كيلوغرام
كيلوغرام en 30 secondes
- The primary metric unit of mass used in all Arabic-speaking countries for commerce and science.
- Grammatically a masculine noun that follows complex number agreement rules in Modern Standard Arabic.
- Commonly abbreviated to 'kilo' in casual conversation but remains 'kīlūghrām' in formal documents.
- Essential for daily tasks such as grocery shopping, travel, and discussing health and body weight.
The Arabic word كيلوغرام (kīlūghrām) is the standard metric unit of mass used throughout the Arabic-speaking world. As a loanword from the international metric system, it functions as the primary measurement for everything from grocery shopping to scientific research and industrial trade. In the Middle East and North Africa, the metric system was adopted as part of modernization efforts in the 20th century, replacing various local traditional units like the 'ratl' or 'okka' in most formal contexts. Understanding this word is fundamental for any learner because it appears in almost every daily transaction involving physical goods.
- Daily Commerce
- When you visit a 'souq' (market) or a 'supermarket', prices are almost always listed per kilogram. Whether you are buying 'tuffāḥ' (apples), 'laḥm' (meat), or 'sukkar' (sugar), the kilogram is your primary reference point. Vendors will often ask, 'Kam kīlū turīd?' (How many kilos do you want?), using the shortened form 'kīlū' which is ubiquitous in spoken Arabic.
أريد كيلوغراماً واحداً من البرتقال من فضلك.
- Health and Fitness
- In the context of health, 'كيلوغرام' is used to discuss body weight. Doctors, nutritionists, and personal trainers in the Arab world use kilograms exclusively. Unlike in the United States where pounds are common, an Arabic speaker will say 'Waznī thalāthūn kīlūghrām' (My weight is thirty kilograms—referring perhaps to a child) or more likely for an adult, 'Faqadtu khamsa kīlūghrāmāt' (I lost five kilograms).
يجب أن لا يتجاوز وزن الحقيبة عشرين كيلوغراماً.
- Scientific Precision
- In academic and industrial settings, the kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). Arabic textbooks on physics ('fīziyā'') and chemistry ('kīmiyā'') define the kilogram with high precision. It is used in formulas to calculate force, pressure, and energy, making it a cornerstone of technical Arabic vocabulary.
الكتلة تقاس بوحدة الكيلوغرام في النظام الدولي.
اشتريت خمسة كيلوغرامات من الدقيق.
هذا الطرد يزن خمسة عشر كيلوغراماً.
Using 'كيلوغرام' correctly in Arabic requires attention to both the noun's grammatical state and its relationship with numbers. As a masculine noun, it follows standard rules of declension. However, because it is a measurement unit, it frequently appears in the 'accusative of specification' (tamyīz) after numbers. For an English speaker, the most challenging part is often the shift between the singular and plural forms depending on the quantity being described. This section will guide you through the various syntactic environments where 'كيلوغرام' is utilized.
- Singular vs. Plural Usage
- In Arabic, the number determines the form of the noun. For exactly one kilogram, use 'kīlūghrām wāḥid'. For two, use the dual form 'kīlūghrāmān' (or 'kīlūghrāmayn' in objective/possessive cases). For numbers 3 through 10, the plural 'kīlūghrāmāt' is used. For any number from 11 to 99, the singular 'kīlūghrāman' is required. This is a common point of confusion for beginners.
لدي كيلوغرامان من التمر.
- Describing Weight with Verbs
- The most common verb associated with this word is 'yazin' (to weigh). You can say 'Hādhā al-sandūq yazin...' (This box weighs...). Another common structure is 'Waznuhu...' (Its weight is...). When discussing weight loss or gain, use 'faquda' (to lose) or 'zāda' (to increase/gain).
زاد وزني ثلاثة كيلوغرامات خلال العطلة.
نحتاج إلى نصف كيلوغرام من اللحم المفروم.
- Formal and Technical Contexts
- In logistics, shipping, and trade, you will see 'كيلوغرام' used in shipping manifests and customs documents. Phrases like 'al-wazn al-ṣāfī' (net weight) and 'al-wazn al-qā'im' (gross weight) are frequently paired with this unit. In these contexts, the word is almost never abbreviated to maintain professional clarity.
الوزن الصافي للمنتج هو واحد كيلوغرام.
تبلغ حمولة الشاحنة آلاف الكيلوغرامات.
