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A2 noun #7,500 most common 8 min read

مرمى

marmá Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مرمى in 30 Seconds

Explanation مرمى in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'marmā' is a word used in football. Think of it as the 'net' or the 'goal'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'The ball is in the goal'. It is a noun. It starts with 'm', which is common for places in Arabic. Just focus on the physical object you see on a football pitch. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember: Football + Net = Marmā.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'marmā' in basic sentences. You know it is a 'noun of place' from the root 'rama' (to throw). You can describe where a player is standing or where the ball went. You should distinguish it from 'hadaf' (the point scored). You can use it with simple prepositions like 'fi' (in) or 'ila' (to). You also learn the name of the 'goalkeeper' (haris al-marmā). This is a practical word for talking about hobbies and sports.

At the B1 level, you begin to use 'marmā' in more descriptive ways. You can talk about the 'range' of something. For example, 'within a stone's throw' (ala marma hajar). You understand that it can be used in news reports to describe a target area. You are comfortable with the broken plural 'marami'. You can use the word in an Idafa construction more naturally, like 'the goal of the stadium' or 'the opponent's goal'. You start to see the word in media contexts, not just sports.

At the B2 level, you use 'marmā' in metaphorical contexts. You might say someone is 'in the line of fire' (fi marma al-niran) during a debate. You understand the nuances between 'marmā', 'hadaf', and 'ghaya'. You can follow fast-paced sports commentary where the word is used rapidly. You also understand the word's role in classical-style Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) where it defines the limit or scope of an action or vision (marma al-basar).

At the C1 level, you appreciate the etymological roots of 'marmā'. You can use it in high-level academic or literary writing to describe the 'purview' or 'reach' of a law, a concept, or a physical force. You are aware of its occurrences in classical literature and poetry where it might represent the ultimate destination of an arrow or a journey. Your usage is precise, distinguishing between literal and figurative 'ranges' with ease.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'marmā'. You can discuss its morphological structure as an 'Ism Makan' and how it relates to other words from the 'r-m-y' root. You can use it in highly nuanced rhetorical ways, perhaps in political oratory or complex legal documents to define boundaries and target zones. You understand archaic uses and can interpret the word in various historical contexts of the Arabic language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مرمى in 30 Seconds

Marmā is the Arabic word for a sports goal or net.
It comes from the root 'to throw' (r-m-y).
It can also mean 'range' or 'target' in military or metaphorical contexts.
The plural is 'marāmī' and it is a masculine noun.

The Arabic word مرمى (marmā) is a fascinating noun derived from the triliteral root r-m-y (ر م ي), which fundamentally pertains to the act of throwing, shooting, or casting. In its most common contemporary usage, especially within the context of sports which dominated the A2 level of language learning, it refers specifically to the goalpost or the net in games like football (soccer), handball, or hockey. It is the physical structure where points are scored. However, to truly master this word, one must understand that it is a 'noun of place' (ism makān), meaning 'the place where things are thrown or aimed at'.

Literal Meaning: The destination of a projectile; the target area for a throw or shot.
Sports Context: The goal or net in football. Used by commentators, players, and fans alike to describe the scoring zone.
Abstract Context: The scope, range, or reach of something. Often used in phrases like 'within range' or 'within sight'.

سجل اللاعب هدفاً رائعاً في مرمى الفريق الخصم.

The player scored a wonderful goal in the opponent's goal.

In daily life, if you are watching a match in Cairo, Riyadh, or Casablanca, you will hear the commentator scream "على المرمى!" (On target/towards the goal!). It is a word that carries the weight of anticipation. Beyond the pitch, the word expands into the military and strategic realm. A 'shooting range' or the 'range of fire' utilizes this same root because it defines the boundary of where a projectile can land. When people use marmā, they are defining a focal point. Whether it is a physical net or a metaphorical target, the word implies a destination for an action that started elsewhere.

كانت الكرة قريبة جداً من المرمى.

The ball was very close to the goal.

