Meaning
To put on clothing.
Cultural Background
Modesty (Haya') is a core value. Wearing clothes that cover the body appropriately is seen as a sign of respect for oneself and others. The 'Thobe' (for men) and 'Abaya' (for women) are the standard 'malabis.' Wearing them is a mark of national identity and dignity. There is a strong tradition of 'elegant dressing' (Anaqa). People often take great pride in wearing well-coordinated, fashionable clothes for social visits. Traditional garments like the 'Djellaba' are commonly worn. The phrase 'yalbas' is used for these traditional items just as much as for modern western clothing.
The 'State' vs 'Action'
Remember that 'yalbas' can mean 'he is putting on' or 'he is wearing.' Context tells you which one it is.
Adjective Agreement
Always use feminine singular adjectives with 'malabis' (e.g., malabis jadida).
Meaning
To put on clothing.
The 'State' vs 'Action'
Remember that 'yalbas' can mean 'he is putting on' or 'he is wearing.' Context tells you which one it is.
Adjective Agreement
Always use feminine singular adjectives with 'malabis' (e.g., malabis jadida).
Dialect Shortcut
In many dialects, you can just say 'labis' (the active participle) to mean 'he is currently wearing.'
Complimenting
If someone is wearing nice clothes, say 'Libasuka jamil!' (Your clothing is beautiful).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb (Present Tense).
أنا _______ ملابسي الرياضية كل صباح.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must start with the prefix 'أ'.
Choose the correct adjective agreement.
هي تلبس ملابس _______.
'Malabis' is a non-human plural, which requires a feminine singular adjective.
Match the situation with the appropriate clothing.
Match the following:
These are the standard collocations for these situations.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لماذا تلبس معطفاً؟ خالد: لأن الجو _______.
A 'ma'taf' (coat) is worn when it is 'barid' (cold).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Malabis
Formal
- • بَدْلَة
- • قَميص
- • فُسْتان
Sport
- • بَنْطَلون رِياضي
- • حِذاء رِياضي
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا _______ ملابسي الرياضية كل صباح.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must start with the prefix 'أ'.
هي تلبس ملابس _______.
'Malabis' is a non-human plural, which requires a feminine singular adjective.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard collocations for these situations.
أحمد: لماذا تلبس معطفاً؟ خالد: لأن الجو _______.
A 'ma'taf' (coat) is worn when it is 'barid' (cold).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'yalbas al-hiza' (wearing shoes) is perfectly correct in Arabic.
'Malabis' is more common in MSA and Egypt, while 'thiyab' is very common in the Levant and the Gulf. They are synonyms.
You say 'أنا ألبس ملابسي' (Ana albasu malabisi).
It is neutral. For very formal contexts, use 'yartadi.'
Yes, 'malbas,' but it is rarely used. People usually use the name of the specific item (e.g., qamis, fustan).
Yes, you can say 'yalbas khatim' (wearing a ring).
It is 'labisa' (لَبِسَ).
You say 'هو يلبس نظارات' (Huwa yalbas nazzarat).
Yes, 'yuzarrir' (يُزَرِّر), but 'yalbas' is the general term for the whole process.
In a poetic sense, yes, but usually it's for clothing.
Related Phrases
يرتدي ملابس
synonymTo don/wear clothes
يخلع ملابس
contrastTo take off clothes
يغير ملابس
builds onTo change clothes
يقيس ملابس
specialized formTo try on clothes
ملابس جاهزة
similarReady-to-wear clothes