The word 'كيلوغرام' and its derivative 'كِيْلُو' are the heartbeat of Arabic marketplaces and logistical hubs. If you walk through the bustling streets of Cairo, Riyadh, or Amman, you will hear this word constantly. It is not just a technical term; it is a fundamental part of the social and economic fabric. From the loud calls of street vendors to the quiet consultations in a doctor's office, the kilogram is the shared language of quantity and value in the Arab world.
- The Local Souq
- In a traditional market, vendors often shout their prices to attract customers. You might hear: 'Al-banadūrah bi-khamsat danānīr lil-kīlū!' (Tomatoes for five dinars per kilo!). Here, the word represents the unit of negotiation. Customers will haggle based on the kilogram, asking for discounts if they buy larger quantities, such as five or ten kilograms at once.
بكم كيلوغرام الخيار اليوم؟
- Airports and Travel
- One of the most stressful places to hear 'كيلوغرام' is at the airport check-in counter. Ground staff will frequently say, 'Ladāyka wazn zā'id bi-miqdār thalāthat kīlūghrāmāt' (You have three kilograms of excess weight). Travelers are always conscious of the 'kīlūghrāmāt' allowed for their luggage to avoid heavy fees.
وزن الحقيبة ثلاثون كيلوغراماً بالضبط.
- News and Economy
- On news channels like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will hear 'كيلوغرام' in reports about agricultural production or commodity prices. For example, a report might discuss the export of millions of kilograms of dates from Saudi Arabia or the price of a kilogram of gold in the global market. In these instances, the word carries significant economic weight.
بلغ إنتاج القمح ملايين الكيلوغرامات هذا العام.
سعر كيلوغرام الذهب في ارتفاع مستمر.
While 'كيلوغرام' is a relatively straightforward loanword, learners often stumble over its grammatical integration into Arabic. Because Arabic has a complex system for numbers and noun agreement, the 'kilogram' provides many opportunities for small but noticeable errors. Additionally, there are spelling nuances and pronunciation shifts that vary between formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and various dialects.
- Number Agreement Errors
- The most frequent mistake is using the singular 'kīlūghrām' for all numbers, as is done in English. In Arabic, you cannot say 'thalātha kīlūghrām'. It must be 'thalātha kīlūghrāmāt' (plural). Similarly, for numbers like 20, you must use the singular accusative 'kīlūghrāman'. Mastering these shifts is the hallmark of an advanced learner.
خطأ: أربعة كيلوغرام | صح: أربعة كيلوغرامات.
- Confusion with 'Gram'
- Learners sometimes confuse 'ghrām' (gram) and 'kīlūghrām'. While they sound similar, their usage in recipes and commerce is vastly different. Using the wrong one can lead to disastrous cooking results or expensive shopping trips. Always double-check if the recipe calls for 'ghrāmāt' or 'kīlūghrāmāt'.
تأكد من كتابة حرف الغين بدلاً من القاف.
- Case Ending Neglect
- In formal Arabic, the case endings (harakāt) change based on the word's role in the sentence. Forgetting the 'tanwīn fatḥ' on 'kīlūghrāman' when it follows a number like 15 is a common grammatical slip. While usually ignored in speech, it is vital for correct formal writing.
اشتريت عشرين كيلوغراماً (بالتنوين).
لا تخلط بين الكيلوغرام والكيلومتر.
While 'كيلوغرام' is the dominant term for mass, Arabic provides several alternatives, synonyms, and related units depending on the context and the level of formality. Understanding these allows for a more nuanced command of the language, especially when moving between different Arab regions or between formal and informal registers.
- كيلوغرام vs. كيلو
- The most common alternative is the shortened 'kīlū'. In daily speech, 'kīlū' is used 90% of the time. However, 'kīlū' can be ambiguous as it also serves as a prefix for 'kīlūmitr' (kilometer) in some contexts, though the context of weight usually makes the meaning clear. 'Kīlūghrām' remains the formal, unambiguous choice.
أعطني كيلو موز (عامية).
- Smaller and Larger Units
- For smaller quantities, 'ghrām' (gram) and 'millīghrām' (milligram) are used. For much larger quantities, 'ṭun' (ton) is the standard. Note that 1,000 kilograms equals one ton. These units are all part of the same metric family and share similar grammatical rules regarding number agreement.