The versatility of the word allows it to appear in literature as well. You might read about someone being "في مرمى البصر" (within the range of sight), which means they are close enough to be seen. This transition from a concrete sports term to an abstract measure of distance is a hallmark of Arabic linguistic depth. Even at the A2 level, recognizing this word helps you bridge the gap between simple object naming and understanding spatial relationships. It is not just a net; it is the endpoint of a trajectory.

يقف الحارس أمام مرماه بتركيز عالٍ.

The goalkeeper stands in front of his goal with high focus.

Using مرمى (marmā) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its typical collocations. Since it ends with an 'alif maqsurah' (ى), its form remains relatively stable in the singular, but its case endings are implied rather than spoken. In sentences, it most frequently appears as the object of a preposition (like 'in the goal' or 'towards the goal') or as part of an 'Idafa' construction (possessive phrase).

As a Direct Object: When an action is performed directly on the goal area. Example: 'He hit the goal' (صدم المرمى).
In Prepositional Phrases: Commonly used with 'في' (in), 'إلى' (to), or 'نحو' (towards). Example: 'The ball went to the goal' (ذهبت الكرة إلى المرمى).
In Idafa (Possessive): Linking the goal to a team or a person. Example: 'The opponent's goal' (مرمى الخصم).

ركل المهاجم الكرة بقوة نحو المرمى.

The striker kicked the ball hard towards the goal.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the plural form مرامي (marāmī). While you might only talk about one goal in a match, a stadium has two marāmī. In a figurative sense, you might talk about 'the goals of the project' if you are using the word to mean targets, though 'ahdāf' is more common for abstract goals. For a student at the A2 level, sticking to the sports context is the safest and most practical application. Remember that the word is masculine in gender, which affects the adjectives that follow it.

هذا مرمى واسع جداً.

This is a very wide goal.

Another key usage is the phrase 'في مرمى النيران' (in the line of fire). While this sounds advanced, it follows the same logic: being in the place where things are being thrown or shot. If you are describing a scene where someone is in danger of being criticized or attacked, this phrase is perfect. It shows a high level of fluency to use a sports-related word in a metaphorical, high-stakes context.

وجد الصحفي نفسه في مرمى الانتقادات.

The journalist found himself in the range/target of criticism.

The word مرمى (marmā) is ubiquitous in the Arab world due to the immense popularity of football (soccer). If you walk into any café from Dubai to Marrakech during a Champions League match or the World Cup, the air will be filled with this word. Commentators like Issam Chawali or Hafid Derradji use it with rhythmic intensity. You will hear phrases like "الكرة في المرمى!" (The ball is in the net!) or "تسديدة بعيدة عن المرمى" (A shot far from the goal).

Stadium Announcements: Announcers naming the player who scored in the 'marmā'.
News Bulletins: Reporting on military conflicts, using 'marmā' to describe the range of artillery.
Casual Conversations: Friends discussing a missed chance in a weekend game.

صاح المعلق: هدف! الكرة تعانق المرمى!

The commentator shouted: Goal! The ball hugs the net/goal!

Beyond sports, you will hear this word in political analysis. When a politician is under pressure, a news anchor might say they are "في مرمى السهام" (in the range of arrows/attacks). This usage is quite formal (Fusha) but very common in media Arabic. In educational settings, a teacher might talk about the "مرمى" of a lesson, though "هدف" is more standard for learning objectives. However, if the teacher is talking about the physical distance of a project or a literal target in a physics experiment, marmā is the correct choice.

نحن الآن على مرمى حجر من الوصول.

We are now a stone's throw (range of a stone) from arriving.

In movies and TV dramas, especially those involving action or crime, you might hear a character tell another to stay out of the "مرمى" of the police or a rival gang. It implies a danger zone. This shows that while you learn it as 'goalpost' in your A2 textbook, the real-world application is much broader, encompassing any area that is the focus of an intended action.

For English speakers learning Arabic, the most frequent mistake is confusing مرمى (marmā) with the word هدف (hadaf). While both can be translated as 'goal' in English, they are not always interchangeable in Arabic. Hadaf is the point scored or the abstract ambition, whereas marmā is the physical structure where the point is scored.

