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A1 noun 9 min de lecture

عَائِلَة

'a'ilah
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces عَائِلَة en 30 secondes
Explication عَائِلَة in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'ʿāʾila' (عَائِلَة) is introduced as one of the first essential nouns. Learners focus on simple identification and possession. You will learn to say 'This is my family' (هَذِهِ عَائِلَتِي) and name basic members like father (أب), mother (أم), brother (أخ), and sister (أخت). The grammar is kept simple, focusing on the feminine nature of the word and how to add the 'my' suffix. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex roots or sociological contexts; you just need to be able to talk about your own family in a basic conversation. You might use it in a 'Self-Introduction' task where you say how many people are in your family and where they live. The focus is on high-frequency phrases and clear pronunciation of the 'hamza' and 'taa marbuta'.
In the A2 level, you expand your use of 'ʿāʾila' to include descriptions and daily routines. You will start using adjectives to describe your family, such as 'ʿāʾila saʿīda' (a happy family) or 'ʿāʾila kabīra' (a big family), paying close attention to gender agreement. You will also learn to use the word in the context of activities, like 'I eat with my family' or 'I travel with my family'. At this level, you might also be introduced to the word 'usra' (nuclear family) to distinguish it from the broader 'ʿāʾila'. You will practice plural forms (ʿāʾilāt) and start using the word in simple past and future sentences, such as 'My family visited me last week'. The vocabulary around family expands to include grandparents and cousins, all framed within the context of the 'ʿāʾila' unit.
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At the B1 level, 'ʿāʾila' is used in more narrative and descriptive contexts. You will be expected to talk about family traditions, celebrations (like Eid or weddings), and the roles of different family members. You will use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as the 'Idafa' (e.g., 'the family of my friend') and with various prepositions. You might discuss the importance of family in your culture compared to Arabic culture. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'ʿāʾila' in all cases (nominative, accusative, genitive) and understanding how it changes in formal versus informal speech. You will also start encountering the word in longer reading passages about social life and community values in the Arab world.
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At the B2 level, the word 'ʿāʾila' appears in discussions about social issues and modern changes. You might read or talk about the shift from extended families to nuclear families in urban areas, the impact of migration on the 'ʿāʾila', or the legal rights of family members. You will be expected to use a wider range of synonyms like 'ahl', 'aqārib', and 'nasab' correctly in context. Your ability to use 'ʿāʾila' in formal debates or written reports will be tested. You will also learn more idiomatic expressions involving family and lineage. The focus shifts from personal experience to broader societal observations, requiring a more nuanced understanding of how the concept of 'ʿāʾila' underpins Arabic social and legal systems.
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At the C1 level, you explore the word 'ʿāʾila' through literature, history, and advanced sociology. You will analyze texts where the 'ʿāʾila' is a central theme, looking for deeper meanings related to honor, patriarchy, and heritage. You will understand the etymological roots (ʿ-w-l) and how they relate to other words in the same family. You should be able to discuss the evolution of the term 'ʿāʾila' in Arabic literature from the classical period to the modern era. Your use of the word will be sophisticated, incorporating it into complex rhetorical structures and using it to express subtle nuances in formal academic or professional settings. You will also be aware of the different connotations the word has in different Arab countries and dialects.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'ʿāʾila' and its place in the Arabic linguistic landscape. You can use the word and its derivatives with absolute precision in any context, from classical poetry to modern legal codes. You understand the profound cultural weight the word carries and can navigate complex discussions about tribalism, lineage (nasab), and the role of the 'ʿāʾila' in the state. You can appreciate and use high-level idioms and metaphors involving the family. Your understanding includes the historical shifts in family structures and how these are reflected in the language. At this level, 'ʿāʾila' is not just a word for you; it is a gateway to the entire history and soul of the Arabic-speaking people, and you use it with the sensitivity and depth of a highly educated native speaker.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

عَائِلَة en 30 secondes

  • ʿāʾila is the standard Arabic word for family, covering both nuclear and extended relatives.
  • It is a feminine noun requiring feminine adjectives and verbs in agreement.
  • The word emphasizes support and dependency, rooted in the Arabic concept of providing for kin.
  • It is used in all registers, from daily greetings to formal legal and news contexts.
The Arabic word عَائِلَة (ʿāʾila) is one of the most foundational nouns in the Arabic language, representing the core unit of society: the family. At its simplest level, it refers to a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption who typically live together or share a common lineage. However, in the context of the Middle East and North Africa, the concept of family is often much broader and more deeply integrated into a person's identity than in many Western cultures. The word itself is derived from the Arabic root ع-و-ل (ʿ-w-l), which carries meanings related to supporting, sustaining, or being a breadwinner. This etymological connection highlights the traditional view of the family as a support system where members are mutually dependent on one another for financial, emotional, and social stability. When you use the word عَائِلَة, you are not just talking about a household; you are invoking a network of support and a source of personal pride.
Linguistic Root
The root 'Ayn-Waw-Lam' signifies the act of providing for a family or carrying a burden on behalf of others, which is why the head of the household is often called 'al-ʿāʾil'.
Social Scope
While 'usra' often refers to the nuclear family (parents and children), 'ʿāʾila' is frequently used to encompass the extended family, including grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Grammatical Gender
It is a feminine noun, as indicated by the 'taa marbuta' (ة) at the end, which dictates the gender of accompanying adjectives and verbs.

تَجْتَمِعُ الـعَائِلَة كُلَّ يَوْمِ جُمُعَةٍ لِتَنَاوُلِ الغَدَاء.

