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A1 noun 10 min de lecture

عشاء

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces عشاء en 30 secondes

Explication عشاء in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'عشاء' (Asha) is one of the first nouns you learn related to daily routine. You should focus on recognizing it as the word for 'dinner' and using it in simple 'Subject-Verb-Object' sentences. For example, 'I eat dinner' (أنا آكل العشاء). At this stage, the goal is to distinguish it from 'breakfast' and 'lunch' and to understand that it happens in the evening. You will mostly use it with the definite article 'al-' and common verbs like 'to eat'. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the basic identification of the meal and its timing.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'عشاء' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to add simple adjectives, like 'delicious dinner' (عشاء لذيذ) or 'big dinner' (عشاء كبير). You will also start using it with prepositions of time, such as 'before dinner' (قبل العشاء) and 'after dinner' (بعد العشاء). At this level, you should be comfortable inviting someone to dinner using the phrase 'تفضل إلى العشاء' and responding to such invitations. You should also be aware of the difference between 'Asha' (dinner) and 'Isha' (prayer) to avoid basic social confusion.

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At the B1 level, you move into social and professional usage. You should be able to discuss 'عشاء عمل' (business dinner) and use the word in the context of making plans and reservations. You will learn to use the word with more varied verbs like 'to prepare' (أعدّ), 'to host' (استضاف), and 'to order' (طلب). You can also describe the components of the dinner in more detail. Your understanding of the 'Idafa' construction will allow you to say things like 'the restaurant's dinner' (عشاء المطعم). You should also be able to talk about cultural habits regarding dinner in different countries.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'عشاء' in more formal and abstract discussions. You might talk about the 'social role of dinner' or 'dinner etiquette'. You will encounter the word in literature and news reports, often in phrases like 'مأدبة عشاء' (dinner banquet). You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences ('If you come to dinner, I will cook...'). You will also have a better grasp of the word's etymology and its connection to other words in the same root family, allowing for a deeper linguistic appreciation.

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At the C1 level, you use 'عشاء' with nuance and stylistic flair. You can distinguish between the various registers of the word, from colloquial dialectal forms to highly formal MSA. You will understand idiomatic expressions and cultural references involving dinner. You can discuss the evolution of the term and its historical context in Arabic literature. At this level, your use of the word is seamless, and you can engage in high-level debates about topics such as 'the impact of fast food on the traditional family dinner' using sophisticated vocabulary and perfect grammatical agreement.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word 'عشاء'. You can appreciate the subtle poetic uses of the word and its root in classical texts. You can navigate any social situation, from a casual street-food dinner to a formal state banquet, using the appropriate terminology and cultural protocols. You understand the deepest etymological links between 'Asha' and concepts of vision and darkness. You can write essays or give presentations on the culinary history of the Arab world, using 'عشاء' as a focal point for sociological and cultural analysis.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

عشاء en 30 secondes

Asha' means dinner in Arabic.
It is a masculine noun used for the evening meal.
Pronounced with an 'a' sound at the start (Asha').
Centrally important for hospitality and social life in Arab culture.

The Arabic word عشاء (Asha') is a fundamental noun in the Arabic language, primarily referring to the evening meal, equivalent to 'dinner' or 'supper' in English. It represents more than just a caloric intake; in Arabic culture, the عشاء is often a time for family gathering, social interaction, and the conclusion of the day's activities. The word is derived from the root (ع-ش-و), which relates to the time of evening or the onset of darkness. Understanding this word requires a grasp of its cultural weight, as the timing and nature of the evening meal can vary significantly across the Middle East, ranging from a light snack late at night to a heavy, formal banquet.

Linguistic Context: The term is a masculine singular noun. It is distinct from the word for the night prayer, though they share the same spelling in many scripts without diacritics.

تفضلوا إلى الـ عشاء يا أصدقائي. (Please come to dinner, my friends.)

In many Arab households, dinner is served later than in Western cultures, often after 8:00 PM or even as late as 10:00 PM. This is because the main meal of the day is traditionally lunch (Ghada'). Consequently, عشاء might be a lighter affair consisting of cheeses, olives, bread, and eggs, or it could be a full meal if guests are invited. When someone invites you to 'Asha', they are extending a gesture of hospitality that is central to Arab identity. The word is used universally across all Arabic dialects, from the Maghreb to the Gulf, making it a vital piece of vocabulary for any learner.