Mistake 1: Using Marmā for Ambitions: Saying 'My marmā in life is to be a doctor' is incorrect. You should use 'hadaf'.
Mistake 2: Gender Confusion: Assuming it is feminine because it ends in a sound similar to 'ah'. It is masculine: 'مرمى كبير' (big goal), not 'مرمى كبيرة'.
Mistake 3: Pluralization: Using a regular plural like 'marmāt'. The correct broken plural is 'marāmī'.

خطأ: سجلت مرمى في المباراة.

Incorrect: I scored a goalpost in the match. (Should be 'hadaf').

Another mistake involves the pronunciation of the 'r' (ر). It should be a slight trill or tap, not the soft English 'r'. If you don't pronounce the 'r' clearly, the word can sound like 'ma'ma', which is nonsense. Also, ensure the final 'ā' is long enough to distinguish it from a short 'a'.

صح: الكرة في المرمى.

Correct: The ball is in the goal (net).

Lastly, learners often forget the preposition 'نحو' (towards) when describing movement to the goal. While 'إلى' (to) is acceptable, 'نحو' is much more common in sports reporting and sounds more natural. Practice saying 'نحو المرمى' to sound like a native sports fan.

To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to compare مرمى (marmā) with its synonyms and related terms. While marmā is the specific place for scoring, other words cover the concept of 'aim' or 'destination'. Understanding these nuances will move you from A2 to B1 level proficiency.

Hadaf (هدف): The most common word for 'goal'. It refers to the point scored or an objective. 'My goal is to learn Arabic' = 'Hadafī'.
Gharad (غرض): Refers to a purpose or intent. 'For the purpose of...' = 'Li-gharad...'.
Shabaka (شبكة): Literally 'net'. Often used interchangeably with marmā when the ball hits the mesh. 'The ball hit the net' = 'ضربت الكرة الشبكة'.

بينما يشير المرمى للمكان، يشير الهدف للنتيجة.

While marmā refers to the place, 'hadaf' refers to the result.

If you are talking about a literal target in archery or shooting, you might use دريئة (darī'ah) or simply hadaf. However, marmā is specifically used when there is a range involved. In a sentence like 'The target is within range', you would use 'الهدف في المرمى'. This shows how the words interact: the hadaf (the object you want to hit) is inside the marmā (the area you can hit).

كان الصيد في مرمى بندقيته.

The prey was in the range of his rifle.

In summary, while English often collapses 'target', 'goal', 'range', and 'net' into one or two words depending on context, Arabic provides a specific term for the 'destination of the throw'. Mastering marmā allows you to describe sports, physics, and metaphorical vulnerability with precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'marmā' is an 'Ism Makān' (Noun of Place). In Arabic morphology, adding 'ma-' to a root often creates the word for the place where that action happens. So, 'throw' becomes 'place of throwing'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmɑːrmə/

US /ˈmɑːrmə/

Primary stress on the first syllable (mar-).

Rhymes With

مرعى (mar'ā) مسعى (mas'ā) مجرى (majrā) مغزى (maghzā) مبنى (mabnā) معنى (ma'nā) أدنى (adnā) أقصى (aqsā)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'mar-ma' with two short vowels.
Missing the 'r' sound entirely.
Confusing the final 'alif maqsurah' with a 'ya' sound (mar-mee).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'ma-' prefix and common sports context.

Writing 3/5

The final Alif Maqsurah can be tricky for beginners to spell correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the trilled 'r' takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct in sports commentary.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

كرة (ball) لعب (play) هدف (goal/point) رمى (throw) حارس (guard)

Learn Next

ملعب (stadium/field) مهاجم (striker) دفاع (defense) تسديدة (shot) صافرة (whistle)

Advanced

منال (attainment) مغزى (significance) مبتغى (sought-after goal) مجرى (course/stream) مدى (range/extent)

Grammar to Know

Ism al-Makān (Noun of Place)

Marmā (from Ramā) means the place where things are thrown.

Alif Maqsurah

Marmā ends in 'ى', which sounds like 'ā' but is written like a 'y' without dots.

Broken Plural (Mafā'īl)

The plural of Marmā is Marāmī (مرامي).

