At the A1 level, you should learn 'Asab' as a basic body part word, similar to 'hand' or 'head.' Although it's not as common as 'eye' or 'leg' in early lessons, it appears when learning about health. You will mostly see it in very simple sentences like 'I have pain in the nerve' or 'The nerve is small.' At this stage, don't worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just focus on the fact that it is a masculine noun and its plural is 'A'saab.' You might hear it if you go to a doctor and they point to a diagram. Think of it as a 'wire' inside the body. It is a good word to know to describe where it hurts if you have a sharp pain that isn't just in a muscle. Keep your sentences short and focus on identifying the word in a list of body parts. You will also learn that Arabic words usually have three root letters, and for 'Asab,' they are A-S-B (ع-ص-ب). This will help you later when you see related words like 'nervous' or 'bandage.'
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Asab' to describe feelings and more complex body functions. You should be able to say things like 'I am nervous' using the related adjective 'Asabi' or 'I need to calm my nerves.' This level introduces the plural 'A'saab' in everyday expressions. You will learn that when people are stressed, they talk about their 'nerves.' You will also start to see 'Asab' used as 'the most important part' of something simple, like 'The engine is the nerve of the car.' You should practice using it in the possessive (Idafa) form, such as 'Asab al-Yad' (the nerve of the hand). You are moving beyond just naming the part to describing its state—is it strong, weak, or painful? You will also encounter the word in simple health advice, like 'Relax your nerves to sleep better.' This is the level where the word starts to appear in social interactions, not just medical ones. You should also be able to distinguish between 'Asab' and 'Adalah' (muscle) in basic descriptions of physical activity or pain.
At the B1 level, you can use 'Asab' in metaphorical contexts and more detailed medical descriptions. You should be able to discuss the 'Asab' of an economy or the 'Asab' of a project, meaning the essential core that keeps it running. Your vocabulary should include common phrases like 'Barid al-A'saab' (calm/cold-nerved) and 'Harb al-A'saab' (war of nerves/psychological warfare). You can understand and participate in conversations about stress management and the nervous system's role in health. You will see 'Asab' in news articles about infrastructure, where a railway or a power grid is described as the 'Asab' of the country. At this stage, you should be comfortable with the plural 'A'saab' taking feminine singular adjectives in formal writing (e.g., أعصاب متوترة). You will also learn about the cultural value placed on having 'strong nerves' in difficult situations. Your ability to use 'Asab' should transition from literal body parts to abstract concepts of strength and connectivity. You can explain why something is considered the 'Asab' of a system by describing its function as a transmitter of energy or information.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'Asab' with nuance in professional and academic settings. You can read medical texts that describe 'Al-Jihaz al-Asabi' (the nervous system) and understand the difference between various types of nerves (sensory vs. motor). You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors in business or politics, such as describing a specific law as the 'Asab' of a legal reform. You will also encounter the historical and sociological term 'Asabiyyah' and understand its derivation from the same root, referring to social bonds and group identity. You should be able to use 'Asab' in complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences (e.g., 'If the nerve is damaged, the limb will not move'). You can also appreciate the word's use in literature to describe a character's internal state or the 'tension' in a scene. Your understanding of the word includes its role in idioms and how those idioms vary across different Arabic dialects. You can engage in debates about the 'nerves of society' and use the term to describe the vital links between different social groups or economic sectors.
At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the etymological roots of 'Asab' and its vast metaphorical range. You can analyze classical texts where 'Asab' might refer to tendons or the 'binding' of a group. You use the word in high-level academic writing to describe the 'neural pathways' of a digital network or the 'nervous energy' of a revolutionary movement. You are familiar with the subtle differences between 'Asab' and its synonyms like 'Watar' or 'Shariyan' and can choose the one that provides the exact connotation needed for your prose. You can discuss the philosophy of 'Asabiyyah' in the works of Ibn Khaldun with precision. Your use of 'Asab' in speech is natural, incorporating rare idioms and cultural references effortlessly. You understand how the word is used in specialized fields like neurology, structural engineering, and macroeconomics. You can also detect and use the word's ironic or sarcastic potential in social commentary, such as mocking someone's 'weak nerves' in a political context. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it as a tool for precise, evocative, and culturally grounded communication.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Asab' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can manipulate the word and its root in creative ways, perhaps in poetry or advanced rhetorical discourse. You understand the most obscure medical and anatomical applications of the term, as well as its most abstract philosophical uses. You can provide a detailed history of how the word's meaning has evolved from 'binding' to 'nerve' to 'social cohesion.' You are able to interpret and critique complex texts that use 'Asab' as a central metaphor for the human condition or the structure of the universe. You can switch between formal, medical, and colloquial registers of the word with perfect ease. Your understanding includes the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in classical Arabic poetry. You can explain the 'Asab' of a complex philosophical argument or a multifaceted geopolitical strategy. For you, 'Asab' is not just a word, but a conceptual node that connects biology, sociology, and linguistics in a profound way. You can use it to articulate the most subtle nuances of human emotion and societal structure.