الألف كيلوغرام تساوي طناً واحداً.
- Related Vocabulary
- Words like 'wazn' (weight), 'kutlah' (mass), and 'mīzān' (scale) are intrinsically linked to 'كيلوغرام'. When you use a scale to measure a kilogram, you are performing 'wazn' to determine the 'kutlah'.
ضع الكيس على الميزان لنعرف كم كيلوغراماً يزن.
الوحدة الأساسية للكتلة هي الكيلوغرام.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The kilogram was the only SI unit still defined by a physical object (a platinum-iridium cylinder kept in France) until 2019, when it was redefined using the Planck constant. This change was reflected in advanced Arabic scientific journals immediately.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the Arabic 'gh' as a hard 'g'. It should be a voiced velar fricative.
- Omitting the 'o' sound in the middle when speaking Arabic.
- Mixing up the stress between the English and Arabic versions.
- Failure to pronounce the final 'm' clearly in Arabic.
- Adding an extra vowel at the end in dialect.
Niveau de difficulté
The word is a clear transliteration and easy to recognize for English speakers.
Requires remembering the 'ghayn' and 'waw' and the long spelling.
The 'gh' sound (غ) can be tricky for beginners to pronounce correctly.
Very distinct sound, especially the 'kilo' part.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Numbers 3-10 with Measurements
خمسة كيلوغرامات (Plural and Genitive)
Numbers 11-99 with Measurements
عشرون كيلوغراماً (Singular and Accusative)
The Dual Form for Two
كيلوغرامان (Nominative) / كيلوغرامين (Accusative/Genitive)
The Number One
كيلوغرام واحد (Adjective agreement)
Shortening in Speech
استخدام 'كيلو' بدلاً من 'كيلوغرام' في العامية.
Exemples par niveau
أريد كيلوغراماً واحداً من التفاح.
I want one kilogram of apples.
Uses 'kīlūghrāman' in the accusative because it is the object of the verb.
هذا الكيس يزن كيلو.
This bag weighs a kilo.
Uses the common shortened form 'kīlū'.
كم كيلو من البرتقال؟
How many kilos of oranges?
A simple question structure for shopping.
السعر خمسة دراهم للكيلوغرام.
The price is five dirhams per kilogram.
Uses 'li-' (for/per) prefixed to 'al-kīlūghrām'.
أشتري كيلوغراماً من السكر.
I am buying a kilogram of sugar.
Present tense verb followed by the unit.
نصف كيلوغرام من الموز.
Half a kilogram of bananas.
Uses 'niṣf' (half) before the noun.
كيلوغرام واحد فقط.
One kilogram only.
Emphasis using 'faqaṭ' (only).
هذا يزن كيلوغراماً.
This weighs a kilogram.
Basic subject-verb-object structure.
وزني هو سبعون كيلوغراماً.
My weight is seventy kilograms.
Singular accusative after number 70.
اشتريت ثلاثة كيلوغرامات من اللحم.
I bought three kilograms of meat.
Plural form 'kīlūghrāmāt' after number 3.
الحقيبة تزن عشرة كيلوغرامات.
The bag weighs ten kilograms.
Plural form 'kīlūghrāmāt' after number 10.
هل يمكنني شراء نصف كيلوغرام؟
Can I buy half a kilogram?
Polite request with 'hal yumkinunī'.
نحتاج إلى كيلوغرامين من الدقيق.
We need two kilograms of flour.
Dual form 'kīlūghrāmayn' after 'ilā'.
هذا الطرد يزن خمسة كيلوغرامات.
This package weighs five kilograms.
Verb 'yazin' with plural measurement.
كم كيلوغراماً تزن هذه البطيخة؟
How many kilograms does this watermelon weigh?
Interrogative 'kam' followed by singular accusative.
أضف كيلوغراماً من الملح.
Add a kilogram of salt.
Imperative verb 'aḍif'.
فقدت خمسة كيلوغرامات بعد ممارسة الرياضة.
I lost five kilograms after exercising.
Verb 'faquda' (to lose) in the past tense.
يسمح لك بـ ٢٣ كيلوغراماً في الطائرة.
You are allowed 23 kilograms on the plane.
Passive structure 'yusmaḥ laka'.
سعر الكيلوغرام الواحد ارتفع بشكل ملحوظ.
The price of one kilogram has risen significantly.