Social Significance: Sharing a meal is the ultimate sign of friendship and trust. To 'eat bread and salt' (أكلنا خبز وملح) during dinner signifies a lasting bond.

هل تريد أن تخرج معنا لتناول الـ عشاء؟ (Do you want to go out with us to have dinner?)

Furthermore, during the holy month of Ramadan, the concept of the evening meal shifts. The 'Iftar' is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, but a later meal before dawn called 'Suhoor' is also eaten. However, in a non-fasting context, عشاء remains the standard term for the final meal of the day. It is used in formal invitations, restaurant menus, and casual family talk. Whether you are ordering at a high-end restaurant in Dubai or sitting in a family home in Cairo, this word will be your primary way to refer to your evening sustenance.

Formal vs Informal: In formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), you use 'عشاء'. In Levantine or Egyptian dialects, the pronunciation might soften the 'hamza' at the end, but the core meaning remains identical.

أعددتُ عشاءً خفيفاً الليلة. (I prepared a light dinner tonight.)

Using the word عشاء correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. Most frequently, it is used with the verb 'to eat' (أكل - akala) or 'to have/take' (تناول - tanawala). In professional or formal settings, 'تناول' is preferred. For instance, 'I am having dinner' would be 'أنا أتناول العشاء'. Notice the use of the definite article 'ال' (al-) which is common when referring to the meal as a specific daily event.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs include: أعدّ (prepared), طبخ (cooked), دعا (invited), and حضر (attended).

متى موعد الـ عشاء؟ (When is dinner time?)

When describing the type of dinner, adjectives follow the noun and match it in gender and case. Since عشاء is masculine, the adjectives must also be masculine. For example, 'a delicious dinner' is 'عشاءٌ لذيذ' (asha'un ladheedh). If you are referring to a 'business dinner', you would say 'عشاء عمل' (asha'u 'amal), using an 'Idafa' construction (possessive/associative structure). This is very common in professional environments where networking often happens over food.

Invitations: To invite someone, you say: 'أدعوك إلى العشاء' (I invite you to dinner). It is a polite and standard way to initiate social gatherings.

كان الـ عشاء رائعاً، شكراً لك. (The dinner was wonderful, thank you.)

In more complex sentences, عشاء can be part of a prepositional phrase to indicate timing. For example, 'I will finish my work before dinner' becomes 'سأنتهي من عملي قبل العشاء'. Here, 'قبل' (before) acts as a preposition. Similarly, 'بعد العشاء' (after dinner) is a common phrase to describe evening activities like watching a movie or going for a walk. Understanding these temporal markers is essential for scheduling and daily conversation.

Descriptive Usage: You can use adjectives like: ساخن (hot), بارد (cold), سريع (quick), or رسمي (formal) to specify the nature of the meal.

نحن نفضل الـ عشاء المنزلي. (We prefer home-cooked dinner.)

The word عشاء is ubiquitous in the Arab world, echoing through various layers of daily life. Perhaps the most common place you will hear it is within the domestic sphere. As the sun sets, family members will ask each other, 'ماذا سنأكل على العشاء؟' (What will we eat for dinner?). It is the soundtrack of the transition from the busy afternoon to the restful evening. In residential neighborhoods, you might hear mothers calling their children from balconies to come inside because dinner is ready, a scene that repeats across cities from Casablanca to Muscat.

In Restaurants: Waiters will often ask if you are there for 'Ghada' or 'Asha', and menus are frequently divided into sections like 'قائمة العشاء' (Dinner Menu).

هل لديكم طاولة لـ عشاء لشخصين؟ (Do you have a table for dinner for two?)

In the media, the word appears constantly. Television dramas (Musalsalat) often feature pivotal scenes around the dinner table, where family secrets are revealed or conflicts are resolved. News reports might mention 'عشاء دبلوماسي' (diplomatic dinner) or 'مأدبة عشاء' (dinner banquet) when reporting on the visits of foreign dignitaries. This formal usage highlights the word's versatility, moving seamlessly from the kitchen table to the royal palace. Even in advertising, food brands will target the 'Asha' time slot to promote products that are easy to prepare after a long day at work.

Religious Contexts: While 'Isha' is the prayer, the dinner eaten after the prayer is still 'Asha'. You will hear religious scholars or community leaders mention it in the context of hospitality.

سيكون هناك عشاء خيري في المسجد. (There will be a charity dinner at the mosque.)