عصب 30초 만에

  • Asab primarily means 'nerve' (anatomical).
  • Its plural 'A'saab' refers to emotional composure and stress.
  • Metaphorically, it signifies the vital core or lifeblood of a system.
  • It is a masculine noun with the plural 'A'saab'.

The Arabic word عصب (Asab) is a multifaceted term that primarily refers to the biological 'nerve.' In its most literal sense, it describes the whitish fibers in the body that transmit impulses of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. However, in the rich tapestry of the Arabic language, 'Asab' extends far beyond anatomy. It serves as a foundational metaphor for strength, resilience, and the core essence of a structure or organization. When you speak of the 'Asab' of a city, you are referring to its vital infrastructure or its lifeblood. In psychological contexts, the plural form أعصاب (A'saab) is ubiquitous, used to describe a person's temperament, patience, or state of anxiety. Understanding this word requires grasping the transition from the physical cord to the metaphysical concept of connectivity and tension.

Anatomical Context
In medical or biological discussions, it refers strictly to the nerve fibers. For example, 'peripheral nerve' is عصب طرفي.
Metaphorical Vitality
It denotes the essential part of something that gives it strength. 'The nerve of the economy' (عصب الاقتصاد).
Emotional State
Used mostly in the plural to describe nerves in terms of stress or calmness, such as 'quiet nerves' (أعصاب هادئة).

يعتبر النقل العام هو عصب الحياة في المدن الكبرى.

Public transport is considered the nerve (lifeblood) of life in major cities.

Historically, the root ع-ص-ب relates to binding or wrapping. This is why a bandage is called 'isaba' and why the concept of 'Asabiyyah' (social cohesion/tribalism) exists. The 'nerve' is seen as the binder of the body's functions. In daily life, you will hear it in the pharmacy, at the gym, and in the office when someone is under pressure. It is a word that connects the physical vulnerability of the human body with the structural robustness of society. Whether discussing a pinched nerve or the 'nerves of steel' required for a pilot, 'Asab' is the go-to term for describing the invisible lines of communication and strength that hold everything together.

أصيب اللاعب بتمزق في عصب القدم.

الزراعة هي عصب الاقتصاد الوطني.

Using 'Asab' correctly depends on whether you are describing a biological function, a metaphorical pillar, or an emotional state. In the singular, it is almost always a physical nerve or a vital component. In the plural (أعصاب), it refers to the nervous system as a whole or one's psychological composure. For example, if a doctor is performing surgery, they might say 'I must be careful not to damage this nerve' (هذا العصب). Conversely, if you are stuck in traffic and feeling frustrated, you might say 'This traffic is ruining my nerves' (هذا الزحام يتلف أعصابي). The grammatical flexibility of 'Asab' allows it to be used as a subject, object, or part of an idafa construction (possessive phrase).

The Vital 'Asab'
Used as 'Asab al-Hayat' (The nerve of life). Example: 'Water is the nerve of life in the desert.'
Medical Precision
Used with adjectives like 'Hissi' (sensory) or 'Haraki' (motor). Example: 'Sensory nerve' (عصب حسي).

تحتاج هذه الوظيفة إلى أعصاب قوية جداً.

This job requires very strong nerves.

When constructing sentences, remember that 'Asab' is a masculine noun. Therefore, any accompanying adjectives must be masculine. However, the plural 'A'saab' is a non-human plural, which in some contexts can take feminine singular adjectives in formal grammar, though masculine plural is more common for 'nerves' as they are perceived as a collective of parts. A common phrase is 'Barid al-A'saab' (cold-nerved), meaning someone who stays calm under pressure. This is a high compliment in many Arab cultures where emotional control is valued. On the flip side, 'Mutawattr al-A'saab' means someone whose nerves are tense. You will often see these terms in literature, news reports about high-stakes negotiations, and medical journals.

يعاني المريض من التهاب في عصب العين.

You will encounter 'Asab' in several distinct environments. The first is the clinical setting. If you visit a doctor in Cairo, Amman, or Riyadh complaining of numbness or tingling, the word 'Asab' will be central to the conversation. Doctors will speak of 'Asab al-Wajh' (the facial nerve) or 'Dajht al-Asab' (nerve pressure). Secondly, you will hear it in the news and economic reports. Commentators often describe the internet or oil as the 'Asab' of the modern world. This usage emphasizes that without this specific element, the entire system would collapse, much like a body without its nervous system. It conveys a sense of critical importance and structural integrity.