Adverbial phrase 'bi-shakl malḥūẓ'.
تحتوي هذه العبوة على كيلوغرام من التمر.
This package contains a kilogram of dates.
Verb 'taḥtawī' (contains) with preposition 'alā'.
عليك أن تأكل كيلوغراماً من الخضروات أسبوعياً.
You should eat a kilogram of vegetables weekly.
Modal phrase 'alayka an' (you should).
الرياضي يحمل أوزاناً تصل إلى مئة كيلوغرام.
The athlete lifts weights reaching one hundred kilograms.
Verb 'taṣil' (reaches) with preposition 'ilā'.
هذه القطة تزن حوالي أربعة كيلوغرامات.
This cat weighs about four kilograms.
Adverb 'ḥawālay' (about/approximately).
اشتريت كيلوغراماً من البن المطحون.
I bought a kilogram of ground coffee.
Noun-adjective pair 'al-bunn al-maṭḥūn'.
تنتج المزرعة آلاف الكيلوغرامات من الزيتون سنوياً.
The farm produces thousands of kilograms of olives annually.
Plural 'kīlūghrāmāt' after 'ālāf' (thousands).
يتم قياس الكتلة في المختبر بالكيلوغرام.
Mass is measured in the laboratory in kilograms.
Passive verb 'yutamm qiyās'.
يجب التأكد من دقة الميزان لكل كيلوغرام.
The accuracy of the scale must be ensured for every kilogram.
Masdar 'al-ta'akkud' (ensuring) as a subject.
تجاوز وزن الشحنة الحد المسموح به بعدة كيلوغرامات.
The shipment weight exceeded the allowed limit by several kilograms.
Verb 'tajāwaza' (exceeded) with 'bi-idat' (by several).
يستهلك الفرد حوالي كيلوغرام من الأرز شهرياً.
An individual consumes about a kilogram of rice monthly.
Verb 'yastahlik' (consumes) with 'ḥawālay'.
تعتمد الضريبة على عدد الكيلوغرامات المستوردة.
The tax depends on the number of kilograms imported.
Passive participle 'al-mustawradah' (imported).
هذا المحرك يزن مئتي كيلوغرام.
This engine weighs two hundred kilograms.
Dual form 'mi'atayn' (two hundred) followed by singular.
النسبة هي كيلوغرام واحد لكل متر مكعب.
The ratio is one kilogram per cubic meter.
Mathematical expression of ratio.
تعتبر وحدة الكيلوغرام معياراً أساسياً في التجارة الدولية.
The kilogram unit is considered a fundamental standard in international trade.
Verb 'tu'tabar' (is considered) with 'ma'yāran' (standard).
تمت مراجعة تعريف الكيلوغرام بناءً على ثابت بلانك.
The definition of the kilogram was revised based on Planck's constant.
Passive construction with 'tamma' + masdar.
تؤثر الجاذبية على الوزن بينما تظل الكتلة بالكيلوغرام ثابتة.
Gravity affects weight while mass in kilograms remains constant.
Contrastive conjunction 'baynamā' (while).
إن دقة القياس حتى أجزاء من الكيلوغرام ضرورية في هذه الصناعة.
Measurement accuracy down to fractions of a kilogram is essential in this industry.
Emphasis with 'Inna' and 'ajzā'' (parts/fractions).
يتطلب المشروع توريد أطنان من المواد، أي آلاف الكيلوغرامات.
The project requires the supply of tons of materials, i.e., thousands of kilograms.
Explanatory phrase 'ay' (meaning/i.e.).
لا يمكن الاستهانة بزيادة كيلوغرام واحد في هيكل الطائرة.
An increase of even one kilogram in the aircraft structure cannot be underestimated.
Negative 'lā yumkin' (it is not possible) with 'al-istihānah' (underestimating).
يتم احتساب الرسوم الجمركية بناءً على الكيلوغرام القائم.
Customs duties are calculated based on the gross kilogram.
Technical term 'al-kīlūghrām al-qā'im' (gross kilogram).
توزع المعونات الغذائية بواقع عشرة كيلوغرامات لكل أسرة.
Food aid is distributed at a rate of ten kilograms per family.
Prepositional phrase 'bi-wāqi'' (at a rate of).
استقر الاصطلاح على استخدام الكيلوغرام كأداة لتوحيد المكاييل.
