Meaning
Expressing strong approval, admiration, or enthusiasm.
Cultural Background
Praise is often communal. When you say 'هذا عظيم', others might join in with 'الحمد لله' (Praise be to God). The word 'Azama' (Greatness) is used as a noun to describe high-quality things, especially music (like Umm Kulthum). While 'Azeem' is used, you will often hear 'Bijannin' (It drives one crazy - with beauty/greatness) as a more passionate alternative. 'Al-Azeem' is a name of God. Using the adjective for human things is fine, but it always carries a hint of 'ultimate' quality.
Use it for People
You can call a person 'شخص عظيم' (a great person) to show deep respect for their character.
Watch the 'Z'
Don't pronounce 'Azeem' with a light 'z' like in 'zebra'. It must be the heavy 'ظ'.
Meaning
Expressing strong approval, admiration, or enthusiasm.
Use it for People
You can call a person 'شخص عظيم' (a great person) to show deep respect for their character.
Watch the 'Z'
Don't pronounce 'Azeem' with a light 'z' like in 'zebra'. It must be the heavy 'ظ'.
The 'Ma' Prefix
Add 'ما' to make it an exclamation: 'ما أعظمه!' (How great it is!).
Pair with Blessings
In social settings, follow 'هذا عظيم' with a prayer or 'Mabruk' to sound more native.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase.
If you are talking about a 'story' (قصة - Qissa), how do you say 'This is great'?
'Qissa' is feminine, so you must use 'Hādhihi' and '‘Aẓīmah'.
Fill in the missing word to complete the reaction.
صديقي: 'لقد فزت بالمركز الأول!' أنا: 'هذا ____! مبروك!'
'Azeem' is the appropriate word for expressing enthusiasm for a win.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
In which situation is 'هذا عظيم' most natural?
A PhD is a significant achievement worthy of the word 'Azeem'.
Complete the formal dialogue.
المدير: 'سنرفع الرواتب بنسبة 10%.' الموظف: '____، هذا سيحفز الجميع.'
A salary increase is 'great' news in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Azeem vs. Kabir
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIf you are talking about a 'story' (قصة - Qissa), how do you say 'This is great'?
'Qissa' is feminine, so you must use 'Hādhihi' and '‘Aẓīmah'.
صديقي: 'لقد فزت بالمركز الأول!' أنا: 'هذا ____! مبروك!'
'Azeem' is the appropriate word for expressing enthusiasm for a win.
In which situation is 'هذا عظيم' most natural?
A PhD is a significant achievement worthy of the word 'Azeem'.
المدير: 'سنرفع الرواتب بنسبة 10%.' الموظف: '____، هذا سيحفز الجميع.'
A salary increase is 'great' news in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's rare. Use 'Ladhidh' (delicious) instead. 'Azeem' for food sounds like you're describing a giant feast for a king.
No, it's perfectly fine for friends, though 'Hulw' (sweet) or 'Ra'i' (wonderful) are more common in very casual talk.
It is 'Hādhihi ‘Aẓīmah' (هذه عظيمة).
Historically yes, but in modern usage, it almost always means 'Great' or 'Magnificent'.
Use 'الأعظم' (Al-A'zam). For example, 'الأكثر أعظم' is wrong; just say 'الأعظم'.
Yes, 'Azeem' is universally understood, though the demonstrative 'Hādhā' changes (e.g., 'Da' in Egypt, 'Hada' in Levant).
Yes, just like in English. If someone makes a mess, you can say 'هذا عظيم...' with a rolling of the eyes.
'Mumtaz' is 'Excellent' (usually for performance), while 'Azeem' is 'Great' (usually for significance).
It has religious roots as a name of God, but it is used secularly every day.
Yes, 'فيلم عظيم' is a very common way to describe a masterpiece.
Related Phrases
هذا رائع
synonymThis is wonderful
ممتاز
similarExcellent
ما شاء الله
builds onGod has willed it
لا بأس به
contrastNot bad / It's okay
يا له من أمر عظيم
specialized formWhat a great matter!