In the News
'The railway is the nerve of transportation in the country.'
In Sports
Commentators talk about a player having 'nerves of steel' during a penalty shootout.

التكنولوجيا هي عصب العصر الحديث.

Technology is the nerve of the modern era.

Thirdly, and perhaps most frequently, you hear it in social and emotional contexts. If someone is being annoying, a person might say 'You are getting on my nerves' (أنت تضغط على أعصابي). In movies and TV dramas, characters often talk about their 'A'saab' being 'shattered' (أعصابي محطمة) after a traumatic event. The word is deeply embedded in how Arabic speakers express psychological strain. It is also used in political science; the term 'Asabiyyah,' derived from the same root, was used by the famous historian Ibn Khaldun to describe the 'group feeling' or 'social cohesion' that allows empires to rise. Thus, when you hear 'Asab,' you are hearing a word that bridges biology, psychology, economics, and sociology.

فقد السائق السيطرة على أعصابه بعد الحادث.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 'Asab' is confusing it with the word for 'muscle' (عضلة - Adalah). While both are parts of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, they are distinct. Another frequent error involves the plural. Learners often try to use the singular 'Asab' when they mean 'nerves' in a psychological sense. In Arabic, you don't say 'My nerve is tired'; you say 'My nerves (أعصابي) are tired.' Using the singular in an emotional context sounds like you have one specific medical nerve that is exhausted, which is unintentionally funny to native speakers. Precision in number is key to natural-sounding Arabic.

Confusion with 'Asaba'
Don't confuse 'Asab' (nerve) with 'Isaba' (injury/hit) or 'Asaba' (gang/group). They share a root but have very different meanings.
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'Asab' is masculine. 'A strong nerve' is 'Asab Qawi' (عصب قوي), not 'Qawiyya'.

خطأ: هو عنده عصب بارد. (Wrong usage for personality)

Correct: هو بارد الأعصاب (He is cold-nerved/calm).

Another nuance is the word 'Asabiyyah.' While it comes from the same root, in modern slang, 'Asabi' (adjective) means 'nervous' or 'angry/irascible.' However, 'Asabiyyah' in a political or sociological context means 'fanaticism' or 'tribal loyalty.' A common mistake is using 'Asabiyyah' to mean 'nervousness.' If you want to say 'I am feeling nervous,' you should say 'Ana mutawattr' (أنا متوتر), not 'Indi asabiyyah,' which would imply you have a tribal bias or a neurological condition. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'S' is a 'Saad' (ص), which is a heavy, emphatic sound. If you pronounce it as a light 'Seen' (س), it might sound like 'Asab' (عسب), which is a different, much rarer word related to palm branches or breeding.

To enrich your Arabic vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 'Asab' with words that occupy similar semantic spaces. While 'Asab' is the nerve, 'Araq' (عرق) is a vein or artery, and 'Watar' (وتر) is a tendon or string. In ancient Arabic, these were sometimes used interchangeably in poetic contexts to describe the 'strings' of the body, but in modern language, they are strictly delineated. If you are talking about the 'vitality' of something, you might use 'Shariyan' (شريان - artery). For instance, 'The Nile is the artery of life in Egypt.' Using 'Asab' instead would imply a more structural, controlling role rather than just a flow of resources.

Asab vs. Adalah
Asab (Nerve) transmits signals; Adalah (Muscle) performs the movement. Use 'Asab' for feelings/signals, 'Adalah' for physical strength.
Asab vs. Shariyan
Asab is the 'nerve/control center'; Shariyan is the 'artery/lifeline'. Both are used metaphorically for essential things.
Asab vs. Ruwah
Ruwah (Soul/Spirit) is used for the essence of life, while 'Asab' is the physical or structural core.

الكهرباء هي عصب الصناعة، بينما النفط هو شريانها.

Electricity is the nerve of industry, while oil is its artery.

In terms of emotional states, alternatives to 'A'saab' include 'Nafs' (soul/self) and 'Mizaj' (mood). If you say 'My mood is bad' (مزاجي سيء), it is a general statement. If you say 'My nerves are tense' (أعصابي متوترة), it implies a specific type of stress related to pressure or anxiety. Another related word is 'Hiss' (حس - sense/feeling). While 'Asab' is the physical medium of sensation, 'Hiss' is the sensation itself. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation, whether you are writing a medical report, a poem, or a business analysis. 'Asab' remains unique in its ability to describe both the fragility of a fiber and the strength of a foundation.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"يعتبر قطاع النقل العصب الحساس للتنمية المستدامة."

중립

"أعصابي متعبة من العمل الطويل."

비격식체

"خليك بارد الأعصاب ولا تهتم."

Child friendly

"الأعصاب مثل الأسلاك الصغيرة في جسمنا."

속어

"الواد ده أعصابه في ثلاجة."