هَذِهِ الـعَائِلَة لَهَا تَارِيخٌ طَوِيلٌ فِي هَذِهِ المَدِينَة.

أَنَا أُحِبُّ عَائِلَتِي كَثِيرًا.

هَلْ تَعِيشُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِكَ؟

الـعَائِلَة هِيَ أَهَمُّ شَيْءٍ فِي الحَيَاة.

Culturally, the family is the primary source of reputation and honor. Actions taken by an individual often reflect upon the entire ʿāʾila. This collective responsibility means that decisions regarding marriage, career, and residence are frequently discussed among senior family members. In Modern Standard Arabic, you will see this word in news reports, literature, and legal documents. It is a formal yet warm term. For instance, during holidays like Eid, the phrase 'ijtima' al-ʿāʾila' (family gathering) is a central theme of celebration. Understanding this word is essential because it opens the door to understanding how Arab society is structured around kinship and loyalty. Whether you are filling out a government form or talking to a friend about your weekend plans, عَائِلَة will be one of your most frequently used nouns.
Using عَائِلَة in sentences requires an understanding of basic Arabic grammar, particularly regarding gender agreement and possessive suffixes. Since the word ends with a taa marbuta (ة), it is feminine. Therefore, any adjective describing the family must also be feminine. For example, to say 'a big family', you use 'ʿāʾila kabīra' (عَائِلَة كَبِيرَة). When you want to say 'my family', the taa marbuta changes to a regular 't' (ت) before adding the possessive suffix '-ī', resulting in 'ʿāʾilatī' (عَائِلَتِي). This pattern follows for all possessive pronouns: 'ʿāʾilatuka' (your family, masc.), 'ʿāʾilatuki' (your family, fem.), and 'ʿāʾilatuhu' (his family).
Possessive Forms
Adding suffixes: 'ʿāʾilatunā' (our family), 'ʿāʾilatuhum' (their family). Notice the 't' sound appearing clearly.
The Idafa Construction
To say 'the family of the teacher', you say 'ʿāʾilatu al-mudarris'. The first word loses its definite article but remains the focus.
Pluralization
The plural is 'ʿāʾilāt' (عَائِلَات), which is a regular feminine plural. Use this when discussing multiple families or households.

تَسْكُنُ عَائِلَتِي فِي بَيْتٍ جَمِيلٍ.

هَلْ عَائِلَتُكَ مِنْ مِصْرَ؟

تُحِبُّ الـعَائِلَة السَّفَرَ فِي الصَّيْفِ.

يَعْمَلُ كُلُّ أَفْرَادِ الـعَائِلَة مَعًا.

زُرْتُ عَائِلَاتٍ كَثِيرَةً فِي القَرْيَة.

Beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences, ʿāʾila is often part of prepositional phrases. You might say 'maʿa ʿāʾilatī' (with my family) or 'li-l-ʿāʾila' (for the family). In more advanced usage, you'll encounter it in complex sentences describing social dynamics, such as 'al-ʿāʾila hiya al-mulaadh al-āmin' (the family is the safe haven). Because it is a common word, it appears across all CEFR levels, but the complexity of the sentence structures surrounding it will increase as you progress. At the A1 level, you simply identify your family members; by B2 or C1, you might be discussing the sociological evolution of the ʿāʾila in the face of globalization. Always pay attention to the short vowels (tashkeel), especially the 'kasra' under the 'hamza' (ئِ), which gives it the 'i' sound in 'ʿā-i-la'.
The word عَائِلَة is ubiquitous across the Arabic-speaking world, though its frequency and pronunciation can vary between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and the various regional dialects. In formal contexts—such as news broadcasts on Al Jazeera, official government speeches, or academic lectures—you will hear it pronounced clearly as 'ʿāʾila'. For example, a news anchor might report on 'daʿm al-ʿāʾilāt al-faqīra' (supporting poor families). In legal and administrative settings, you'll hear it constantly: 'ism al-ʿāʾila' (family name) on forms, 'daftar al-ʿāʾila' (family record book) in civil registries, and 'shu'ūn al-ʿāʾila' (family affairs) in court.
In the Media
Soap operas (Musalsalat) often revolve around family drama, where the word is used to discuss heritage, honor, and domestic conflicts.
At Social Gatherings
During weddings or funerals, speakers will often address the 'ʿāʾila' of the bride or the deceased to offer congratulations or condolences.
Daily Conversations
Friends will ask 'Kayfa ḥāl al-ʿāʾila?' (How is the family?), which is a standard, polite greeting that shows respect for one's household.

يَا هَلَا بِـعَائِلَة صَدِيقِي العَزِيز!

هَلْ يُمْكِنُنِي إِحْضَارُ عَائِلَتِي إِلَى الحَفْلَة؟

تُعْتَبَرُ هَذِهِ الـعَائِلَة مِنَ الأَغْنِيَاءِ.

سَنَقْضِي العُطْلَةَ مَعَ الـعَائِلَة.

كُلُّ عَائِلَة لَهَا تَقَالِيدُهَا الخَاصَّة.