Idafa Construction

Marmā al-fariq (The team's goal) follows the possessive rule.

Maqsur Noun Declension

Vowels are not visible on the end of 'marmā'; they are estimated (muqaddara).

Examples by Level

هذا مرمى.

This is a goal.

Simple demonstrative pronoun 'hadha' with the noun.

الكرة في المرمى.

The ball is in the goal.

Prepositional phrase 'fi al-marma'.

أين المرمى؟

Where is the goal?

Question word 'ayna'.

المرمى كبير.

The goal is big.

Subject-adjective agreement (masculine).

هذا مرمى صغير.

This is a small goal.

Noun-adjective pair.

أنا أحب المرمى.

I like the goal.

Verb 'uhibbu' with definite noun.

المرمى أبيض.

The goal is white.

Color adjective.

انظر إلى المرمى.

Look at the goal.

Imperative verb 'unzhur'.

الحارس يقف في المرمى.

The goalkeeper is standing in the goal.

Present tense verb 'yaqifu'.

ركل الولد الكرة إلى المرمى.

The boy kicked the ball to the goal.

Past tense verb 'rakala'.

مرمى الفريق الآخر بعيد.

The other team's goal is far.

Idafa construction 'marma al-fariq'.

لم تدخل الكرة في المرمى.

The ball did not enter the goal.

Negation with 'lam'.

نحن نحتاج إلى مرمى جديد.

We need a new goal.

Verb 'nahtaju' with 'ila'.

الكرة قريبة من المرمى.

The ball is close to the goal.

Preposition 'min' after 'qariba'.

هناك حارس في المرمى.

There is a goalkeeper in the goal.

Using 'hunaka' for existence.

المرمى مصنوع من الحديد.

The goal is made of iron.

Passive participle 'masnu'.

سجل المهاجم في مرمى الخصم.

The striker scored in the opponent's goal.

Idafa with 'al-khasm'.

كان البيت على مرمى حجر من المدرسة.

The house was a stone's throw from the school.

Idiomatic expression 'ala marma hajar'.

تحرك اللاعبون نحو المرمى بسرعة.

The players moved towards the goal quickly.

Preposition 'nahwa' (towards).

يجب حماية المرمى جيداً.

The goal must be protected well.

Modal 'yajibu' with masdar.

كانت التسديدة قوية لكنها أخطأت المرمى.

The shot was powerful but it missed the goal.

Contrast with 'lakinnaha'.

تحتوي الملاعب الكبيرة على مرامٍ كثيرة.

Large stadiums contain many goals (for practice).

Broken plural 'maramin' (indefinite).

وقف المدرب خلف المرمى.

The coach stood behind the goal.

Adverb of place 'khalfa'.

الكرة اصطدمت بقائم المرمى.

The ball hit the goalpost.

Specific term 'qa'im' (post).

أصبح الوزير في مرمى نيران الصحافة.

The minister became the target of the press's fire.

Metaphorical use of 'marma niran'.

كانت السفينة في مرمى البصر.

The ship was within sight (range of vision).

Abstract phrase 'marma al-basar'.

لا تضع نفسك في مرمى الخطر.

Do not put yourself in the range of danger.

Negative imperative 'la tad'a'.

الصاروخ أصيب في المرمى المحدد.

The missile hit the designated target area.

Technical/military context.

تغيرت مرامي السياسة الخارجية مؤخراً.

The targets/objectives of foreign policy have changed recently.

Plural 'marami' used for objectives.

كان المهاجم يتربص أمام المرمى.

The striker was lurking in front of the goal.

Verb 'yatarabbas' (to lurk/wait).

اتساع المرمى يساعد على تسجيل الأهداف.

The width of the goal helps in scoring goals.

Masdar 'ittisa' (width).

بقيت الكرة تتدحرج نحو المرمى ببطء.

The ball kept rolling slowly towards the goal.

Continuity with 'baqiyat'.

يقع المشروع في مرمى اهتمامات الحكومة.

The project falls within the scope of the government's interests.

Figurative 'marma ihtimamat'.