Travelers will encounter the word at hotels and airports. Signs indicating the 'Dining Area' or 'Dinner Buffet' will prominently feature 'العشاء'. In the digital world, food delivery apps like Talabat or Uber Eats in the Middle East will have categories or promotions specifically for 'Dinner Meals'. Therefore, whether you are reading a formal invitation, listening to a podcast about Middle Eastern cuisine, or just navigating a city, 'Asha' is an essential term that connects you to the rhythmic pulse of Arab society.

Workplace Usage: Colleagues might say, 'Let's discuss this over dinner,' using 'Asha' as a bridge between professional and personal spheres.

تم تأجيل الـ عشاء إلى الغد. (The dinner has been postponed until tomorrow.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning the word عشاء is the confusion between it and the word for the evening prayer, عِشاء (Isha'). While they look identical in written Arabic without vowel marks (vocalized as عشاء), the pronunciation is different. The meal is 'Asha' (with a 'fat-ha' on the first letter), and the prayer is 'Isha' (with a 'kasra' on the first letter). Confusing the two can lead to humorous situations, such as telling someone you 'ate the prayer' or 'prayed the dinner'.

Pronunciation Error: Saying 'Isha' when you mean dinner. Always remember: 'A' for Ate (Asha) and 'I' for Islam/Prayer (Isha).

خطأ: صليتُ الـ عَشاء. (Wrong: I prayed the dinner.)

Another common error involves the misuse of the definite article. In English, we often say 'I am having dinner' without 'the'. However, in Arabic, when referring to the meal as a general daily event, the definite article 'ال' (al-) is usually required: 'أتناول العشاء' (I am having the dinner). Omitting the 'al-' can make the sentence sound fragmented or overly poetic, as if you are talking about 'a dinner' in an abstract sense rather than your actual meal.

Confusion with 'Late Night': Some learners confuse 'عشاء' with 'سهرة' (Sahra). 'Sahra' is the evening social gathering or party, while 'Asha' is strictly the meal.

صح: هل ستأتي إلى الـ عشاء؟ (Correct: Will you come to dinner?)

Finally, there's the mistake of gender agreement. Learners sometimes forget that 'عشاء' is a masculine noun. When using adjectives to describe your dinner, you must use the masculine form. For example, saying 'عشاء لذيذة' (Asha' ladheedha - feminine) is incorrect; it must be 'عشاء لذيذ' (Asha' ladheedh - masculine). This is a basic rule of Arabic grammar that often trips up beginners who are still getting used to noun-adjective agreement. Paying attention to the ending of the noun—which does not have a 'Ta Marbuta' (ة)—is a good clue that it is masculine.

The 'Hamza' ending: The 'Hamza' on the line (ء) at the end of 'عشاء' is often ignored in casual speech, but in writing, omitting it is a spelling error.

خطأ: عشاءٌ كبيرة. (Wrong: A big dinner - using feminine adjective.)

To truly master the vocabulary of eating in Arabic, it is helpful to compare عشاء with its counterparts and synonyms. The most obvious related words are the other meals of the day: فطور (Futoor - breakfast) and غداء (Ghada' - lunch). While English speakers often view dinner as the 'main' meal, in many traditional Arabic contexts, the 'Ghada' is the largest meal, and 'Asha' might be lighter. Understanding this hierarchy helps in choosing the right word for the right time of day.

Synonyms and Variants: 'مأدبة' (Ma'duba) refers to a formal banquet or feast, often for dinner. 'وجبة' (Wajba) is the general word for any 'meal'.

كانت مأدبة الـ عشاء فاخرة جداً. (The dinner banquet was very luxurious.)

In different dialects, you might hear variations. In some regions, people might use the word 'تعليلة' (Ta'lila) to refer to a late-night snack or social gathering that involves food, though this is more colloquial. In the context of Ramadan, the 'Iftar' (إفطار) replaces the traditional 'Asha' as the first meal after sunset. While technically an 'Asha' in terms of timing, it is exclusively called 'Iftar' during the holy month. Similarly, 'Suhoor' (سحور) is the meal eaten before dawn, which is unique to the fasting period.

Formal vs. Informal Meals: A 'Walima' (وليمة) is a wedding feast, usually served at dinner time. It is much more specific and formal than a standard 'Asha'.

هذا الـ عشاء هو مجرد وجبة خفيفة. (This dinner is just a light meal.)