In daily life, the word is also heard in religious contexts. In sermons, the 'ʿāʾila muslima' (Muslim family) is often discussed as a pillar of the community. In schools, children learn about 'shajarat al-ʿāʾila' (the family tree). If you are watching an Arabic movie, you will hear characters argue about 'sharaf al-ʿāʾila' (the family's honor) or 'maṣlaḥat al-ʿāʾila' (the family's interest). Because the word is so central to the culture, it is often spoken with a tone of reverence and warmth. Even when people are complaining about their relatives, the word 'ʿāʾilatī' carries a weight of belonging that is unmistakable. For a learner, hearing this word is a signal that the topic is personal, social, and potentially significant.
Learners of Arabic often encounter several pitfalls when using the word عَائِلَة. One of the most common mistakes is related to the pronunciation and spelling of the hamza on the 'seat' (ئ). Beginners often forget to include the 'i' sound or misplace it, pronouncing it like 'ʿāla' or 'ʿāyla'. While 'ʿāyla' is acceptable in many dialects, in formal MSA, the 'hamza' must be articulated clearly. Another frequent error is confusing ʿāʾila with the word ʿayyil (عَيِّل), which in Egyptian dialect means 'a child'. Saying 'ʿāʾilatī' means 'my family', but saying 'ʿayyīlī' (in dialect) would mean 'my child', leading to significant confusion.
Gender Agreement Errors
Forgetting that 'ʿāʾila' is feminine. Many students say 'ʿāʾila kabīr' instead of the correct 'ʿāʾila kabīra'.
Definite Article Misuse
In an Idafa construction like 'family of the student', beginners often incorrectly say 'al-ʿāʾila al-ṭālib' instead of 'ʿāʾilatu al-ṭālib'.
Pluralization Confusion
Some learners try to use a broken plural (like 'ʿawā'il') which doesn't exist for this word, instead of the correct 'ʿāʾilāt'.

Incorrect: عَائِلَة كَبِير | Correct: عَائِلَة كَبِيرَة

Incorrect: الـعَائِلَة الـمُدِير | Correct: عَائِلَةُ الـمُدِير

Incorrect: عَائِلَتِي جَدِيد | Correct: عَائِلَتِي جَدِيدَة

Incorrect: أَنَا أُحِبُّ الـعَائِلَتِي | Correct: أَنَا أُحِبُّ عَائِلَتِي

Incorrect: عَائِلَةً سَعِيداً | Correct: عَائِلَةً سَعِيدَةً

Another subtle mistake is related to possessive suffixes. When you add 'my' (-ī) to 'ʿāʾila', the 'taa marbuta' (ة) must open into a 'taa maftuha' (ت). If you forget this, the word becomes unreadable. Furthermore, some students use 'ʿāʾila' to refer to a single person (like saying 'he is my family'). In Arabic, you would more likely say 'huwa min ʿāʾilatī' (he is from my family) or 'huwa fard min ʿāʾilatī' (he is a member of my family). The word is strictly a collective noun for the group. Finally, be careful with the word 'Ahl'. While 'Ahl' can mean family, it is often used in broader terms like 'Ahl al-kitab' (People of the Book) or 'Ahlan wa Sahlan' (Welcome). 'ʿāʾila' is more specific to kinship.
In Arabic, there are several words that translate to 'family' or 'relatives', each with its own nuance. Understanding these differences is key to achieving fluency and using the correct register. The most common alternative is أُسْرَة (usra). While ʿāʾila can be broad, usra specifically targets the nuclear family—parents and their children. It comes from a root meaning 'to bind' or 'to capture', suggesting the tight, close-knit bond of a household. Another frequent term is أَهْل (ahl), which is much broader and can mean 'people of', 'kin', or 'folks'. You might hear someone say 'Ahli' to mean 'my family' in a very casual, warm way, but it can also refer to the people of a town or a religion.
ʿāʾila vs. Usra
ʿāʾila is the general term for family (extended); Usra is specifically the nuclear family (parents/kids).
Ahl
A very common, warm term for kin or 'folks'. Often used in greetings and casual conversation.
Āl
Used primarily for famous or noble lineages, such as 'Āl Saʿūd' (The House of Saud) or 'Āl al-Bayt' (The Family of the Prophet).

تَتَكَوَّنُ الأُسْرَة مِنَ الأَبِ والأُمِّ والأَوْلَاد.

سَلِّمْ عَلَى الأَهْل كَثِيرًا.

هُوَ مِنْ آلِ هَاشِم.

هَذِهِ عَشِيرَة كَبِيرَة فِي الجَنُوب.

لَدَيْنَا أَقَارِب فِي لُبْنَان.

For a student, choosing between these words depends on the level of formality and the specific group being described. If you are writing a formal essay about sociology, use 'ʿāʾila' or 'usra'. If you are greeting a friend and asking how their folks are doing, 'Ahl' is perfect. If you are referring to a royal family, 'Āl' is the standard. There is also the word 'Nasab' (نَسَب), which refers to lineage or ancestry, used when discussing genealogy. Finally, 'Qarāba' (قَرَابَة) refers to the state of being related (kinship). By mastering these nuances, you will sound much more like a native speaker who understands the deep social fabric of the Arab world, where 'family' is not just a word but a complex system of relationships.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"تَسْعَى الحُكُومَةُ لِدَعْمِ العَائِلَة."

Neutre

"عَائِلَتِي تَسْكُنُ هُنَا."

Informel

"كَيْفَ العَائِلَة؟"

Child friendly

"هَذِهِ شَجَرَةُ العَائِلَةِ الجَمِيلَة."

Argot

"عَيَالِي (my family/kids)"

Le savais-tu ?

