman. While dialects often use 'imra'a' (or its variants) to mean wife, in formal Arabic, the distinction is clear. Use 'zawja' when you specifically mean a female spouse.

In formal Arabic, you can say 'Kayfa halu zawjatik?'. However, in many traditional Arab cultures, asking directly about a man's wife can be considered overly familiar or impolite. It is often better to ask 'Kayfa hal al-usra?' (How is the family?) or 'Kayfa hal al-awlad?' (How are the children?).

Yes. Because 'zawja' is a feminine noun, any adjective that describes it must also be feminine. For example, 'a new wife' is 'zawja jadida', not 'zawja jadid'. The adjective usually takes a ta-marbuta to match the noun.

'Qarina' is a highly formal synonym for 'zawja'. It translates closer to 'consort' or 'spouse'. You will mostly hear it in news broadcasts referring to the wives of presidents, kings, or diplomats. It is not used in everyday casual conversation.

To write 'his wife', you attach the suffix 'hu' to the word. The ta-marbuta opens into a regular 't', and takes a damma (if it's the subject). So it is written as زَوْجَتُهُ and pronounced 'zawjatuhu'. Practice writing the open 't' to avoid mistakes.

No, it is relatively easy for English speakers. The first syllable 'zaw' rhymes with 'how' or 'cow'. The second syllable 'ja' is like the 'ja' in 'jar'. Just make sure to pronounce the 'aw' diphthong clearly and not flatten it into an 'o' sound.

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