The convention settled on using the kilogram as a tool to unify measures.
Verb 'istaqarra' (settled/stabilized) with 'al-iṣṭilāḥ' (convention).
إن التحول نحو الكيلوغرام يعكس رغبة الدولة في الاندماج العالمي.
The shift toward the kilogram reflects the state's desire for global integration.
Abstract noun 'al-taḥawwul' (shift/transformation).
يظل الكيلوغرام هو المرجع الحصري لتقييم كتل الأجسام الفضائية.
The kilogram remains the exclusive reference for evaluating the masses of celestial bodies.
Adjective 'al-ḥaṣrī' (exclusive) modifying 'al-marji'' (reference).
تتفاوت دقة الموازين التجارية في استيعاب أجزاء الكيلوغرام.
Commercial scales vary in their accuracy in accommodating fractions of a kilogram.
Verb 'tatafāwat' (vary/differ) with masdar 'istī'āb' (accommodating).
منذ اعتماد الكيلوغرام، تلاشت الوحدات التقليدية تدريجياً من الأسواق.
Since the adoption of the kilogram, traditional units have gradually vanished from the markets.
Conjunction 'mundhu' (since) with 'talāshat' (vanished).
تتجلى أهمية الكيلوغرام في كونه لغة عالمية لا تعرف الحدود.
The importance of the kilogram is manifested in its being a universal language that knows no borders.
Verb 'tatajallā' (is manifested/becomes clear).
يخضع الكيلوغرام لرقابة صارمة لضمان نزاهة المعاملات التجارية.
The kilogram is subject to strict oversight to ensure the integrity of commercial transactions.
Verb 'yakhḍa'' (is subject to) with 'raqābah ṣārimah' (strict oversight).
مهما بلغت التكنولوجيا، يبقى الكيلوغرام ركيزة لا غنى عنها.
No matter how advanced technology becomes, the kilogram remains an indispensable pillar.
Conditional phrase 'mahmā balaghat' (no matter how much it reaches).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Excess weight in kilograms. Common at airports.
دفع رسوماً عن كل وزن زائد بالكيلوغرام.
Souvent confondu avec
Both start with 'kilo' but one measures weight and the other measures distance.
A gram is 1,000 times smaller than a kilogram.
A traditional unit roughly half the size of a kilogram, still used in some dialects.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Literally 'his weight is gold'. Means someone is extremely valuable or helpful.
هذا الموظف وزنه ذهب.
Informal— With all his weight. Means putting all effort into something.
دخل المشروع بكل ثقله.
Formal— His words are a scale. Means he speaks with great wisdom and precision.
استمع إليه، فكلامه ميزان.
Literary— Lightweight. Can refer to a person with little influence.
هو سياسي خفيف الوزن.
Metaphorical— Heavy caliber. Refers to someone powerful or significant.
هو كاتب من العيار الثقيل.
Formal— Weigh your words. A warning to think before speaking.
عليك أن تزن كلامك قبل النطق به.
Neutral— Doesn't weigh a gnat's wing. Means something is completely worthless.
هذا الرأي لا يزن جناح بعوضة.
Classical— By the scale. Means doing something with extreme accuracy.
يوزع المهام بالميزان.
Neutral— His side of the scale prevailed. Means he won the argument or situation.
في النهاية رجحت كفته في الانتخابات.
Formal— Featherweight. Often used in sports or to describe something very light.
هو ملاكم في وزن الريشة.
SportingFacile à confondre
Both share the prefix 'kilo'.
Kilogram measures mass; Kilometer measures length. In speech, people often just say 'kilo' for both, which can be confusing without context.
المسافة كيلو (distance) vs الموز كيلو (weight).
It is the root unit of the kilogram.
A gram is for very light things (spices, jewelry), while a kilogram is for bulkier items (flour, meat).
خمسة غرامات من الزعفران vs خمسة كيلوغرامات من الطحين.
Both are metric units.
Kilogram measures mass; Liter measures volume (liquids).
كيلو سكر vs لتر حليب.
Both are units of weight.
The Qintar is a traditional, much larger unit (often 100 kg or 100 lbs depending on the region).
باع الفلاح قنطاراً من القطن.
Related to the process of weighing.
The 'mizan' is the physical scale; the 'kilogram' is the unit of measurement.
ضع الكيلو على الميزان.