The root also gives us the word 'ʿiyāl', which in many dialects specifically means 'children', but originally meant anyone you are responsible for feeding.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʕaː.ʔi.la/
US /ˈɑː.ɪ.lə/
The stress is on the first syllable 'ʿā'.
Rime avec
قَافِلَة (qāfila - caravan) عَادِلَة (ʿādila - just) قَاتِلَة (qātila - killer) حَافِلَة (ḥāfila - bus) عَامِلَة (ʿāmila - worker) فَاضِلَة (fāḍila - virtuous) كَامِلَة (kāmila - complete) مَائِلَة (mā'ila - leaning)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Dropping the hamza (pronouncing it as 'ʿāla').
  • Pronouncing the 'ʿ' like a regular 'a'.
  • Forgetting the 'i' sound (ʿā-la).
  • Mispronouncing the 'taa marbuta' as a hard 't' when not in idafa.
  • Merging the 'ā' and 'i' into a diphthong like 'eye'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to common frequency and clear spelling.

Écriture 2/5

Requires attention to the hamza on the seat (ئ).

Expression orale 2/5

The pharyngeal 'ʿ' can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 1/5

Easily identified in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

أب أم بيت كبير أنا

Apprends ensuite

أُسْرَة أَهْل زَوَاج طِفْل مَنْزِل

Avancé

نَسَب قَرَابَة عَشِيرَة سُلَالَة وِرَاثَة

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Agreement

عَائِلَة جَمِيلَة (Not جَمِيل).

Possessive Suffixes

عَائِلَتِي (My family), عَائِلَتُكَ (Your family).

Idafa Construction

عَائِلَةُ الـمُدِيرِ (The manager's family).

Collective Noun Verb Agreement

العَائِلَةُ تُسَافِرُ (The family travels - singular feminine verb).

Regular Feminine Plural

عَائِلَات (Adding -āt).

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Exemples par niveau

1

هَذِهِ عَائِلَتِي.

This is my family.

Uses the feminine demonstrative pronoun 'hadhihi' because 'ʿāʾila' is feminine.

2

عَائِلَتِي كَبِيرَة.

My family is big.

Adjective 'kabīra' is feminine to match 'ʿāʾila'.

3

أَنَا أُحِبُّ عَائِلَتِي.

I love my family.

The verb 'uḥibbu' is 1st person singular.

4

أَيْنَ عَائِلَتُكَ؟

Where is your family?

The suffix '-ka' is for a male 'your'.

5

عَائِلَتِي فِي البَيْت.

My family is in the house.

Simple prepositional phrase 'fī al-bayt'.

6

عَائِلَتِي تَسْكُنُ فِي دُبَي.

My family lives in Dubai.

The verb 'taskunu' is feminine singular because it refers to the collective noun 'ʿāʾila'.

7

هَلْ لَدَيْكَ عَائِلَة؟

Do you have a family?

Uses 'ladayka' to express possession.

8

عَائِلَتِي جَمِيلَة.

My family is beautiful.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

1

أَذْهَبُ إِلَى المَطْعَمِ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي.

I go to the restaurant with my family.

Preposition 'maʿa' followed by the noun.

2

عَائِلَتِي سَعِيدَةٌ جِدًّا اليَوْم.

My family is very happy today.

Adverb 'jiddan' follows the adjective.

3

زَارَتْ عَائِلَتِي جَدِّي.

My family visited my grandfather.

Past tense verb 'zārat' is feminine.

4

كُلُّ عَائِلَةٍ لَهَا بَيْتٌ خَاص.

Every family has its own house.

Use of 'kull' (every) with a singular noun.

5

تُحِبُّ عَائِلَتِي القِرَاءَة.

My family loves reading.

Verbal sentence starting with the verb.

6

سَأُسَافِرُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي فِي الصَّيْف.

I will travel with my family in the summer.

Future tense prefix 'sa-'.

7

عَائِلَتِي تُفَضِّلُ الشَّايَ عَلَى القَهْوَة.

My family prefers tea over coffee.

Verb 'tufaḍḍilu' (prefers).

8

هَلْ عَائِلَتُكِ بِخَيْر؟

Is your family well?

Suffix '-ki' for female 'your'.

1

تَجْتَمِعُ العَائِلَةُ فِي العِيدِ لِتَنَاوُلِ الطَّعَام.

The family gathers during Eid to eat food.

Verb 'tajtamiʿu' (gathers).

2

يَعْمَلُ أَبِي لِيُعِيلَ عَائِلَتَنَا.

My father works to support our family.

The verb 'yuʿīla' is from the same root as 'ʿāʾila'.

3

عَائِلَتِي تَهْتَمُّ بِالتَّعْلِيمِ كَثِيرًا.

My family cares about education a lot.

Verb phrase 'tahtammu bi-' (cares about).

4

تُعْتَبَرُ العَائِلَةُ أَسَاسَ المُجْتَمَع.

The family is considered the foundation of society.

Passive verb 'tuʿtabaru'.

5

قَضَيْنَا وَقْتًا رَائِعًا مَعَ عَائِلَةِ عَمِّي.

We spent a wonderful time with my uncle's family.

Idafa: 'ʿāʾilatu ʿammī'.

6

تُرِيدُ عَائِلَتِي شِرَاءَ سَيَّارَةٍ جَدِيدَة.

My family wants to buy a new car.

Infinitive structure 'shirā'a'.

7

العَائِلَةُ هِيَ المَكَانُ الَّذِي نَشْعُرُ فِيهِ بِالأَمَان.

The family is the place where we feel safe.

Relative clause starting with 'alladhī'.

8

تَعِيشُ عَائِلَاتٌ كَثِيرَةٌ فِي هَذَا الحَيّ.

Many families live in this neighborhood.

Plural form 'ʿāʾilāt'.

1

تَغَيَّرَتْ بِنْيَةُ العَائِلَةِ فِي العُصُورِ الحَدِيثَة.

