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A2 noun 9 min read

سفرة

safrah
Examples سفرة in 30 Seconds
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Examples

سفرة in 30 Seconds

  • Primarily means 'dining room' or 'dining table' in modern Arabic.
  • Used for the space or furniture where meals are eaten.
  • Carries cultural weight related to family and hospitality.
  • Distinguish from 'safar' (journey).
Root Meaning
The Arabic word 'سفرة' (safra) primarily refers to the act of traveling or a journey. However, in many Arabic-speaking countries, its meaning has evolved, especially in common household contexts.
Household Context
In everyday language, 'سفرة' is most frequently encountered as part of the phrase 'غرفة سفرة' (ghurfat safra), which directly translates to 'dining room'. This is the designated space in a home where meals are eaten, often around a dining table.
Beyond the Room
While 'dining room' is the most common usage, 'سفرة' can also refer to the dining table itself, or more broadly, the meal or the act of dining. Imagine a family gathering for a special meal; the entire setup and the event can be encompassed by the idea of 'سفرة'. It evokes a sense of shared meals and hospitality.
Cultural Significance
The concept of 'سفرة' is deeply rooted in Arab culture, where hospitality and communal meals are highly valued. The dining area is often a central hub for family life and social gatherings. Therefore, 'سفرة' carries connotations of warmth, connection, and tradition.
Modern Usage
In contemporary Arabic, when discussing home furnishings or interior design, 'سفرة' almost exclusively refers to the dining room or the dining set. You might hear someone say they are redecorating their 'سفرة' or buying new furniture for their 'سفرة'.

The family gathered around the سفرة for dinner.

We need to buy a new table for our سفرة.

The guests enjoyed the delicious سفرة prepared by the host.

The new apartment has a spacious سفرة.

Let's set the table for the evening سفرة.

Referring to the Room
The most common way to use 'سفرة' is when talking about the dining room. You'll often hear it in phrases like 'غرفة السفرة' (ghurfat al-safra), meaning 'the dining room'. For example, 'أنا أجلس في غرفة السفرة' (Ana ajlis fi ghurfat al-safra) translates to 'I am sitting in the dining room'. This highlights its primary function as a designated space for meals.
Indicating the Dining Table
'سفرة' can also refer to the dining table itself, especially when the context is clear. If someone says, 'ضع الطعام على السفرة' (Da' al-ta'am 'ala al-safra), they mean 'Put the food on the dining table'. This usage is slightly less common than referring to the entire room but is still very prevalent.
Describing the Meal or Dining Event
In a broader sense, 'سفرة' can encompass the entire dining experience, including the food and the gathering. For instance, 'كانت سفرة عائلية رائعة' (Kanat safra 'a'iliyya ra'i'a) means 'It was a wonderful family meal'. Here, 'سفرة' refers to the event of dining together, emphasizing the communal aspect.
In the Context of Furniture
When people are shopping for furniture or discussing their homes, 'سفرة' is often used to refer to the dining set, which includes the table and chairs. You might hear, 'اشتريت سفرة جديدة' (Ishtarayt safra jadeeda), meaning 'I bought a new dining set'. This usage is very practical and common in everyday conversations about home décor.
Formal vs. Informal
The word 'سفرة' is generally used in neutral to informal contexts. While it can appear in slightly more formal descriptions of homes, its core meaning related to dining is very much part of everyday, relaxed conversation. It's not typically used in highly academic or extremely formal writing, where more precise terms might be preferred.

The living room is adjacent to the سفرة.

We are renovating our سفرة next month.

The children helped set the سفرة for lunch.

They invited us for a traditional سفرة.

The large window overlooks the سفرة.

Home Decor and Real Estate
You will frequently hear 'سفرة' when people discuss their homes, especially in real estate listings, interior design magazines, and conversations about buying or selling property. Descriptions of apartments or houses often mention the size and features of the 'غرفة سفرة' (dining room). For example, a real estate agent might say, 'هذه الشقة تحتوي على غرفة سفرة واسعة' (Hadhihi al-shaqqa tahtawi 'ala ghurfat safra wasi'a) - 'This apartment contains a spacious dining room'.
Family Gatherings and Meals
The word is ubiquitous when talking about family meals, holidays, and social gatherings. Parents might tell their children, 'تعالوا إلى السفرة لتناول العشاء' (Ta'alaw ila al-safra li-tanawul al-'asha') - 'Come to the dining room to have dinner'. Or during a celebration, someone might remark, 'يا لها من سفرة شهية!' (Ya laha min safra shahiyya!) - 'What a delicious meal!' Here, 'سفرة' refers to the entire spread and the act of eating together.
Conversations About Furniture and Appliances
When shopping for furniture, particularly dining tables and chairs, 'سفرة' is the standard term. A salesperson might ask, 'هل تبحث عن سفرة معينة؟' (Hal tabhath 'an safra mu'ayyana?) - 'Are you looking for a specific dining set?' You'll also hear it when discussing dining accessories or even kitchen renovations that impact the dining area.
In Restaurants and Cafes
While less common than in homes, the term can sometimes be used in a restaurant context, particularly in more traditional or family-oriented establishments. A waiter might usher you to a table by saying, 'تفضلوا إلى السفرة' (Tafaddalu ila al-safra) - 'Please proceed to the dining area/table'. It emphasizes the dining aspect of the establishment.
Cultural Discussions
Discussions about Arab culture, hospitality, and family traditions will often involve the concept of 'سفرة'. It's seen as a central element of home life and social interaction, representing shared moments and the importance of food in bringing people together.