Structures de phrases
أريد [عدد] كيلو من [اسم]
أريد واحد كيلو من التفاح.
هذا الـ [اسم] يزن [عدد] كيلوغرامات
هذا اللحم يزن ثلاثة كيلوغرامات.
يجب أن يكون الوزن [عدد] كيلوغراماً
يجب أن يكون الوزن عشرين كيلوغراماً.
تتراوح الكتلة بين [عدد] و [عدد] كيلوغرام
تتراوح الكتلة بين خمسة وعشرة كيلوغرامات.
بناءً على وحدة الكيلوغرام، فإن...
بناءً على وحدة الكيلوغرام، فإن الإنتاج وفير.
لا ينبغي تجاوز معيار الكيلوغرام في...
لا ينبغي تجاوز معيار الكيلوغرام في هذه الصناعة الدقيقة.
كم كيلو يزن [اسم]؟
كم كيلو يزن هذا الصندوق؟
زاد/نقص وزني [عدد] كيلوغرامات
نقص وزني أربعة كيلوغرامات.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Extremely high in daily life and trade.
-
Using singular after 3-10.
→
ثلاثة كيلوغرامات
Numbers 3-10 require a plural noun in the genitive case.
-
Spelling with 'Qaf' (كيلوقرام).
→
كيلوغرام
The 'g' in 'gram' is traditionally transliterated with 'Ghayn' (غ) in Arabic.
-
Using 'pound' in an Arab country.
→
كيلوغرام
Pounds are not used in the Middle East; you must use the metric system.
-
Forgetting 'tanwin' for 11-99.
→
عشرون كيلوغراماً
Numbers 11-99 require a singular accusative noun with tanwin fatḥ.
-
Confusing kilogram with kilometer in writing.
→
كيلوغرام vs كيلومتر
Ensure you add 'ghram' or 'mitr' to the 'kilo' prefix to avoid ambiguity in formal writing.
Astuces
Number Rules
Remember the 3-10 plural rule: 3-10 use 'kīlūghrāmāt'. 11+ use 'kīlūghrāman'. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Use the Short Form
When you are at a market, just say 'kilo'. It makes you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Spelling Ghayn
Always use 'غ' (Ghayn) for the 'g' sound in kilogram. Using 'ق' or 'ك' is incorrect and looks strange to native readers.
Metric is King
Don't try to convert to pounds in your head when talking to Arabs; they won't understand. Learn your weight in kg!
Context Clues
If you hear 'kilo' in a car, it's distance. If you hear it in a kitchen, it's weight. Context is your best friend.
Related Units
Learn 'ghram' (gram) and 'tun' (ton) at the same time to build a complete mental map of weight units.
Ordering Fractions
Learn 'niṣf' (half) and 'rub'' (quarter). Asking for 'niṣf kīlū' is very common for expensive items like meat or nuts.
Body Weight
When someone asks 'kam waznuk?' (how much do you weigh?), answer with the number followed by 'kīlū'.
Luggage Limits
Always check your airline's 'kīlūghrāmāt' allowance before going to the airport to avoid extra fees.
Scientific Accuracy
In science, always use 'kīlūghrām' and never 'kīlū' to ensure you are being precise and professional.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'Kilo' which is global, and 'Ghram' which sounds like 'Gram' but with a gargling 'gh' sound at the start. Kilo + Ghram = Kilogram.
Association visuelle
Imagine a 1kg bag of sugar in an Arabic market with the label '١ كجم' written on it in bold purple ink.
Word Web
Défi
Go to an online Arabic grocery store (like Lulu or Carrefour UAE) and try to find five items sold by the 'كيلوغرام'. Write down their names and prices.
Origine du mot
The word is a compound of the Greek 'khilioi' (thousand) and the Late Latin 'gramma' (small weight). It entered the Arabic language through French and English during the period of colonial influence and scientific modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sens originel : One thousand small weights/grams.
Indo-European (Loanword in Afro-Asiatic/Semitic)Contexte culturel
Always be polite when discussing body weight in kilograms, as it can be a sensitive topic in many cultures, including Arab ones.
Unlike the US where pounds (lbs) are used, Arabic speakers use kilograms. 1 kg is approximately 2.2 pounds.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Grocery Shopping
- بكم الكيلو؟
- أريد كيلوغراماً من...
- هذا يزن أكثر من كيلو.