The structure of the family has changed in modern times.

Abstract noun 'binya' (structure).

2

تَلْعَبُ العَائِلَةُ دَوْرًا مِحْوَرِيًّا فِي تَرْبِيَةِ الأَطْفَال.

The family plays a pivotal role in raising children.

Idiomatic 'talʿabu dawran' (plays a role).

3

تُوَاجِهُ العَائِلَةُ الـمُعَاصِرَةُ تَحَدِّيَاتٍ كَبِيرَة.

The contemporary family faces great challenges.

Adjective 'muʿāṣira' (contemporary).

4

يَجِبُ الحِفَاظُ عَلَى رَوَابِطِ العَائِلَةِ القَوِيَّة.

It is necessary to maintain strong family ties.

Masdar 'al-ḥifāẓ' (maintaining).

5

تَقُومُ العَائِلَةُ بِتَوْفِيرِ الدَّعْمِ النَّفْسِيِّ لأَفْرَادِهَا.

The family provides psychological support to its members.

Compound term 'al-daʿm al-nafsī'.

6

تَخْتَلِفُ تَقَالِيدُ العَائِلَةِ مِنْ بَلَدٍ لآخَر.

Family traditions differ from one country to another.

Verb 'takhtalifu' (differs).

7

أَصْبَحَتِ العَائِلَةُ النَّوَوِيَّةُ أَكْثَرَ شُيُوعًا فِي الـمُدُن.

The nuclear family has become more common in cities.

Term 'al-ʿāʾila al-nawawiyya'.

8

تُؤَثِّرُ الظُّرُوفُ الاقْتِصَادِيَّةُ عَلَى اسْتِقْرَارِ العَائِلَة.

Economic conditions affect the stability of the family.

Verb 'tu'aththiru' (affects).

1

تُمَثِّلُ العَائِلَةُ الـمِظَلَّةَ الَّتِي تَقِي الأَفْرَادَ مِنْ تَقَلُّبَاتِ الحَيَاة.

The family represents the umbrella that protects individuals from life's fluctuations.

Metaphorical use of 'miẓalla' (umbrella).

2

إِنَّ تَفَكُّكَ العَائِلَةِ يُؤَدِّي إِلَى مَشَاكِلَ اجْتِمَاعِيَّةٍ خَطِيرَة.

Indeed, the disintegration of the family leads to serious social problems.

Emphasis with 'inna' and masdar 'tafakkuk'.

3

تَعْكِسُ العَائِلَةُ القِيَمَ الجَوْهَرِيَّةَ لِلـمُجْتَمَعِ العَرَبِيّ.

The family reflects the core values of Arab society.

Verb 'taʿkisu' (reflects).

4

يُنَاقِشُ الكِتَابُ مَفْهُومَ العَائِلَةِ فِي الأَدَبِ الـمَهْجَرِيّ.

The book discusses the concept of family in Mahjar (emigrant) literature.

Specific literary term 'adab mahjarī'.

5

لَا بُدَّ مِنَ التَّرْكِيزِ عَلَى التَّمَاسُكِ العَائِلِيِّ فِي ظِلِّ العَوْلَمَة.

It is essential to focus on family cohesion in light of globalization.

Phrase 'lā budda min' (it is essential).

6

تُعَدُّ العَائِلَةُ حَجَرَ الزَّاوِيَةِ فِي أَيِّ نِظَامٍ اجْتِمَاعِيٍّ مُسْتَدَام.

The family is the cornerstone of any sustainable social system.

Idiomatic 'ḥajar al-zāwiya' (cornerstone).

7

تَسْعَى الدَّوْلَةُ إِلَى سَنِّ قَوَانِينَ تَحْمِي حُقُوقَ العَائِلَة.

The state seeks to enact laws that protect family rights.

Legal phrasing 'sann qawānīn'.

8

تَظَلُّ العَائِلَةُ الـمَرْجِعَ الأَوَّلَ لِلْفَرْدِ فِي تَكْوِينِ شَخْصِيَّتِهِ.

The family remains the primary reference for the individual in forming their personality.

Term 'al-marjiʿ' (reference).

1

تَنْصَهِرُ الهُوِيَّاتُ الفَرْدِيَّةُ أَحْيَانًا دَاخِلَ بُوتَقَةِ العَائِلَةِ التَّقْلِيدِيَّة.

Individual identities sometimes melt within the melting pot of the traditional family.

Philosophical use of 'tanṣahiru' (to melt) and 'būtaqa' (melting pot).

2

يَتَجَلَّى الـمَفْهُومُ الأَنْثُرُوبُولُوجِيُّ لِلـعَائِلَةِ فِي تَعَدُّدِ أَشْكَالِ القَرَابَة.

The anthropological concept of family is manifested in the multiplicity of kinship forms.

Academic terminology 'anthrūbūlūjī'.

3

إِنَّ سُرْدِيَّةَ العَائِلَةِ فِي الرِّوَايَةِ العَرَبِيَّةِ تُعَالِجُ قَضَايَا الِاسْتِبْدَادِ الأَبَوِيّ.

The family narrative in the Arabic novel addresses issues of patriarchal tyranny.

Literary analysis terms 'sardiyya' and 'istibdād'.

4

تَشْتَبِكُ مَصَالِحُ العَائِلَةِ مَعَ مَصَالِحِ القَبِيلَةِ فِي بَعْضِ الـمُجْتَمَعَاتِ الرَّعَوِيَّة.

Family interests intertwine with tribal interests in some pastoral societies.