Another word often confused with 'Asha' is 'Layl' (ليل - night). While 'Asha' happens during the 'Layl', they are not interchangeable. You eat your 'Asha' in the 'Masa' (evening) or 'Layl'. Furthermore, the word 'Ta'am' (طعام) simply means food. While you can say 'Ta'am al-Masa' (evening food), it is far less common and natural than simply saying 'Asha'. By learning these distinctions, you can navigate social invitations with greater precision and avoid the vagueness that comes with using general terms for specific cultural events.

Quick Reference: Futoor = Breakfast | Ghada = Lunch | Asha = Dinner | Wajba = Meal | Ma'duba = Banquet.

تفضلوا على الـ وليمة، العشاء جاهز. (Come to the feast, dinner is ready.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"نتشرف بدعوتكم لحضور مأدبة العشاء."

Neutre

"العشاء جاهز، تعالوا لنأكل."

Informel

"شو العشا اليوم؟"

Child friendly

"هم هم! العشاء لذيذ جداً."

Argot

"ما في عشا بهالموضوع."

Le savais-tu ?

The root for 'dinner' is the same as the root for 'night-blindness' (Asha), because night-blindness is most apparent during the time of the evening meal when the light fades.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ʕaˈʃaːʔ/

US /ʕɑˈʃɑːʔ/

The stress is on the second syllable: a-SHA'.

Rime avec

سماء (Sama' - Sky) هواء (Hawa' - Air) ماء (Ma' - Water) بناء (Bina' - Building) دواء (Dawa' - Medicine) حذاء (Hidha' - Shoe) نداء (Nida' - Call) غداء (Ghada' - Lunch)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'Isha' (like the prayer).
Ignoring the final glottal stop (hamza).
Using a soft 'a' instead of the deep 'Ain' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the vowel on the 'Ain' with an 'i'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Easy to read, but requires distinguishing from 'Isha' (prayer).

Écriture 2/5

The final hamza (ء) on the line can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires correct pronunciation of the 'Ain' and the glottal stop.

Écoute 2/5

Must listen carefully for the 'a' vs 'i' vowel on the first letter.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

أكل (To eat) طعام (Food) مساء (Evening) بيت (House) شرب (To drink)

Apprends ensuite

فطور (Breakfast) غداء (Lunch) مطبخ (Kitchen) مطعم (Restaurant) لذيذ (Delicious)

Avancé

وليمة (Feast) بروتوكول (Protocol) ضيافة (Hospitality) إتيكيت (Etiquette) تغذية (Nutrition)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun-Adjective Agreement

عشاءٌ (masc) + لذيذٌ (masc) = عشاءٌ لذيذٌ

The Definite Article (Al-)

العشاء (Specific daily meal) vs عشاء (General dinner)

Idafa Construction (Possessive)

عشاءُ العائلةِ (The family's dinner)

Prepositions of Time

قبلَ العشاءِ (Before dinner) - Noun becomes Majrur.

The Hamza ending

The spelling requires the Hamza on the line after an Alif.

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Exemples par niveau

أنا آكل العشاء.

I eat dinner.

Subject (أنا) + Verb (آكل) + Object (العشاء).

العشاء لذيذ.

The dinner is delicious.

Equational sentence: Subject + Adjective.

متى العشاء؟

When is dinner?

Interrogative sentence starting with 'When'.

هذا عشاء.

This is dinner.

Demonstrative pronoun + Noun.

أريد العشاء.

I want dinner.

Verb 'to want' + Object.

العشاء في البيت.

Dinner is at home.

Subject + Prepositional phrase.

أمي تطبخ العشاء.

My mother is cooking dinner.

Subject + Verb + Object.

شكراً على العشاء.

Thank you for the dinner.

Standard expression of gratitude.

سآكل العشاء بعد ساعة.

I will eat dinner in an hour.

Future tense (سـ) + Verb + Object + Time phrase.

هل تريد عشاءً خفيفاً؟

Do you want a light dinner?

Question + Noun + Adjective (masculine).

نحن نأكل العشاء معاً.

We eat dinner together.

Subject + Verb + Object + Adverb.

أحب العشاء العربي.

I love Arabic dinner.

Verb + Noun + Adjective.

خرجنا لتناول العشاء في مطعم.

We went out to have dinner in a restaurant.

Past tense verb + Purpose clause + Prepositional phrase.

لا يوجد عشاء اليوم.

There is no dinner today.

Negation 'La' + Noun.

تفضل إلى العشاء عندنا.

Please come to dinner at our place.

Imperative/Polite invitation.

كان العشاء كبيراً جداً.

The dinner was very big.