재미있는 사실

The term 'Asabiyyah,' coined by the 14th-century scholar Ibn Khaldun to describe the social glue of tribes, comes from this root because a tribe is 'bound' together like the nerves of a body.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈʕɑː.sˤɑb/
US /ˈɑː.sˤɑb/
The stress is on the first syllable: 'A-sab'.
라임이 맞는 단어
Hab (Love/Seed) Adab (Manners) Dhahab (Gold) La'ab (Play) Ghadab (Anger) Sabab (Reason) Khashab (Wood) Nasab (Lineage)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'Ayn' as a simple 'A'.
  • Pronouncing 'Saad' as a light 'Seen' (like 's' in 'sun').
  • Failing to bounce the 'B' slightly if it's at the end of a sentence (Qalqalah in tajweed, though less strict in speech).
  • Pronouncing the final 'B' as a 'P'.
  • Shortening the vowels too much.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its short root and common usage.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the 'Saad' and the broken plural 'A'saab'.

말하기 3/5

The pharyngeal 'Ayn' and emphatic 'Saad' require practice for correct pronunciation.

듣기 2/5

Very common in news and health contexts; easy to pick out.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

جسم (Body) ألم (Pain) خيط (Thread/Fiber) قوي (Strong) طبيب (Doctor)

다음에 배울 것

عضلة (Muscle) دماغ (Brain) توتر (Tension) نفسي (Psychological) هادئ (Calm)

고급

عصبية (Asabiyyah/Solidarity) تخدير (Anesthesia) سيال عصبي (Nerve impulse) نخاع (Marrow/Spinal cord) جمجمة (Skull)

알아야 할 문법

Broken Plurals (Jam' Taksir)

عصب (singular) becomes أعصاب (plural) following the pattern 'Af'aal'.

Nisba Adjective

Adding 'i' to 'Asab' creates 'Asabi' (nervous/neural).

Idafa Construction

عصب الحياة (The nerve of life) where the first word is light and the second is definite.

Non-Human Plural Agreement

أعصاب هادئة (Calm nerves) where the plural noun takes a feminine singular adjective.

The Root System

Recognizing the A-S-B root helps in identifying words like 'Asaba' (gang) or 'Ta'assub' (fanaticism).

수준별 예문

1

هذا عصب صغير.

This is a small nerve.

Asab is a masculine singular noun.

2

عندي ألم في العصب.

I have pain in the nerve.

Use 'al-' for the definite article.

3

العصب طويل.

The nerve is long.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

4

أين العصب؟

Where is the nerve?

Basic question structure.

5

هذا عصب اليد.

This is the nerve of the hand.

Simple Idafa (possessive) construction.

6

العصب لونه أبيض.

The nerve's color is white.

Describing color of a masculine noun.

7

هل هذا عصب؟

Is this a nerve?

Yes/No question with 'hal'.

8

العصب مهم جداً.

The nerve is very important.

Using 'jiddan' for emphasis.

1

أنا أشعر بالتوتر في أعصابي.

I feel tension in my nerves.

Plural 'a'saabi' with possessive suffix.

2

الطبيب يفحص العصب.

The doctor is examining the nerve.

Present tense verb with a definite object.

3

أعصابي تعبانة اليوم.

My nerves are tired today.

Plural subject with a feminine singular adjective (common in spoken Arabic).

4

المحرك هو عصب السيارة.

The engine is the nerve of the car.

Metaphorical use in an Idafa.

5

تحتاج إلى أعصاب قوية.

You need strong nerves.

Plural 'a'saab' with an adjective.

6

لا تضغط على أعصابي.

Don't press on my nerves (Don't annoy me).

Negative imperative with a prepositional phrase.

7

العصب البصري يساعدنا على الرؤية.

The optic nerve helps us see.

Noun-adjective phrase as a subject.

8

شربت القهوة وأصبحت أعصابي مشدودة.

I drank coffee and my nerves became tight.

Using 'asbahat' (became) with the plural.

1

تعتبر التجارة عصب الاقتصاد في هذه المدينة.

Trade is considered the nerve of the economy in this city.

Passive-like structure with 'tu'tabar'.

2

يجب أن تحافظ على هدوء أعصابك أثناء الامتحان.

You must keep your nerves calm during the exam.

Idafa within a 'must' construction.

3

أصيب اللاعب بتمزق في العصب الوركي.

The player suffered a tear in the sciatic nerve.

Specific medical terminology.

4

كانت المباراة حرب أعصاب حقيقية.

The match was a real war of nerves.

Idiomatic expression 'harb a'saab'.

5

المعلم الناجح هو عصب العملية التعليمية.

The successful teacher is the nerve of the educational process.

Metaphorical use for a person's role.

6

فقد السيطرة على أعصابه وبدأ يصرخ.