Verb 'tashtabiku' (to intertwine).

5

يُثِيرُ تَحَوُّلُ العَائِلَةِ نَحْوَ الفَرْدَانِيَّةِ جَدَلًا وَاسِعًا فِي الأَوْسَاطِ الفِكْرِيَّة.

The transformation of the family towards individualism sparks wide debate in intellectual circles.

Abstract concept 'fardāniyya' (individualism).

6

تُشَكِّلُ العَائِلَةُ نَسِيجًا مُعَقَّدًا مِنَ الِالتِزَامَاتِ الأَخْلَاقِيَّةِ والـمَادِّيَّة.

The family forms a complex web of moral and material obligations.

Metaphor 'nasīj' (fabric/web).

7

تَغُوصُ الدِّرَاسَةُ فِي أَعْمَاقِ العَلَاقَاتِ العَائِلِيَّةِ وتَأْثِيرِهَا عَلَى الـمَجَالِ العَام.

The study dives into the depths of family relationships and their impact on the public sphere.

Phrase 'al-majāl al-ʿāmm' (the public sphere).

8

تُمَثِّلُ العَائِلَةُ فِي الفِكْرِ الكَلَاسِيكِيِّ نَمُوذَجًا مُصَغَّرًا لِلدَّوْلَة.

In classical thought, the family represents a microcosm of the state.

Term 'namūdhanj muṣagghar' (microcosm).

Antonymes

غُرَبَاء أَجَانِب

Collocations courantes

رَبُّ العَائِلَة
اسْمُ العَائِلَة
شَجَرَةُ العَائِلَة
رَوَابِطُ العَائِلَة
دَفْتَرُ العَائِلَة
مَصْلَحَةُ العَائِلَة
شَرَفُ العَائِلَة
اجْتِمَاعٌ عَائِلِيّ
مِيزَانِيَّةُ العَائِلَة
تَقَالِيدُ العَائِلَة

Phrases Courantes

كَيْفَ حَالُ العَائِلَة؟

— How is the family? A polite greeting.

أَهْلًا يَا صَدِيقِي، كَيْفَ حَالُ العَائِلَة؟

العَائِلَةُ أَوَّلًا

— Family first. Expressing priority.

بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِي، العَائِلَةُ أَوَّلًا.

فِي نِطَاقِ العَائِلَة

— Within the family circle. Private.

بَقِيَ الخَبَرُ فِي نِطَاقِ العَائِلَة.

مِنْ عَائِلَةٍ عَرِيقَة

— From an ancient/noble family.

زَوْجَتُهُ مِنْ عَائِلَةٍ عَرِيقَة.

عَائِلَةٌ مُتَمَاسِكَة

— A cohesive/tight-knit family.

هُمْ عَائِلَةٌ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ جِدًّا.

بِصُحْبَةِ العَائِلَة

— In the company of the family.

سَافَرَ بِصُحْبَةِ العَائِلَة.

فَرْدٌ مِنَ العَائِلَة

— A member of the family.

أَنْتَ مِثْلُ فَرْدٍ مِنَ العَائِلَة.

عَائِلَةٌ مُتَوَاضِعَة

— A humble family.

نَشَأَ فِي عَائِلَةٍ مُتَوَاضِعَة.

أَسْرَارُ العَائِلَة

— Family secrets.

لَا تَنْشُرْ أَسْرَارَ العَائِلَة.

دَعْمٌ عَائِلِيّ

— Family support.

تَلَقَّى دَعْمًا عَائِلِيًّا كَبِيرًا.

Souvent confondu avec

عَائِلَة vs أُسْرَة

Usra is specifically nuclear; ʿāʾila is broader.

عَائِلَة vs أَهْل

Ahl is more casual and can mean 'people of'.

عَائِلَة vs عَيِّل

Ayyil means 'child' in Egyptian dialect; don't confuse the sounds.

Expressions idiomatiques

"العِرْقُ دَسَّاس"

— Lineage/Roots are influential. Used to say that traits run in the family.

هُوَ ذَكِيٌّ مِثْلُ أَبِيهِ، فالعِرْقُ دَسَّاس.

Traditional
"ابْنُ عَائِلَة"

— A well-bred person. Someone from a respected background.

أَحْمَدُ ابْنُ عَائِلَةٍ مُحْتَرَمَة.

Informal
"مِنْ ثَوْبِنَا"

— From our cloth. Meaning someone from a similar family/social background.

هَذَا الشَّابُّ مِنْ ثَوْبِنَا.

Idiomatic
"الدَّمُ مَا بِيصِير مَيّ"

— Blood doesn't turn into water. Meaning family ties are unbreakable.

سَأُسَامِحُ أَخِي، فالدَّمُ مَا بِيصِير مَيّ.

Dialect/Proverb
"النَّارُ مَا بَتْوَرِّث إِلَّا رَمَاد"

— Fire only leaves ashes. Often used when a great family produces weak descendants.

لِلأَسَفِ، النَّارُ مَا بَتْوَرِّث إِلَّا رَمَاد.

Proverb
"كُلُّ عَقْدَةٍ وَلَهَا حَلّ عِنْدَ الأَهْل"

— Every problem has a solution with family. Stressing family mediation.

لَا تَقْلَقْ، كُلُّ عَقْدَةٍ وَلَهَا حَلّ عِنْدَ الأَهْل.

Informal
"الخَالُ مَخْلِيّ والـعَمُّ وَلِيّ"

— Rhyme about the roles of maternal and paternal uncles in the family.