Past tense 'Kana' + Subject + Adjective.

لدينا عشاء عمل الليلة مع المدير.

We have a business dinner tonight with the manager.

Idafa construction: عشاء عمل (dinner of work).

هل يمكنك حجز طاولة للعشاء؟

Can you reserve a table for dinner?

Modal verb + Noun phrase.

يُفضل والدي تناول العشاء مبكراً.

My father prefers to have dinner early.

Verb 'prefers' + Verbal noun (Masdar) + Object.

أعددتُ عشاءً خاصاً بمناسبة عيد ميلادها.

I prepared a special dinner for her birthday.

Past tense verb + Noun + Adjective + Prepositional phrase.

ماذا تقترح أن نطبخ للعشاء؟

What do you suggest we cook for dinner?

Question + Verb 'suggest' + Subordinate clause.

تأخر العشاء بسبب الزحام.

Dinner was delayed because of the traffic.

Verb + Subject + Reason phrase.

العشاء هو الوقت المفضل لي للتحدث مع عائلتي.

Dinner is my favorite time to talk with my family.

Subject + Copula + Predicate phrase.

سأحضر معي بعض الحلويات للعشاء.

I will bring some sweets with me for dinner.

Future tense verb + Object + Prepositional phrase.

دعتنا الشركة إلى مأدبة عشاء فاخرة في الفندق.

The company invited us to a luxurious dinner banquet at the hotel.

Verb + Object + Prepositional phrase (Idafa).

يجب أن نراعي آداب العشاء عند زيارة الآخرين.

We must observe dinner etiquette when visiting others.

Modal verb + Masdar + Idafa phrase.

انتهى الاجتماع بعشاء غير رسمي في مطعم قريب.

The meeting ended with an informal dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Verb + Subject + Prepositional phrase + Adjective.

غالباً ما يتناول الإسبان العشاء في وقت متأخر جداً.

Spaniards often have dinner very late.

Adverbial phrase + Verb + Subject + Object.

كان العشاء فرصة جيدة لتبادل الآراء حول المشروع.

The dinner was a good opportunity to exchange views on the project.

Kana + Subject + Predicate + Masdar phrase.

لا أحب تناول العشاء وأنا أشاهد التلفاز.

I don't like having dinner while watching TV.

Negative verb + Masdar + Hal (circumstantial) clause.

تطلب التحضير لهذا العشاء مجهوداً كبيراً من الجميع.

Preparing for this dinner required a great effort from everyone.

Verb + Subject (Masdar) + Object.

سيكون العشاء جاهزاً بمجرد وصول الضيوف.

Dinner will be ready as soon as the guests arrive.

Future Kana + Subject + Adjective + Temporal clause.

أقيم عشاءٌ خيري لجمع التبرعات لصالح الأيتام.

A charity dinner was held to raise donations for orphans.

Passive verb + Subject + Purpose clause.

تعتبر مأدبة العشاء جزءاً لا يتجزأ من البروتوكول الدبلوماسي.

The dinner banquet is considered an integral part of diplomatic protocol.

Passive verb + Subject + Predicate + Idafa.

دارت نقاشات حادة حول العشاء بشأن السياسات الجديدة.

Heated discussions took place over dinner regarding the new policies.

Verb + Subject + Adjective + Prepositional phrase.

يتميز العشاء التقليدي في هذه المنطقة بتنوع أطباقه.

Traditional dinner in this region is characterized by the diversity of its dishes.

Verb + Subject + Adjective + Prepositional phrase (Idafa).

من اللياقة عدم البدء في العشاء قبل صاحب البيت.

It is polite not to start dinner before the host.

Prepositional phrase + Masdar + Negation + Prepositional phrase.

يعكس العشاء العائلي مدى ترابط أفراد المجتمع.

The family dinner reflects the extent of the interconnectedness of society members.

Verb + Subject + Object (Idafa).

لقد كان العشاء الوداعي مؤثراً للغاية لجميع الزملاء.

The farewell dinner was extremely moving for all the colleagues.

Emphatic 'Laqad' + Kana + Subject + Adjective.

يتم تقديم العشاء عادةً في الهواء الطلق خلال فصل الصيف.

Dinner is usually served outdoors during the summer season.

Passive structure + Subject + Adverb + Prepositional phrase.

تتجلى كرم الضيافة العربية في أبهى صورها خلال مآدب العشاء.

Arab hospitality is manifested in its finest forms during dinner banquets.