- زن لي هذا من فضلك.
Airport Check-in
- كم كيلوغراماً مسموح لي؟
- لديك وزن زائد.
- الحقيبة تزن عشرين كيلو.
- هل يمكنني توزيع الوزن؟
Gym and Fitness
- كم وزنك؟
- خسرت كيلوغرامين.
- أرفع أوزاناً ثقيلة.
- هدفي هو خسارة عشرة كيلوغرامات.
Cooking and Recipes
- نصف كيلوغرام دقيق.
- زن المكونات بدقة.
- نحتاج كيلوغراماً من اللحم.
- الكمية هي كيلو واحد.
Scientific Lab
- الكتلة بالكيلوغرام.
- استخدم الميزان الرقمي.
- حول الغرامات إلى كيلوغرامات.
- المعيار الدولي للكيلوغرام.
Amorces de conversation
"كم كيلوغراماً من الفاكهة تشتري عادة في الأسبوع؟"
"هل تعتقد أن الكيلوغرام أفضل من الرطل في القياس؟"
"ما هو أثقل شيء حملته بيدك وكان يزن عدة كيلوغرامات؟"
"إذا سافرت، كم كيلوغراماً تزن حقيبتك عادة؟"
"هل تحاول خسارة بعض الكيلوغرامات هذه الأيام؟"
Sujets d'écriture
اكتب عن رحلتك الأخيرة إلى السوق وماذا اشتريت بالكيلوغرام.
صف شعورك عندما تحمل حقيبة تزن عشرين كيلوغراماً لمسافة طويلة.
هل تتبع نظاماً غذائياً؟ كم كيلوغراماً تريد أن تصل إليه؟
تخيل أنك تبيع الذهب، كيف ستتعامل مع الكيلوغرامات والغرامات؟
اكتب عن أهمية الموازين في حياتنا اليومية وكيف نستخدم الكيلوغرام.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYou say 'كيلوغرام واحد' (kīlūghrām wāḥid) or simply 'كيلو واحد' (kīlū wāḥid). Note that the number 'one' follows the noun in Arabic.
The plural is 'كيلوغرامات' (kīlūghrāmāt). It is used for quantities from 3 to 10. For example, 'ثلاثة كيلوغرامات' (three kilograms).
It is masculine. Therefore, when using numbers 3-10, the number should take the feminine form 'ثلاثة، أربعة...' ending in 'ta marbuta'.
Yes, in many Arabic dialects, 'kilo' is shorthand for both 'kilogram' and 'kilometer'. The context usually makes it clear which one you mean.
You can write 'كيلو ونصف' (a kilo and a half) or '١.٥ كجم'. In formal writing, it is 'كيلوغرام ونصف'.
The most common abbreviation is 'كجم' (K-J-M), which stands for 'كيلوغرام'.
Almost all Arab countries use the metric system (kilograms). Only very rarely in traditional settings might you hear older units like the 'ratl'.
You ask 'بكم الكيلو؟' (Bikam al-kīlū?) or 'كم سعر الكيلوغرام؟' (Kam si'r al-kīlūghrām?).
In science, 'kutlah' (كتلة) is mass (measured in kg) and 'wazn' (وزن) is weight (the force of gravity). In daily life, 'wazn' is used for both.
Yes, it is the letter 'Ghayn' (غ). It sounds like a French 'r' or a gentle gargle. It is not a hard 'g' like in 'go'.
Teste-toi 200 questions
Write a sentence asking for 2 kilograms of oranges.
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How do you say 'My weight is 80 kilograms'?
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Describe what you bought at the market using kilograms.
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Write a sentence about a heavy box.
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Translate: 'I need half a kilogram of meat.'
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Write a sentence using the word 'كيلوغرامات'.
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Explain the difference between a gram and a kilogram in Arabic.
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Write a formal sentence about product weight.
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Translate: 'The plane allows 20 kilograms only.'
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Ask a vendor the price of a kilogram of dates.
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Write a sentence about losing 5 kilograms.
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Translate: 'The truck carries thousands of kilograms.'
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Write a sentence using 'كيلوغراماً' after the number 12.
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Translate: 'Is this scale accurate for one kilogram?'
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Write a sentence about a recipe requiring 1 kg of flour.
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Translate: 'The baby weighs 3 kilograms.'
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Describe a gym session using weights.