فِي تَقَالِيدِنَا، الخَالُ مَخْلِيّ والـعَمُّ وَلِيّ.

Traditional
"أَنَا وَأَخِي عَلَى ابْنِ عَمِّي"

— Me and my brother against my cousin. Expressing levels of loyalty.

هَذَا مَثَلٌ قَدِيمٌ: أَنَا وَأَخِي عَلَى ابْنِ عَمِّي.

Proverb
"العَائِلَةُ عِزْوَة"

— Family is strength/backing.

فِي وَقْتِ الشِّدَّةِ، العَائِلَةُ عِزْوَة.

Informal
"مَقْطُوعٌ مِنْ شَجَرَة"

— Cut from a tree. Meaning someone who has no family or relatives.

يَعِيشُ وَحِيدًا كَأَنَّهُ مَقْطُوعٌ مِنْ شَجَرَة.

Idiomatic

Facile à confondre

عَائِلَة vs أُسْرَة

Both mean family.

Usra is for parents and kids only. ʿāʾila includes everyone else.

أُسْرَتِي صَغِيرَة لَكِنَّ عَائِلَتِي كَبِيرَة.

عَائِلَة vs أَهْل

Often translated as family.

Ahl is warmer, more general kin. ʿāʾila is the formal unit.

سَلِّمْ عَلَى الأَهْل.

عَائِلَة vs آل

Means family of...

Used for dynasties or religious figures.

آلُ بَيْتِ النَّبِيّ.

عَائِلَة vs أَقَارِب

Means relatives.

Aqārib are individuals related by blood; ʿāʾila is the group.

عِنْدِي أَقَارِب كَثِيرُونَ.

عَائِلَة vs عَيَال

Sounds similar.

In dialect, this means children. In MSA, it means dependents.

عِنْدِي عَيَال كَثِيرُونَ.

Structures de phrases

A1

هَذِهِ [عَائِلَة] [adjective]

هَذِهِ عَائِلَة كَبِيرَة.

A1

[عَائِلَة] + possessive

عَائِلَتِي هُنَا.

A2

[verb] مَعَ [عَائِلَة]

آكُلُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي.

A2

[عَائِلَة] [possessive] [verb]

عَائِلَتِي تُحِبُّ الشَّاي.

B1

تَجْتَمِعُ الـ[عَائِلَة] فِي [time]

تَجْتَمِعُ العَائِلَةُ فِي المَسَاء.

B1

عَائِلَةُ [noun]

عَائِلَةُ صَدِيقِي لَطِيفَة.

B2

تُعْتَبَرُ الـ[عَائِلَة] [noun phrase]

تُعْتَبَرُ العَائِلَةُ أَهَمَّ شَيْء.

C1

فِي ظِلِّ الـ[عَائِلَة]

نَشَأَ فِي ظِلِّ عَائِلَةٍ مُثَقَّفَة.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; used daily in almost all social interactions.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using masculine adjectives with ʿāʾila. → ʿāʾila kabīra (feminine).

    ʿāʾila is a feminine noun because it ends with a taa marbuta (ة).

  • Dropping the hamza sound (saying ʿāla). → ʿā-i-la.

    The hamza (ئ) is a distinct glottal stop that must be articulated in MSA.

  • Incorrect possessive (ʿāʾila-ī). → ʿāʾilatī.

    The taa marbuta (ة) must change to a regular 't' (ت) when adding a suffix.

  • Using 'al-' in an Idafa (al-ʿāʾila al-mudīr). → ʿāʾilatu al-mudīr.

    The first word in an Idafa construction cannot have the definite article 'al-'.

  • Pluralizing as a broken plural (ʿawā'il). → ʿāʾilāt.

    ʿāʾila uses the regular feminine plural (at-ending).

Astuces

Check the Taa Marbuta

Always remember that ʿāʾila is feminine. If you describe your family as 'happy', make sure to say 'saʿīda' (سَعِيدَة) not 'saʿīd' (سَعِيد).

The Glottal Stop

Make sure to pronounce the 'i' sound clearly in the middle. It's not 'ʿayla' but 'ʿā-i-la' in proper Modern Standard Arabic.

Usra vs. ʿāʾila

Use 'usra' for your immediate housemates (parents/kids) and 'ʿāʾila' for the whole clan. This makes you sound more precise.

Family First

In conversations, asking about someone's ʿāʾila is a sign of deep respect. Never skip this in a social greeting.

The Hamza Seat

When writing, the hamza must be on a 'yaa' without dots (ئ). Don't write it on an alif or on the line.

Listen for the 'T'

When someone says 'ʿāʾilaT-i' or 'ʿāʾilaT-uka', the 't' tells you they are talking about 'my' or 'your' family.

Ahl vs. ʿāʾila

Use 'Ahl' for a warmer, more casual tone when talking to friends. 'ʿāʾila' is more formal and structured.

The Pharyngeal ʿAyn

The 'ʿ' in ʿāʾila is a pharyngeal sound. Practice it from the middle of your throat to sound more native.

Family Name

On official forms, look for 'Ism al-ʿāʾila' (اسم العائلة) for your surname.

The Collective Unit

Always treat ʿāʾila as a single group. The verb will be feminine singular (e.g., the family travels = al-ʿāʾila tusāfiru).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'A-ila' as 'All-in-the-house'. The 'ʿAyn' starts deep, like the deep roots of a family tree.

Association visuelle

Imagine a large tree (shajarat al-ʿāʾila) with many branches representing the extended support system.