Verb + Subject + Prepositional phrase + Prepositional phrase.

لم يكن العشاء مجرد وجبة، بل كان طقساً اجتماعياً معقداً.

Dinner was not merely a meal, but rather a complex social ritual.

Negated Kana + Subject + Predicate + Adversative 'Bal'.

إن فلسفة العشاء المشترك تعزز الروابط الإنسانية العميقة.

The philosophy of the shared dinner strengthens deep human bonds.

Emphasis 'Inna' + Subject (Idafa) + Verb + Object.

توارثت الأجيال تقاليد العشاء التي تدمج بين الأصالة والحداثة.

Generations have inherited dinner traditions that blend authenticity and modernity.

Verb + Subject + Object + Relative clause.

يستشف المرء من خلال العشاء الأدبي ملامح الثقافة السائدة.

One can discern through the literary dinner the features of the prevailing culture.

Verb + Subject + Prepositional phrase + Object.

أضفى العشاء على الأمسية جوّاً من السكينة والوقار.

The dinner bestowed upon the evening an atmosphere of tranquility and dignity.

Verb + Subject + Prepositional phrase + Object.

تعتبر مائدة العشاء في الرواية رمزاً للتصالح ولمّ الشمل.

The dinner table in the novel is considered a symbol of reconciliation and reunion.

Passive verb + Subject (Idafa) + Predicate.

لا يمكن إغفال الأبعاد الاقتصادية والاجتماعية لعشاء العمل.

The economic and social dimensions of business dinners cannot be overlooked.

Negative modal + Masdar + Object (Idafa).

Synonymes

وجبة المساء عتمة طعام الليل وليمة قرى

Antonymes

فطور غداء

Collocations courantes

عشاء عمل

عشاء رسمي

عشاء خفيف

مأدبة عشاء

وقت العشاء

طاولة العشاء

عشاء رومانسي

دعوة عشاء

عشاء عائلي

بعد العشاء

Phrases Courantes

تفضل على العشاء

— A polite way to invite someone to eat dinner. Literally 'Please come to dinner'.

تفضل على العشاء، الطعام جاهز.

ماذا سنأكل على العشاء؟

— The standard question asked when deciding on the evening meal.

يا أمي، ماذا سنأكل على العشاء؟

بالهناء والشفاء

— Said to someone eating or finishing a meal like dinner. Similar to 'Bon appétit'.

تناول عشاءك، بالهناء والشفاء.

عشاءً هنيئاً

— Wishing someone a pleasant dinner.

أتمنى لك عشاءً هنيئاً.

الحمد لله على العشاء

— A phrase of gratitude said after finishing dinner.

الحمد لله على العشاء، كان لذيذاً.

عشاء خير

— Often used for charity dinners or dinners with a good purpose.

هذا عشاء خير للفقراء.

قبل العشاء

— Indicating the time before the evening meal.

سأعود قبل العشاء.

عشاء متأخر

— Referring to a dinner eaten late at night.

أكلنا عشاءً متأخراً في المطعم.

عشاء منزلي

— Referring to a home-cooked dinner.

لا شيء يضاهي العشاء المنزلي.

قائمة العشاء

— The dinner menu in a restaurant.

هل يمكنني رؤية قائمة العشاء؟

Souvent confondu avec

عشاء vs عِشاء

The evening prayer (Isha). Distinguished by the 'i' sound on the first letter.

عشاء vs عشاءة

Not a standard word, but sometimes confused with 'Asha' by beginners trying to make it feminine.

عشاء vs عشى

A verb meaning 'to dim the eyes' or 'to be night-blind'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"أكل عليه الدهر وشرب"

— Literally 'Time ate and drank upon it'. Used for something very old or obsolete, though it uses eating/drinking metaphors.

هذا الجهاز أكل عليه الدهر وشرب.

Colloquial/Informal

"عشاء الأفاعي"

— A very dangerous or treacherous situation/gathering. Used metaphorically.

كان ذلك الاجتماع مثل عشاء الأفاعي.

Literary

"بين عشاء وضحاها"

— Literally 'Between dinner and its morning'. Meaning 'overnight' or very quickly.

تغيرت الأمور بين عشاء وضحاها.

Formal

"لا يملك عشاء ليلة"

— Describing someone who is extremely poor. Literally 'He doesn't own dinner for a night'.

هو فقير جداً، لا يملك عشاء ليلة.

Standard

"العشاء الأخير"

— The Last Supper (Biblical reference).