He lost control of his nerves and started shouting.

Phrase 'faqada al-saytara' (lost control).

7

الإنترنت هو عصب التواصل الحديث.

The internet is the nerve of modern communication.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

8

أعصابه من حديد، لا يخاف أبداً.

His nerves are made of iron; he is never afraid.

Idiom 'a'saabuhu min hadid'.

1

تلف الأعصاب قد يؤدي إلى فقدان الإحساس.

Nerve damage may lead to loss of sensation.

Verbal noun 'talaf' (damage) in Idafa.

2

المفاوضات تتطلب برود أعصاب كبير.

Negotiations require great cold-nervedness (calmness).

Abstract noun 'burud' (coldness) used metaphorically.

3

يعتبر قطاع الطاقة عصب الصناعة الوطنية.

The energy sector is considered the nerve of national industry.

Formal economic terminology.

4

الدواء يعمل على تهدئة الأعصاب المتوترة.

The medicine works on calming the tense nerves.

Present tense with a prepositional phrase.

5

كانت صدمة قوية هزت أعصاب الجميع.

It was a strong shock that shook everyone's nerves.

Metaphorical verb 'hazzat' (shook).

6

الجهاز العصبي المركزي يتحكم في وظائف الجسم.

The central nervous system controls body functions.

Scientific phrase 'al-jihaz al-asabi'.

7

لا تجعل ضغوط العمل تؤثر على أعصابك.

Do not let work pressures affect your nerves.

Negative jussive 'la taj'al'.

8

إنها امرأة ذات أعصاب متينة.

She is a woman with sturdy nerves.

Using 'dhat' (possessor of) for description.

1

تعد المواصلات العصب الحساس الذي يربط أطراف البلاد.

Transportation is the sensitive nerve that links the country's outskirts.

Use of 'al-asab al-hassas' for critical infrastructure.

2

استطاع الباحثون تجديد العصب المتضرر باستخدام التقنية الحيوية.

Researchers were able to regenerate the damaged nerve using biotechnology.

Advanced verbal construction 'istata'a... tajdid'.

3

تتجلى عبقرية الكاتب في قدرته على اللعب على أعصاب القراء.

The writer's genius is evident in his ability to play on the readers' nerves.

Idiomatic use of 'al-la'b ala al-a'saab'.

4

إن مفهوم العصبية عند ابن خلدون يفسر قيام الدول وسقوطها.

Ibn Khaldun's concept of 'Asabiyyah' explains the rise and fall of states.

Sociological term derived from the root.

5

كان يتحدث بنبرة هادئة تخفي خلفها أعصاباً محترقة.

He was speaking in a calm tone that hid burnt nerves behind it.

Literary description of internal state.

6

يؤدي نقص فيتامين ب12 إلى مشاكل جمة في العصب المحيطي.

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to numerous problems in the peripheral nerve.

Formal medical register.

7

لقد لمس في حديثه العصب الحساس للمجتمع.

In his speech, he touched the sensitive nerve of society.

Idiom for addressing a controversial or vital topic.

8

تعتمد هذه الاستراتيجية على إرهاق أعصاب الخصم.

This strategy relies on exhausting the opponent's nerves.

Verbal noun 'irhaq' (exhausting) in Idafa.

1

إن تآكل العصب المجتمعي ينذر بانهيار وشيك للمؤسسات.

The erosion of the societal nerve portends an imminent collapse of institutions.

High-level metaphorical and political vocabulary.

2

تتشابك الألياف العصبية في تعقيد يذهل العقول.

Nerve fibers intertwine in a complexity that astounds minds.

Poetic and scientific blend.

3

لم يكن مجرد توتر، بل كان انحلالاً كاملاً في الأعصاب.

It wasn't just tension, but a complete disintegration of the nerves.

Nuanced distinction between states.

4

يظل العصب الحركي لغزاً يحاول العلماء فك شفراته.

The motor nerve remains a mystery that scientists are trying to decode.

Metaphor of 'decoding' in a formal context.

5

تتطلب القيادة في الأزمات أعصاباً فولاذية لا تعرف اللين.

Leadership in crises requires steel-like nerves that know no softness.

Highly formal and evocative adjectives.

6

إن الفن هو العصب الذي يغذي الوجدان الإنساني.

Art is the nerve that feeds the human conscience.

Philosophical use of 'Asab'.

7

أدت السياسات الرعناء إلى بتر العصب الحيوي للنمو.

Reckless policies led to the amputation of the vital nerve of growth.

Strong metaphorical verb 'batr' (amputation).

8

كان صمته أشد وطأة على أعصابي من صراخه.

His silence was more taxing on my nerves than his shouting.

Comparative structure with emotional depth.