Word Web

Mother Father Home Love Support Children Ancestry Heritage

Défi

Try to name five members of your 'ʿāʾila' in Arabic using the possessive suffix '-ī' (e.g., ammi, akhi).

Origine du mot

From the Arabic root ʿ-w-l (ع-و-ل), which primarily means to support, to sustain, or to provide for.

Sens originel : The group of people for whom one is responsible for providing food and shelter.

Semitic (Arabic).

Contexte culturel

Always show respect when asking about someone's family. Use polite plural forms if necessary.

In English, 'family' often implies the nuclear unit first, whereas in Arabic, 'ʿāʾila' immediately brings to mind the extended network.

The TV show 'ʿāʾilat Ḥājj Mutawallī' (a famous Egyptian drama). The concept of 'Āl al-Bayt' in Islamic history. The 'Family' section in traditional Arab restaurants.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Introductions

  • أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُعَرِّفَكَ عَلَى عَائِلَتِي.
  • مَا هُوَ اسْمُ عَائِلَتِكَ؟
  • عَائِلَتِي مِنْ سُورِيَا.
  • أَنَا أَعِيشُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي.

Holidays

  • سَأَقْضِي العِيدَ مَعَ العَائِلَة.
  • اجْتِمَاعُ العَائِلَةِ رَائِع.
  • نُحِبُّ الِاحْتِفَالَ كَعَائِلَة.
  • هَدَايَا لِلْعَائِلَة.

Travel

  • هَلْ تُسَافِرُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِكَ؟
  • حَجَزْتُ غُرْفَةً لِلْعَائِلَة.
  • تَذَاكِرُ عَائِلِيَّة.
  • نَحْنُ هُنَا كَعَائِلَة.

Forms/Legal

  • اكْتُبِ اسْمَ العَائِلَة.
  • عَدَدُ أَفْرَادِ العَائِلَة.
  • حَالَةُ العَائِلَةِ الِاجْتِمَاعِيَّة.
  • تَأْمِينٌ عَائِلِيّ.

Restaurants

  • طَاوِلَةٌ لِلْعَائِلَة.
  • وَجْبَةٌ عَائِلِيَّة.
  • قِسْمُ العَائِلَات.
  • مَطْعَمٌ عَائِلِيّ.

Amorces de conversation

"حَدِّثْنِي عَنْ عَائِلَتِكَ، هَلْ هِيَ كَبِيرَة؟"

"مَاذَا تُحِبُّ أَنْ تَفْعَلَ مَعَ عَائِلَتِكَ فِي عُطْلَةِ نِهَايَةِ الأُسْبُوع؟"

"هَلْ تَعِيشُ عَائِلَتُكَ فِي نَفْسِ المَدِينَةِ الَّتِي تَعِيشُ فِيهَا؟"

"مَا هِيَ أَهَمُّ تَقَالِيدِ العَائِلَةِ عِنْدَكُمْ؟"

"مَنْ هُوَ أَكْثَرُ شَخْصٍ مَرِحٍ فِي عَائِلَتِكَ؟"

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اكْتُبْ عَنْ يَوْمٍ جَمِيلٍ قَضَيْتَهُ مَعَ عَائِلَتِكَ.

مَا هُوَ دَوْرُ العَائِلَةِ فِي حَيَاتِكَ اليَوْمِيَّة؟

كَيْفَ تَحْتَفِلُ عَائِلَتُكَ بِالـمُنَاسَبَاتِ الخَاصَّة؟

صِفْ شَجَرَةَ عَائِلَتِكَ وَاذْكُرْ بَعْضَ القِصَصِ عَنْ أَجْدَادِكَ.

مَا هِيَ القِيَمُ الَّتِي تَعَلَّمْتَهَا مِنْ عَائِلَتِكَ؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In modern usage, 'usra' specifically refers to the nuclear family—mother, father, and children. 'ʿāʾila' is a broader term that includes the extended family like grandparents, uncles, and cousins. For example, you might say your 'usra' lives in an apartment, but your 'ʿāʾila' is spread across the country.

It is a feminine noun. You can tell by the 'taa marbuta' (ة) at the end. This means you must use feminine adjectives like 'kabīra' and feminine verb forms like 'taskunu' when referring to it.

You say 'ʿāʾilatī' (عَائِلَتِي). The 'taa marbuta' changes to a regular 't' sound when you add the possessive suffix '-ī'.

No, 'ʿāʾila' is a collective noun for a group. To refer to one person, you would say 'fard min al-ʿāʾila' (a member of the family) or 'huwa min aqāribī' (he is one of my relatives).

The plural is 'ʿāʾilāt' (عَائِلَات). It follows the regular feminine plural pattern. You use it when talking about multiple families or households.

The hamza sits on a 'seat' (ئ) and is pronounced like a sharp 'i' sound after the long 'ā'. It sounds like 'ʿā-i-la'. In some dialects, people might drop the glottal stop and say 'ʿāyla'.

'Ahl' is more informal and warm. It's great for greetings like 'How are the folks?' (Kayfa al-ahl?). 'ʿāʾila' is better for formal contexts, documents, or when you want to be very clear about the family unit.

Yes, 'ism al-ʿāʾila' literally means 'the family name' and is the standard way to ask for a surname on forms or in introductions.

Usually, yes. However, in a poetic or very close sense, you might call a close-knit group an 'ʿāʾila', but 'usra' is more common for metaphorical 'families' like a 'work family' (usrat al-ʿamal).

The root means to support or provide for. This reflects the traditional Arabic view that a family is a group of people who are supported by a head of the household, emphasizing mutual care and financial responsibility.

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