لوحة العشاء الأخير مشهورة جداً.

Formal/Religious

"تغدى به قبل أن يتعشى بك"

— Eat him for lunch before he eats you for dinner. Meaning: Take the initiative against an enemy.

عليك أن تتغدى به قبل أن يتعشى بك في العمل.

Proverbial

"عشاء الضيف"

— Referring to the hospitality shown to a guest.

إكرام الضيف يبدأ من عشاء الضيف.

Traditional

"ما في عشاء"

— Used colloquially to mean 'there is no hope' or 'nothing is happening'.

انتظرنا طويلاً ولكن ما في عشاء.

Slang

"صاحب عشاء"

— Someone who frequently hosts dinner parties.

هو رجل كريم وصاحب عشاء.

Traditional

"عشاء القلوب"

— Metaphor for spiritual or emotional satisfaction.

الحب هو عشاء القلوب.

Poetic

Facile à confondre

عشاء vs عِشاء (Isha)

Identical spelling without diacritics.

Asha (dinner) has a Fatha (a) on the Ain; Isha (prayer) has a Kasra (i).

أكلتُ العَشاء ثم صليتُ العِشاء.

عشاء vs غداء (Ghada)

Both are meals and end with 'aa'.

Ghada is lunch (midday), Asha is dinner (evening).

تغديتُ في العمل وسأتعشى في البيت.

عشاء vs سهرة (Sahra)

Both happen at night.

Sahra is the social event/party; Asha is specifically the meal.

كانت السهرة جميلة بعد العشاء.

عشاء vs وجبة (Wajba)

Both refer to food.

Wajba is 'a meal' in general; Asha is specifically 'dinner'.

العشاء هو أهم وجبة عندي.

عشاء vs مأدبة (Ma'duba)

Both refer to dinner contexts.

Ma'duba is a formal banquet; Asha is any dinner.

هذه مأدبة عشاء رسمية.

Structures de phrases

أنا آكل [meal].

أنا آكل العشاء.

[Meal] في الساعة [time].

العشاء في الساعة الثامنة.

أريد أن أدعوك إلى [meal].

أريد أن أدعوك إلى العشاء.

يعتبر [meal] وقتاً لـ [action].

يعتبر العشاء وقتاً للراحة.

بالرغم من [noun], إلا أن [meal] كان [adj].

بالرغم من التعب، إلا أن العشاء كان رائعاً.

تتنوع [plural noun] في [meal].

تتنوع الأطباق في العشاء.

لا تكتمل [noun] إلا بـ [meal].

لا تكتمل الأمسية إلا بالعشاء.

يستمد [noun] أهميته من [meal].

يستمد المجتمع أهميته من العشاء المشترك.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; used daily by every Arabic speaker.

Erreurs courantes

Pronouncing it 'Isha' when referring to food. → Pronounce it 'Asha'.
'Isha' is the night prayer; 'Asha' is the dinner meal.
Using a feminine adjective: 'عشاء لذيذة'. → Use masculine: 'عشاء لذيذ'.
'عشاء' is a masculine noun in Arabic.
Omitting the 'Al-' in 'I eat dinner'. → أنا آكل العشاء.
Arabic usually requires the definite article when referring to the specific daily meal.
Writing it as 'عشا' without the hamza in formal text. → عشاء.
The final hamza is necessary for correct spelling in Modern Standard Arabic.
Confusing 'عشاء' with 'سهرة'. → Use 'عشاء' for the meal and 'سهرة' for the social gathering.
While they happen at the same time, they refer to different aspects of the evening.

Astuces

Adjective Agreement

Always match 'عشاء' with masculine adjectives. For example, 'عشاء كبير' (big dinner), not 'عشاء كبيرة'.

The 'Ain' Sound

Practice the pharyngeal 'Ain' sound at the beginning of 'Asha'. It should come from deep in your throat.

Hospitality

If you are hosting, always offer more food than your guests can eat. A full table is a sign of generosity.

Isha vs Asha

Remember: 'A' for Appetite (Asha - dinner) and 'I' for Islam (Isha - prayer).

The Final Hamza

Don't forget the hamza on the line (ء) when writing 'عشاء'. It's a key part of the spelling.

Invitations

When someone says 'تفضل على العشاء', it's a very warm invitation. Even if you can't go, decline politely with 'شكراً، مرة أخرى إن شاء الله'.

Context Clues

If you hear words like 'مطعم' (restaurant) or 'لذيذ' (delicious), the speaker is almost certainly saying 'Asha' (dinner).