The real estate agent showed us the beautiful سفرة.

We always have a large family سفرة during Eid.

I need to buy new chairs to match my سفرة.

The restaurant has a special section for large سفرة gatherings.

Arab hospitality is often exemplified by the generosity of the سفرة.

Confusing with the Original Meaning
The most frequent mistake learners make is to always interpret 'سفرة' as 'journey' or 'travel' because that is its original and more literal meaning. While this is true in some contexts, in everyday conversation, especially related to homes and food, it almost exclusively refers to the dining room or the act of dining. For example, saying 'I am going on a سفرة' when you mean 'I am going to the dining room' would be incorrect and confusing.
Overusing 'غرفة' (Room)
Some learners might feel compelled to always say 'غرفة سفرة' (ghurfat safra) to specify 'dining room'. While correct, it's often redundant in casual conversation. Just saying 'سفرة' when the context is clearly about the dining area is perfectly natural and common. For instance, instead of 'أنا في غرفة السفرة' (Ana fi ghurfat al-safra), simply saying 'أنا في السفرة' (Ana fi al-safra) is more typical when referring to being in the dining room.
Using it for Any Table
'سفرة' specifically refers to a dining table or dining room. It should not be used for other types of tables, such as a coffee table ('طاولة قهوة' - tawlat qahwa), a desk ('مكتب' - maktab), or a kitchen table if it's not primarily used for formal dining ('طاولة مطبخ' - tawlat matbakh). Using 'سفرة' for these would be incorrect.
Grammatical Gender Errors
While 'سفرة' itself is grammatically feminine, learners might sometimes incorrectly apply feminine adjectives or verbs to it if they are not accustomed to Arabic grammar. Always remember that 'سفرة' is a feminine noun and should be treated as such in sentence construction.
Pronunciation Pitfalls
The pronunciation of 'سفرة' involves the emphatic 'ص' (saad) sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Incorrectly pronouncing it as a regular 'س' (seen) might lead to miscommunication, although in this specific word, the context usually clarifies the meaning. Practicing the pronunciation with native speakers is highly recommended.

Mistake: I am going on a سفرة to the kitchen. Correct: I am going to the dining room (or kitchen).

Mistake: This is a سفرة for my books. Correct: This is a shelf/table for my books.

Mistake: My سفرة is very long. (Referring to a journey). Correct: My dining room is very large.

Mistake: The سفرة is beautiful. (Referring to a journey). Correct: The dining room is beautiful.

Mistake: He is planning a سفرة to the city. Correct: He is planning a trip/journey to the city.

سفر (Safar) - Journey/Travel
Difference: This is the root word from which 'سفرة' is derived. 'Safar' directly means 'journey' or 'travel'. While 'سفرة' can sometimes imply a journey, its primary modern usage is domestic. Using 'سفر' when you mean 'dining room' would be incorrect.
طاولة الطعام (Tawlat al-Ta'am) - Dining Table
Difference: This phrase specifically refers to the 'dining table' itself. 'سفرة' can refer to the dining table, but it can also refer to the entire dining room or the meal. 'Tawlat al-ta'am' is more precise if you only mean the piece of furniture.
غرفة الطعام (Ghurfat al-Ta'am) - Dining Room
Difference: This is a more formal and direct translation of 'dining room'. While 'سفرة' is commonly used to mean 'dining room' (especially as 'غرفة سفرة'), 'غرفة الطعام' is also a valid and perhaps more universally understood term, especially in more formal contexts or when clarity is paramount.
مائدة (Ma'ida) - Table/Feast
Difference: 'Ma'ida' can mean 'table' in a general sense, but it also strongly implies a 'feast' or a spread of food. It is often used in religious or celebratory contexts. While related to dining, it emphasizes the abundance of food more than the specific room or furniture like 'سفرة' does.
وجبة (Wajba) - Meal
Difference: This word means 'meal' (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner). While 'سفرة' can refer to the dining event or meal, 'وجبة' is the specific term for the food consumed. You eat a 'وجبة' in the 'سفرة'.

