Signification
Asking about the length or extent of the space between two points.
Contexte culturel
In the desert, distance was traditionally measured in 'nights' or 'camel marches'. Asking 'كم المسافة' might have historically prompted an answer like 'سير ثلاثة أيام' (three days' march). In cities like Cairo or Riyadh, distance is often answered in 'time' rather than 'kilometers' due to heavy traffic. If you ask 'كم المسافة؟', don't be surprised if the answer is 'ساعة' (one hour). The concept of 'Masafah' was crucial for early Muslim scientists and cartographers like Al-Idrisi, who mapped the world with great precision to help pilgrims find the distance to Mecca. In the Levant, saying 'the distance is short' (المسافة قريبة) is a common way to encourage someone to visit, even if it's actually quite far. It's a sign of welcoming.
The 'Time' Trap
In Arabic, distance is distance. If you want to know how long a trip takes, ask 'كم يستغرق؟' (How long does it take?).
Pronunciation of 'H'
Make sure to pronounce the 'f' in Masāfah clearly, or it might sound like 'Masāhah' (Area).
Signification
Asking about the length or extent of the space between two points.
The 'Time' Trap
In Arabic, distance is distance. If you want to know how long a trip takes, ask 'كم يستغرق؟' (How long does it take?).
Pronunciation of 'H'
Make sure to pronounce the 'f' in Masāfah clearly, or it might sound like 'Masāhah' (Area).
Dialect Shortcut
If you're in a hurry in a taxi, just say 'قديش؟' (Qaddaysh) and point. It works for distance, price, and quantity!
Hospitality Distance
If an Arab friend says 'المسافة قريبة' (it's close), they might just be being polite. Check your GPS to be sure!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask about the distance to the airport.
كم ____ إلى المطار؟
'المسافة' means distance, which is the correct word for this context.
Choose the most natural way to ask 'How far is it between Cairo and Alexandria?'
...
This uses the correct interrogative, noun, and preposition 'بين' (between).
Complete the dialogue between a hiker and a guide.
Hiker: أنا متعب. ____؟ Guide: كيلومتر واحد فقط.
'المتبقية' means 'remaining', which fits the context of being tired and asking how much is left.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
كم المسافة بالسيارة؟
Asking about distance by car is a navigation/mapping activity.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Distance vs Time
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesكم ____ إلى المطار؟
'المسافة' means distance, which is the correct word for this context.
...
This uses the correct interrogative, noun, and preposition 'بين' (between).
Hiker: أنا متعب. ____؟ Guide: كيلومتر واحد فقط.
'المتبقية' means 'remaining', which fits the context of being tired and asking how much is left.
كم المسافة بالسيارة؟
Asking about distance by car is a navigation/mapping activity.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it specifically refers to physical or metaphorical distance. For time, use 'كم من الوقت'.
In this question, 'كم المسافة' (with the article) is much more natural and common.
You can answer with a number and a unit, e.g., 'عشرة كيلومترات' (10 km).
The plural is 'مسافات' (masāfāt).
The word 'مسافة' itself is not in the Quran, but its root S-W-F is related to classical concepts of perception.
Yes, it's very common in literature to talk about the 'distance' between hearts or ideas.
'مسافة' is the noun for the gap/extent. 'بعد' is more like 'remoteness' or 'dimension'.
It is neutral. It works in a palace or a petrol station.
كم المسافة إلى القمر؟
No, 'كم المسافة؟' is a complete nominal sentence in Arabic.
The kilometer (كيلومتر) is used in almost all Arabic-speaking countries.
No, for objects, use 'كم طول؟' (How much is the length?). 'مسافة' is for the space between points.
Expressions liées
كم تبعد؟
similarHow far is it? (Verbal form)
على بعد...
builds onAt a distance of...
مسافة قصيرة
specialized formA short distance
بعيد جداً
contrastVery far
قريب من
contrastClose to
مساحة
similarArea / Space