كانت القصيدة بعيدة المرمى في معانيها.

The poem was far-reaching (profound) in its meanings.

Adjective phrase 'ba'idat al-marma'.

علينا أن نحدد المرمى الاستراتيجي للعملية.

We must define the strategic target/scope of the operation.

Formal military/strategic terminology.

لم يكن كلامه في مرمى الصواب.

His words were not within the range of correctness.

Abstract 'marma al-sawab'.

تتداخل المرامي في هذا النص الأدبي المعقد.

The objectives/themes overlap in this complex literary text.

Verb 'tatadakhal' (overlap).

كانت المدينة في مرمى مدافع العدو.

The city was within the range of the enemy's cannons.

Historical/military context.

يجب أن يكون النقد في مرمى البناء لا الهدم.

Criticism should be within the scope of building, not destroying.

Philosophical/Ethical context.

بلغت الأزمة مرمى لم يتوقعه أحد.

The crisis reached an extent/range that no one expected.

Using 'marma' as 'extent'.

إن مرامي هذا التشريع تتجاوز مجرد العقاب.

The intents of this legislation transcend mere punishment.

Formal legal language.

استخدم الشاعر المرمى كرمز للوصول إلى الحقيقة.

The poet used the 'target' as a symbol for reaching the truth.

Literary analysis.

تتجلى عبقرية التصميم في دقة المرمى الوظيفي.

The genius of the design is evident in the precision of its functional scope.

Advanced aesthetic/technical discourse.

كانت تلك الرؤية في مرمى الخيال الجامح.

That vision was within the range of wild imagination.

Poetic/Metaphorical.

أصاب الفيلسوف مرمى الحقيقة بكلمات قليلة.

The philosopher hit the mark of truth with few words.

Classical rhetorical style.

تعددت المرامي والدلالات في الخطاب الملكي.

The objectives and connotations in the royal speech were numerous.

High formal register.

لا ينبغي أن يخرج البحث عن مرمى تخصصنا.

The research should not stray from the scope of our specialization.

Academic constraint.

كان المرمى النهائي للرحلة هو اكتشاف الذات.

The ultimate destination/goal of the journey was self-discovery.

Philosophical conclusion.

Common Collocations

حارس المرمى

قائم المرمى

شباك المرمى

على مرمى حجر

مرمى النيران

مرمى البصر

منطقة المرمى

خارج المرمى

نحو المرمى

خلو المرمى

Common Phrases

في قلب المرمى

— Right in the center of the goal. Used for accurate shots.

جاء الهدف في قلب المرمى.

أخطأ المرمى

— To miss the goal. Common in sports reporting.

لقد أخطأ المرمى بغرابة.

هز المرمى

— To shake the goal (score a powerful goal).

هز المهاجم المرمى بقوة.

حماية المرمى

— Defending the goal area.

مهمة الدفاع هي حماية المرمى.

على مقربة من المرمى

— Close to the goal.

كان المهاجم على مقربة من المرمى.

زاوية المرمى

— The corner of the goal.

سدد الكرة في زاوية المرمى.

مرمى هجمات

— A target of attacks (metaphorical or literal).

كانت المدينة مرمى هجمات.

بُعد المرمى

— The distance of the goal/target.

قدر الجندي بُعد المرمى.

مرمى واسع

— A wide goal/scope.

للشركة مرمى واسع في السوق.

في المرمى تماماً

— Exactly in the goal/target.

وقعت القذيفة في المرمى تماماً.

Often Confused With

مرمى vs هدف

Hadaf is the point scored; Marmā is the physical net.

مرمى vs مرعى

Mar'ā means pasture; it looks similar but has a different root.

مرمى vs مجرى

Majrā means course or stream; also an Ism Makan but different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"على مرمى حجر"

— Very close; a stone's throw away.

الفندق على مرمى حجر من هنا.

Common/Literary

"في مرمى النيران"

— In the line of fire; subject to severe criticism or danger.

الرئيس في مرمى نيران المعارضة.

Journalistic

"في مرمى البصر"

— Within sight; as far as the eye can see.

كانت القرية في مرمى البصر.