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Write a question about the weight of a suitcase.
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Translate: 'One ton is 1000 kilograms.'
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Write a sentence about the price of gold per kilogram.
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Say 'One kilogram' in Arabic.
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Say 'Five kilograms' in Arabic.
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Ask 'How much is a kilo?'
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Say 'I want two kilos of meat.'
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Tell someone your weight is 75 kg.
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Say 'This weighs more than a kilo.'
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Ask 'How many kilos is this bag?'
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Say 'I lost five kilos.'
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Say 'Give me half a kilo, please.'
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Pronounce the word 'كيلوغرام' focusing on the 'gh' sound.
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Say 'A thousand kilograms is a ton.'
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Say 'The net weight is two kilos.'
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Say 'I need ten kilograms of rice.'
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Ask 'Is there a limit on kilograms?'
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Say 'I bought a kilo of apples.'
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Say 'The price is per kilo.'
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Say 'I gained three kilos.'
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Say 'This is exactly one kilo.'
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Say 'The scale is broken.'
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Say 'We sell by the kilo.'
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Listen and identify the number: 'أريد سبعة كيلوغرامات'.
Listen and identify the item: 'كيلو من العنب'.
Listen and identify the weight: 'وزنها خمسون كيلوغراماً'.
Listen and identify the action: 'فقدت كيلوغرامين'.
Listen and identify the price: 'الكيلو بعشرة دراهم'.
Listen: 'نحتاج نصف كيلو'. How much is needed?
Listen: 'الحقيبة تزن ثلاثين كيلو'. Is it heavy?
Listen: 'اشتريت كيلوغراماً واحداً'. How many?
Listen: 'الوزن الزائد يكلف كثيراً'. What costs a lot?
Listen: 'زن لي هذا اللحم'. What does the speaker want?
Listen and identify the plural: 'ستة كيلوغرامات'.
Listen: 'بكم كيلو الموز؟'. What fruit is mentioned?
Listen: 'الوزن الصافي كيلوغرام'. What is the weight?
Listen: 'زدت كيلوغراماً واحداً'. Did weight increase or decrease?
Listen: 'ألف كيلوغرام'. How many?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'كيلوغرام' is indispensable for navigating daily life in the Arab world. Whether you are buying vegetables at a local souq or checking your luggage at the airport, you must know how to use this unit and its plural form 'كيلوغرامات' correctly with numbers.
- The primary metric unit of mass used in all Arabic-speaking countries for commerce and science.
- Grammatically a masculine noun that follows complex number agreement rules in Modern Standard Arabic.
- Commonly abbreviated to 'kilo' in casual conversation but remains 'kīlūghrām' in formal documents.
- Essential for daily tasks such as grocery shopping, travel, and discussing health and body weight.
Number Rules
Remember the 3-10 plural rule: 3-10 use 'kīlūghrāmāt'. 11+ use 'kīlūghrāman'. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Use the Short Form
When you are at a market, just say 'kilo'. It makes you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Spelling Ghayn
Always use 'غ' (Ghayn) for the 'g' sound in kilogram. Using 'ق' or 'ك' is incorrect and looks strange to native readers.
Metric is King
Don't try to convert to pounds in your head when talking to Arabs; they won't understand. Learn your weight in kg!
Exemple
اشتريت كيلوغراماً واحداً من التفاح.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur numbers
عدّ
A1Compter des objets ou des nombres de manière séquentielle.
عد
A1L'acte de compter ou d'énumérer des objets. Il est utilisé pour déterminer la quantité totale de quelque chose.
عددي
A1Numérique, exprimé en chiffres ou lié au comptage.
عشري
A1Décimal, relatif au système de numération à base dix.
إجمال
B1Le montant total ou la somme globale de quelque chose. Cela signifie également un résumé ou une vue d'ensemble d'un sujet sans entrer dans les détails.
أحصى
B1Compter de manière exhaustive ou énumérer.
احتسب
B2Calculer, compter. S'attendre à une récompense divine.
أخيرا
A1Enfin; à la fin. Utilisé pour exprimer le soulagement après une longue attente.
أكمل
A2Compléter, achever, terminer. Il a complété son travail avec succès. Veuillez compléter ce formulaire.
أولا
A1Premièrement; tout d'abord. Utilisé pour introduire le premier point d'une liste ou d'un argument.