Meaning
States that one is not married.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, the term 'A'zab' is standard, but the social pressure to marry is high. You will often hear 'Uqbalak' (May it be your turn) at weddings. Youth in Beirut almost exclusively use 'Single' (سينجل) in casual conversation, reserving 'A'zab' for formal contexts. Marital status is very important for housing and social events. Some residential areas are designated for 'Families' only, excluding 'Uzzab' (single men). Due to French influence, the concept of being 'Célibataire' is well-understood and often used alongside the Arabic 'A'zab'.
Gender is Key
Always remember to add the 'aa' sound at the end if you are a woman (Azbaa).
Avoid 'Wahid'
Don't say 'I am alone' when you mean 'I am single' in a social context.
Meaning
States that one is not married.
Gender is Key
Always remember to add the 'aa' sound at the end if you are a woman (Azbaa).
Avoid 'Wahid'
Don't say 'I am alone' when you mean 'I am single' in a social context.
The 'Uqbalak' Response
If someone says 'Uqbalak' to you, the polite response is 'Shukran' or 'Amīn' (Amen).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'single' based on the gender.
ليلى ليست متزوجة، هي ____.
Since 'Layla' is a female name, we must use the feminine form 'عزباء'.
Which of the following is the most formal way to say 'I am single' on a government form?
أنا ____ في الاستمارة الرسمية.
'أعزب' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic term for official use.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل أنت متزوج يا سمير؟ سمير: لا، أنا ____.
Samir is a male name, so he uses 'أعزب'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'نحن عزاب'?
'عزاب' is the plural form of 'أعزب'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Marital Status in Arabic
Practice Bank
4 exercisesليلى ليست متزوجة، هي ____.
Since 'Layla' is a female name, we must use the feminine form 'عزباء'.
أنا ____ في الاستمارة الرسمية.
'أعزب' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic term for official use.
أحمد: هل أنت متزوج يا سمير؟ سمير: لا، أنا ____.
Samir is a male name, so he uses 'أعزب'.
When would you say 'نحن عزاب'?
'عزاب' is the plural form of 'أعزب'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, as they are currently single, but 'Mutallaq' is more accurate for legal forms.
No, 'A'zab' is for men and 'Azbaa' is for women.
The plural is 'Uzzab' (عزاب).
In Arab culture, it is a very common and usually not considered rude, though it can be annoying.
أريد أن أبقى أعزب (Urid an abqa a'zab).
It's a direct loanword from English used by young people in casual speech.
'A'zab' is the common word; 'Ghayr Mutazawwij' is the formal 'Not Married' used on forms.
No, usually 'Tabattul' or specific religious terms are used for celibacy.
Not necessarily, it just states your current legal status.
It's a deep throat sound, like a gentle constriction. Practice with a native speaker!
Related Phrases
غير متزوج
synonymNot married
مطلق
specialized formDivorced
أرمل
specialized formWidowed
خاطب
contrastEngaged
متزوج
contrastMarried