Literary

"بعيد المرمى"

— Far-reaching; having profound or long-term consequences.

هذا قرار بعيد المرمى.

Formal

"أصاب المرمى"

— To hit the mark; to be correct or successful in an endeavor.

لقد أصبت المرمى في تحليلك.

Neutral

"في مرمى السهام"

— The target of attacks (similar to line of fire).

وجد نفسه في مرمى السهام.

Literary

"مرمى النظر"

— The range of one's gaze.

كل ما هو في مرمى النظر جميل.

Poetic

"خارج مرمى التغطية"

— Out of range (often used for mobile signal).

الهاتف خارج مرمى التغطية.

Modern/Technical

"في مرمى الهدف"

— In the target zone.

نحن الآن في مرمى الهدف.

Neutral

"ضيق المرمى"

— Narrow scope or narrow goal.

هذا تفكير ضيق المرمى.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

مرمى vs هدف

Both translate to 'goal' in English.

Hadaf is the intangible goal or the point. Marmā is the tangible goalpost.

سجلت هدفاً (I scored a goal) vs. ركلت الكرة للمرمى (I kicked the ball to the goalpost).

مرمى vs شبكة

Both refer to the net area.

Shabaka is the literal net (mesh). Marmā includes the posts and the area.

الكرة في الشبكة (The ball is in the net).

مرمى vs ميدان

Both are places in sports.

Maydan is the whole field or square. Marmā is just the goal.

دخل اللاعب الميدان (The player entered the field).

مرمى vs نطاق

Both can mean 'range'.

Nitaq is a belt or a general scope. Marmā is a specific target range.

هذا خارج نطاق عملي (This is out of my scope).

مرمى vs رمي

It is the root verb.

Ramy is the act of throwing. Marmā is the place where you throw.

الرمي ممتع (Throwing is fun).

Sentence Patterns

هذا [noun].

هذا مرمى.

[subject] في [noun].

الكرة في المرمى.

[subject] على مرمى [noun].

البيت على مرمى حجر.

وجد [subject] نفسه في مرمى [noun].

وجد اللاعب نفسه في مرمى الانتقاد.

كانت [noun] بعيدة المرمى.

كانت الخطة بعيدة المرمى.

تتجلى [noun] في [noun] المرمى.

تتجلى البراعة في حماية المرمى.

ركل [subject] الكرة نحو [noun].

ركل الولد الكرة نحو المرمى.

أخطأ [subject] [noun].

أخطأ المهاجم المرمى.

Word Family

Nouns

رامٍ (rāmin) - thrower/archer

رماية (rimāya) - archery/shooting

مرماة (marmāh) - small target/object thrown

Verbs

رمى (ramā) - to throw/shoot

يرمي (yarmī) - he throws/shoots

ارتمى (irtamā) - to throw oneself

Adjectives

مرميّ (marmiyy) - thrown/shot

مرامي (marāmī) - relating to targets (rare)

هدف (hadaf)

قذيفة (qadhīfa)

سهم (sahm)

بندقية (bunduqiyya)

ملعب (mal'ab)

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in sports-loving cultures).

Common Mistakes

Using 'marmā' to mean 'I scored a goal'. → سجلت هدفاً (Sajjalat hadafan).
You score a 'hadaf' (point), you don't score a 'marmā' (physical post).
Saying 'marmā kabīra'. → مرمى كبير (Marmā kabīr).
The word is masculine, so the adjective must also be masculine.
Spelling it with a regular Alif: مرما. → مرمى
It must be spelled with Alif Maqsurah because of its root 'r-m-y'.
Using 'marmā' for abstract life goals. → هدفي في الحياة (Hadafī fi al-hayāh).
Marmā is for physical targets or ranges, not personal ambitions.
Confusing 'marmā' with 'mar'ā'. → مرمى (Goal) vs. مرعى (Pasture).
Pay attention to the middle letter: 'm' vs ' 'ayn'.

Tips

Recognizing Nouns of Place

Whenever you see a word starting with 'ma-' and ending in 'a' or 'ah', check if it's a place. Marmā (place of throwing), Maktab (place of writing), Mat'am (place of eating).