자주 쓰는 조합

عصب الحياة
الجهاز العصبي
أعصاب حديدية
تلف الأعصاب
هدوء الأعصاب
عصب الاقتصاد
التهاب الأعصاب
حرب أعصاب
على أعصابه
عصب حسي

자주 쓰는 구문

بارد الأعصاب

— Describes someone who is very calm and doesn't get angry or stressed easily.

هو بارد الأعصاب حتى في المواقف الصعبة.

احترقت أعصابه

— Literally 'his nerves burned,' meaning he became extremely stressed or angry.

احترقت أعصابه من كثرة الانتظار.

شد الأعصاب

— Refers to a situation that causes high tension or suspense.

كانت المباراة في حالة شد أعصاب دائم.

فقد أعصابه

— To lose one's temper or control over one's emotions.

فقد أعصابه وبدأ يصرخ على الموظف.

أعصاب تالفة

— Used to describe someone who is mentally exhausted or has a short temper.

ابتعد عنه، فأعصابه تالفة اليوم.

من عصب واحد

— Metaphor for being from the same origin or having the same strength.

نحن من عصب واحد ولن نفترق.

ضرب على العصب

— To touch upon a very sensitive or painful topic.

كلامك ضرب على العصب الحساس.

تمالك أعصابه

— To pull oneself together or keep one's cool.

حاول أن يتمالك أعصابه أمام الجمهور.

راحة الأعصاب

— Peace of mind or relaxation of the nervous system.

الاستجمام ضروري لراحة الأعصاب.

عصب الأمة

— The backbone or most vital part of a nation (often referring to youth).

الشباب هم عصب الأمة ومستقبلها.

자주 혼동되는 단어

عصب vs عضلة (Adalah)

Muscle. People often confuse the two when describing physical pain or strength.

عصب vs عصابة (Isaba)

Gang or bandage. Shares the root but the meaning is entirely different.

عصب vs عرق (Araq)

Vein/Artery. Sometimes used colloquially for nerves, but medically distinct.

관용어 및 표현

"أعصابه في ثلاجة"

— His nerves are in a fridge; meaning he is incredibly, almost unnaturally, calm.

البيت يحترق وهو أعصابه في ثلاجة!

Informal
"لعب بأعصابه"

— To manipulate or toy with someone's emotions or patience.

توقف عن اللعب بأعصابي وأخبرني الحقيقة.

Neutral
"على نار هادئة"

— While not using the word 'Asab', it is used in 'nerve-wracking' contexts to describe waiting.

تركني على نار هادئة أنتظر الرد.

Neutral
"عصب القوة"

— The main source of power or energy.

المال هو عصب القوة في هذا العالم.

Formal
"أعصاب من فولاذ"

— Nerves of steel.

يحتاج رائد الفضاء إلى أعصاب من فولاذ.

Neutral
"فلتت أعصابه"

— His nerves slipped; he snapped or lost control suddenly.

فلتت أعصابه بعد سماع الخبر السيء.

Informal
"توتير الأعصاب"

— The act of making someone nervous or causing tension.

هذه الموسيقى تعمل على توتير الأعصاب.

Neutral
"هدئ أعصابك"

— Calm down; relax your nerves.

هدئ أعصابك، كل شيء سيكون بخير.

Neutral
"ضربة على العصب"

— A blow to the core; a very effective or painful action.

كان القرار ضربة على عصب الشركة.

Formal
"أعصاب منهارة"

— Shattered or collapsed nerves; a mental breakdown.

خرجت من الحادث بأعصاب منهارة.

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

عصب vs عصبي (Asabi)

Can mean 'neural' (medical) or 'nervous/angry' (personality).

In medical contexts, it's neutral. In social contexts, it's often negative.

جهاز عصبي (neutral) vs. رجل عصبي (angry man).

عصب vs تعصب (Ta'assub)

Comes from the same root but means fanaticism.

Asab is a physical/emotional state; Ta'assub is an ideological bias.

التعصب الرياضي مرفوض.

عصب vs معصوب (Ma'sub)

Means blindfolded or bandaged.

Refers to the act of 'binding' (the root origin) rather than the nerve itself.

كان معصوب العينين.

عصب vs عصبية (Asabiyyah)

Means nervousness or group solidarity.

Must be distinguished by context (psychology vs. sociology).

العصبية القبلية (sociology).

عصب vs إصابة (Isaba)

Sounds similar but starts with Alif-Hamza.

Means injury or hit.

عنده إصابة في العصب.

문장 패턴

A2

أنا + [feeling] + في أعصابي

أنا أشعر بألم في أعصابي.

B1

[Noun] + هو عصب + [System]

الماء هو عصب الزراعة.

B1

لا + [verb] + على أعصابي

لا تضغط على أعصابي.

B2

يعاني من + [medical condition] + في العصب

يعاني من التهاب في العصب.