Daily Practice

Try to say 'أنا آكل العشاء' every evening when you sit down to eat to reinforce the word.

Using 'Al-'

In Arabic, we usually say 'the dinner' (العشاء) when referring to the daily meal event.

Business Etiquette

In a 'عشاء عمل', wait for the senior person to start eating or to initiate the business talk.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'A' for 'Ate' dinner (Asha), vs 'I' for 'Islam/Isha' prayer. 'A'sh-a' is for your stomach.

Association visuelle

Imagine a big letter 'A' shaped like a dinner plate with a fork and knife next to it.

Word Web

Asha (Dinner) Ghada (Lunch) Futoor (Breakfast) Mat'am (Restaurant) Tabkh (Cooking) Akal (Ate) Ladhid (Delicious) Ma'ida (Table)

Défi

Try to use 'Asha' in three different sentences describing what you ate for dinner yesterday, what you want for dinner tomorrow, and who you want to eat dinner with.

Origine du mot

The word originates from the Proto-Semitic root (ʕ-sh-w), which is primarily associated with the time of evening and the fading of light.

Sens originel : The onset of darkness or the period between sunset and total nightfall.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Arabic.

Contexte culturel

When invited to dinner, it is culturally sensitive to bring a small gift (like sweets) and to avoid refusing food too quickly, as this can be seen as rejecting hospitality.

English speakers might find the late timing of Arabic dinner (often 9 PM or later) surprising compared to the typical 6 PM dinner in the US or UK.

The Last Supper (العشاء الأخير) in Christian tradition. Numerous Arabic poems describing the 'Asha' of the generous host. Modern TV shows often titled 'Dinner with...' using the word 'Asha'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

متى العشاء؟
العشاء جاهز.
ساعدني في تحضير العشاء.
شكراً على العشاء.

At a Restaurant

طاولة للعشاء من فضلك.
ماذا يوجد في قائمة العشاء؟
نريد عشاءً خفيفاً.
الحساب للعشاء، شكراً.

Business Meeting

لدينا عشاء عمل.
سنتحدث في التفاصيل خلال العشاء.
أين سيكون العشاء؟
شكراً على دعوة العشاء.

Social Invitation

أدعوك للعشاء غداً.
هل تقبل دعوة العشاء؟
سأحضر عشاءً معي.
كان العشاء رائعاً.

Ramadan

هل هذا هو العشاء أم الإفطار؟
بعد صلاة العشاء سنأكل.
العشاء متأخر اليوم.
سحور مبارك وعشاء هنيء.

Amorces de conversation

"ماذا تفضل أن تأكل عادةً على العشاء؟"

"هل تحب تناول العشاء في البيت أم في المطعم؟"

"من هو الشخص الذي تحب أن تتناول معه العشاء؟"

"هل سبق لك وحضرت مأدبة عشاء كبيرة؟"

"ما هو أغرب شيء أكلته على العشاء؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن وجبة عشاء لا تنساها أبداً مع عائلتك أو أصدقائك.

صف العشاء المثالي بالنسبة لك: الطعام، المكان، والأشخاص.

كيف تختلف عادات العشاء في بلدك عن عادات العشاء في الدول العربية؟

اكتب قائمة تسوق لتحضير عشاء خاص لصديقك المفضل.

هل تعتقد أن العشاء هو أهم وجبة في اليوم؟ ولماذا؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a masculine noun. This means you should use masculine adjectives like 'عشاء لذيذ' and masculine pronouns like 'عشاؤنا'.

It is a glottal stop, similar to the sound in the middle of 'uh-oh'. In casual speech, it is often dropped, but in formal Arabic, it is pronounced clearly.

It varies but is generally later than in the West, often between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

Asha is the meal (dinner), and Isha is the evening prayer. They are spelled the same but have different vowels on the first letter.

No, the word for lunch is 'غداء' (Ghada). 'Asha' is strictly for the evening meal.

You can say 'أنا أتناول العشاء' (formal) or 'أنا آكل العشاء' (neutral).

It is common to bring a box of Arabic sweets, chocolates, or a small gift for the host.

Yes, it is a universal word across the Arab world, though the pronunciation of the 'hamza' might change slightly.

You use the phrase 'عشاء عمل' (Asha' 'amal).

In many Arab cultures, lunch (Ghada) is the main meal, and dinner can be lighter, though this is changing in modern urban areas.

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