Sports Lingo

Learn 'marmā' alongside 'hadaf' and 'shabaka' to understand a football match completely.

The Long 'A'

Don't rush the end of the word. It's 'mar-māā', not 'mar-ma'. The Alif Maqsurah needs its full length.

Range vs. Goal

Use it for anything involving distance and a target. 'The bird is within the range of my camera' can use 'marmā'.

Spelling Help

The root is R-M-Y. Because it ends in a 'Y' in the root, the noun of place ends in Alif Maqsurah (ى).

Commentary Clues

Arabic commentators often shout the word when the ball is near the net. It's a high-energy word!

Goalkeeper Respect

The 'haris' is a hero. Using 'marmā' correctly shows you respect the game's terminology.

Stone's Throw

Memorize 'ala marma hajar'. It's a very impressive phrase to use in casual conversation.

Line of Fire

Use 'marma al-niran' when discussing politics or social media drama.

Root Mastery

Connect 'marmā' to 'ramā' (to throw). This helps you remember the meaning of hundreds of related words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'MAR-athon' runner reaching the 'MA-rk'. The 'MAR-MA' is the goal they aim for.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant letter 'M' shaped like a football goal. The 'M' stands for Marmā.

Word Web

Football Goal Net Target Range Goalkeeper Throw Score

Challenge

Try to use 'marmā' in three different ways: one for football, one for distance (stone's throw), and one for a target.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root ر-م-ي (R-M-Y), which means to throw or cast something.

Original meaning: The place or point at which one throws or shoots.

Semitic (Arabic).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; purely a sports and spatial term.

In English, we say 'goal' for both the point and the net. In Arabic, you must distinguish between 'hadaf' (point) and 'marmā' (net).

Majed Abdullah's famous goals in the 'marmā'. Issam Chawali's commentary: 'Goooool... fil marmā!' Poetic descriptions of the 'marmā' in sports newspapers like Al-Riyadi.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Football Match

الكرة في المرمى
حارس المرمى
خارج المرمى
تسديدة على المرمى

Giving Directions

على مرمى حجر
في مرمى البصر
قريب من المرمى
نحو المرمى

Military/Combat

مرمى النيران
في المرمى
تحديد المرمى
بُعد المرمى

Political Debate

في مرمى الانتقادات
مرمى السهام
أصاب المرمى
بعيد المرمى

Daily Life

مرمى النفايات (rarely used, but possible)
في المرمى
المرمى واسع
وصلنا للمرمى

Conversation Starters

"هل تحب أن تكون حارس مرمى أم مهاجماً؟"

"كم كان بُعد المرمى في مباراتك الأخيرة؟"

"هل تعتقد أن المرمى في كرة القدم كبير جداً؟"

"متى كانت آخر مرة رأيت فيها الكرة تدخل المرمى؟"

"هل بيتك على مرمى حجر من هنا؟"

Journal Prompts

صف شعورك عندما تسجل هدفاً في مرمى الفريق الخصم.

تحدث عن شخص يقف دائماً في مرمى النيران للدفاع عن الحق.

اكتب عن رحلة كانت نهايتها في مرمى البصر ولكنها استغرقت وقتاً طويلاً.

كيف يحمي حارس المرمى مرماه بتركيز وشجاعة؟

هل لديك أهداف بعيدة المرمى في حياتك المهنية؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You say 'marmā kabīr' (large goal), not 'kabīra'.

It is 'ḥāris al-marmā' (حارس المرمى).

No, you should use 'hadaf' (هدف) for life goals or ambitions.

The plural is 'marāmī' (مرامي).

Yes, in a military or physical range context, it means target or range.

Because it is a 'noun of place' (ism makān) and most of these start with the prefix 'ma-' in Arabic.

Yes, it is very common in all dialects, especially in sports.

It becomes 'marāmin' (مرامٍ) with a double kasra under the 'm'.

Yes, the idiom 'ala marmā hajar' (على مرمى حجر) means exactly that.

The root 'r-m-y' is used, but the specific noun 'marmā' is more common in later Arabic and MSA.