B2

لديه أعصاب من + [material]

لديه أعصاب من حديد.

C1

اللعب على + أعصاب + [person]

توقف عن اللعب على أعصابنا.

C1

لمس + العصب الحساس + لـ[topic]

لمس العصب الحساس للقضية.

C2

إن + [Abstract Noun] + هو العصب الذي + [verb]

إن الصدق هو العصب الذي يربط القلوب.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

관련

사용법

frequency

Highly frequent in both medical and psychological contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'Asab' for muscle. Adalah (عضلة).

    Nerves transmit signals; muscles move. In modern Arabic, they are never the same.

  • Saying 'Ana asabiyyah' to mean 'I am nervous'. Ana mutawattr (أنا متوتر).

    Asabiyyah is a noun meaning nervousness or fanaticism. Use the adjective 'mutawattr' for a temporary state.

  • Using singular 'Asab' for psychological nerves. Plural 'A'saab'.

    You don't lose 'a nerve'; you lose your 'nerves' (control).

  • Pronouncing 'Saad' as 'Seen'. Emphatic 'Saad'.

    This changes the 'flavor' of the word and can lead to confusion with other roots.

  • Treating 'Asab' as feminine. Masculine 'Asab'.

    It does not end in a Taa Marbuta and follows masculine agreement.

Learn the Plural

Always learn 'A'saab' alongside 'Asab' because the plural is used more frequently in daily conversation than the singular.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'Asab' is masculine. Don't let the 'A' at the end of some pronunciations fool you into thinking it's feminine.

Nerves of Steel

Appreciate the cultural value of 'A'saab hadidiyya'. Mentioning it is a great way to compliment someone's composure.

Body Parts

If you have a sharp, shooting pain, tell the doctor it is in the 'Asab' (nerve) rather than the 'Adalah' (muscle).

The Core

Use 'Asab' to describe the most important part of your business or project to sound more sophisticated in Arabic.

Emphatic S

Spend time mastering the 'Saad' (ص). It makes a huge difference in how clearly you are understood.

On My Nerves

Use 'ala a'saabi' (on my nerves) to describe waiting for something anxiously, not just being annoyed.

Idafa Usage

Practice the Idafa pattern: 'Asab al-Iqtisad', 'Asab al-Hayat', 'Asab al-Wajh'.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Asab' in the news, listen for what follows to understand what the vital 'nerve' is in that context.

The A-S-B Root

Connecting 'Asab' to 'Asabiyyah' will help you remember both words and their deep connection to strength and binding.

암기하기

기억법

Think of an 'Assembly' (Asab) of wires that 'Bind' (the root meaning) your brain to your toes. Asab = Assembly of body wires.

시각적 연상

Imagine a bright yellow fiber glowing like a power line inside a human arm. That 'cable' is the Asab.

Word Web

Body Brain Wire Stress Economy Pillar Calm Doctor

챌린지

Try to use 'Asab' in three ways today: once for a physical pain, once for a stressful moment, and once to describe a vital part of your work.

어원

The word comes from the Arabic root ع-ص-ب (A-S-B). This root fundamentally relates to the concept of 'binding,' 'wrapping,' or 'twisting.'

원래 의미: Originally, it referred to the ligaments and tendons that 'bind' the bones and muscles together. Over time, as anatomical knowledge evolved, it specifically came to mean the nerves.

Semitic (Afroasiatic).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when calling someone 'Asabi' (nervous/irascible) as it can be taken as an insult to their temperament or self-control.

In English, 'nerve' can mean courage (e.g., 'he has the nerve'). In Arabic, 'Asab' is rarely used for courage directly; instead, 'A'saab hadidiyya' (nerves of steel) is used.

Ibn Khaldun's 'Muqaddimah' (The Prolegomena) - discusses Asabiyyah. Modern Arabic pop songs often mention 'A'saabi' (my nerves) to describe the effects of love. Medical journals from the Abbasid era (e.g., Al-Razi) detailing nerve injuries.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Medical Clinic

  • عندي التهاب في العصب.
  • هل العصب تالف؟
  • أحتاج طبيب أعصاب.
  • أشعر بتنميل في العصب.

Business/Economy

  • هذا المشروع هو عصب الشركة.
  • عصب الاقتصاد هو الاستثمار.
  • ضرب العصب الحساس للسوق.
  • التكنولوجيا عصب الصناعة.

Stressful Situation

  • أعصابي مشدودة جداً.
  • لا تتعب أعصابك.
  • خلي أعصابك هادئة.
  • فقدت أعصابي تماماً.

Sports

  • المباراة كانت حرب أعصاب.
  • اللاعب عنده أعصاب حديد.
  • شد عصبي في الملعب.
  • تحمل ضغط الأعصاب.

History/Sociology

  • العصبية القبلية.
  • عصبية الجماعة.
  • تفكك العصبية.
  • قوة العصب.

대화 시작하기

"كيف تحافظ على هدوء أعصابك في الزحام؟ (How do you keep your nerves calm in traffic?)"

"هل تعتقد أن المال هو عصب الحياة؟ (Do you think money is the nerve of life?)"

"ماذا تفعل عندما تشعر أن أعصابك متوترة؟ (What do you do when you feel your nerves are tense?)"

"هل سبق وزرت طبيب أعصاب؟ (Have you ever visited a neurologist?)"

"من هو الشخص الأكثر بروداً في الأعصاب الذي تعرفه؟ (Who is the most cold-nerved person you know?)"

일기 주제

اكتب عن موقف فقدت فيه أعصابك وكيف تعاملت معه. (Write about a situation where you lost your nerves and how you dealt with it.)

ما هو 'عصب' نجاحك في الحياة من وجهة نظرك؟ (What is the 'nerve' of your success in life from your point of view?)

صف شعورك عندما تكون 'على أعصابك' في انتظار خبر مهم. (Describe your feeling when you are 'on your nerves' waiting for important news.)

هل تفضل العمل الذي يتطلب أعصاباً حديدية؟ ولماذا؟ (Do you prefer work that requires nerves of steel? Why?)

ناقش كيف تؤثر التكنولوجيا على أعصابنا في الوقت الحالي. (Discuss how technology affects our nerves nowadays.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is a masculine noun. However, its plural 'A'saab' is often treated as a feminine singular when paired with adjectives in formal grammar (e.g., أعصاب هادئة).

You can say 'Ana mutawattr' (أنا متوتر) for temporary stress, or 'Ana asabi' (أنا عصبي) if you mean you are a nervous or easily angered person.

The plural is 'أعصاب' (A'saab).

No, 'Adalah' (عضلة) is muscle. Using 'Asab' for muscle is an archaic or incorrect usage in modern Arabic.

It means 'cold-nerved' and is used to describe someone who remains calm and composed under pressure.

No, it is an emphatic 'Saad' (ص). Your tongue should be flatter and the sound deeper than a regular 'S'.

Use it metaphorically to describe something essential for survival, like water, electricity, or money.

It means 'War of Nerves' and refers to psychological warfare or a very tense, prolonged competition.

Metaphorically, yes, you can call the main data line the 'Asab' of the network, but the literal word for wire is 'silk' (سلك).

He is a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the nervous system.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'Asab' to describe an important part of your city.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a person who has 'A'saab hadidiyya'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How would you tell someone to calm down using the word 'A'saab'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short dialogue between a doctor and a patient about a nerve pain.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'Asab al-Hayat' in a sentence about technology.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why 'Asab' is a masculine noun in a grammar note.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence about a player losing his temper in a match.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Describe the 'central nervous system' in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'Asab' to describe a vital resource like oil.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the phrase 'ala a'saabi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain the metaphor 'Harb al-A'saab'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Create a sentence using 'Asab Haraki'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about a time you felt your nerves were 'shattered'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'Asab' in a sentence about a bridge or a road.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Nerve damage is a serious problem.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the optic nerve in Arabic.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Barid al-A'saab'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What is the 'Asab' of your family? Explain.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'Asabiyyah' in a historical context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about 'nerve regeneration'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I have a nerve in my hand' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell your friend to 'calm your nerves'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'Al-Jihaz al-Asabi' correctly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain in Arabic that the internet is the nerve of life.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He has nerves of steel' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am on my nerves waiting' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a doctor if the nerve is damaged.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe a stressful exam using 'A'saab'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He lost his nerves and shouted' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Optic nerve' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain 'Asabiyyah' in one simple sentence.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Calm nerves are necessary' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Neurologist' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Nerve inflammation' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone 'Don't play with my nerves'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Motor nerve' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Sensory nerve' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'His nerves are in a fridge' (slang for calm).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Nerve cells' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The railway is the nerve of the country'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the word 'Asab' and identify if it is singular or plural.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'أعصابي متوترة'. Is the speaker calm or stressed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Tabib A'saab'. What kind of doctor is this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'عصب الاقتصاد'. What is being discussed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'فقد أعصابه'. Did the person stay quiet?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Asabiyyah'. Is the context medical or social?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'أعصاب حديدية'. Is this a compliment or a criticism?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Al-Jihaz al-Asabi'. What system is it?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'على أعصابي'. What is the feeling?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Asab Basari'. Which organ is involved?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'هدئ أعصابك'. What is the person being asked to do?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'تلف في العصب'. Is this good news or bad news?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Asab Haraki'. What does it control?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'حرب أعصاب'. Is there a physical fight?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for 'Barid al-A'saab'. Is the person emotional?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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