I am planning a long سفر next summer.

We bought a new طاولة طعام for the kitchen.

The house has a beautiful غرفة طعام.

The royal family prepared a grand مائدة.

We are having a light breakfast وجبة.

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Examples by Level

1

هذه سفرة.

This is a dining room/table.

Basic noun identification.

2

أنا أحب السفرة.

I like the dining room/table.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

3

أكلت في السفرة.

I ate in the dining room.

Past tense verb with prepositional phrase.

4

هذه طاولة سفرة.

This is a dining table.

Using 'tawla' (table) with 'safra'.

5

أين السفرة؟

Where is the dining room?

Question formation.

6

غرفة السفرة نظيفة.

The dining room is clean.

Adjective describing the noun.

7

نريد سفرة جديدة.

We want a new dining room/set.

Expressing desire.

8

هذه سفرة عائلية.

This is a family dining room/meal.

Adjective modifying 'safra'.

1

نحن نجهز السفرة للعشاء.

We are preparing the dining room for dinner.

Present continuous tense, prepositional phrase indicating purpose.

2

اشترينا سفرة جميلة بالأمس.

We bought a beautiful dining set yesterday.

Past tense verb, adjective agreement.

3

هل لديك غرفة سفرة منفصلة؟

Do you have a separate dining room?

Question using 'hal', adjective 'munfasilah' (separate).

4

تفضلوا، السفرة جاهزة.

Please come in, the dining room is ready.

Imperative 'tafaddalu', adjective 'jahiza' (ready).

5

غرفة السفرة تطل على الحديقة.

The dining room overlooks the garden.

Verb 'tutil' (overlooks), prepositional phrase indicating location.

6

كانت سفرة شهية جداً.

It was a very delicious meal.

Past tense 'kana', adjective 'shahiyya' (delicious).

7

أحب الجلوس في السفرة مع عائلتي.

I like sitting in the dining room with my family.

Verb 'uhibbu' (I like), gerund/masdar usage.

8

هناك مساحة كبيرة في السفرة.

There is a lot of space in the dining room.

Using 'hunak' (there is/are).

1

قررنا إعادة تصميم غرفة السفرة لتكون أكثر حداثة.

We decided to redesign the dining room to be more modern.

Verb 'qarrarna' (we decided), infinitive structure with 'li-takun'.

2

تعتبر السفرة في الثقافة العربية مكاناً مهماً للتجمع العائلي.

The dining room in Arab culture is considered an important place for family gatherings.

Passive voice verb 'tu'tabar' (is considered), noun phrase 'al-ta'amul al-'a'ili' (family gathering).

3

عندما تزورنا، ستستمتع بسفرتنا المريحة.

When you visit us, you will enjoy our comfortable dining room.

Conditional sentence structure, possessive pronoun 'safaratina'.

4

كانت وليمة كبيرة، وقد امتلأت السفرة بالأطباق المتنوعة.

It was a grand feast, and the dining room was filled with diverse dishes.

Noun 'wleema' (feast), passive verb 'imtil'at' (was filled).

5

لا يوجد مساحة كافية لوضع سفرة أكبر في هذه الشقة.

There isn't enough space to put a larger dining table in this apartment.

Negation 'la yujad', comparative adjective 'akbar'.

6

عادةً ما نستخدم السفرة الرسمية للمناسبات الخاصة.

We usually use the formal dining room for special occasions.

Adverb 'a'adatan' (usually), adjective 'rasmiyya' (formal).

7

هل تعتقد أن السفرة بحاجة إلى بعض التجديد؟

Do you think the dining room needs some renovation?

Verb 'ta'taqid' (you think), noun 'tajdeed' (renovation).

8

بعد تناول الوجبة، اجتمعنا في السفرة لنتحدث.

After having the meal, we gathered in the dining room to talk.

Prepositional phrase indicating sequence, infinitive 'li-natuhaddath'.

1

كانت تجربة تناول الطعام في تلك المطاعم الفاخرة بمثابة سفرة ملكية.

The dining experience in those luxury restaurants was like a royal feast.

Metaphorical use of 'safra', noun 'tajriba' (experience).

2

تتطلب بعض العادات الاجتماعية إعداد سفرة خاصة للضيوف المميزين.

Some social customs require preparing a special dining area for distinguished guests.

Noun 'a'adat' (customs), adjective 'mumayyazeen' (distinguished).

3

لم يقتصر دور السفرة على تناول الطعام، بل كانت مركزاً للعديد من المناقشات الأسرية.

The role of the dining room was not limited to eating, but it was a center for many family discussions.

Negation 'lam yaqtasir', noun 'marakazan' (center), noun 'munaqashat' (discussions).

4

تُعد السفرة الحديثة غالباً جزءاً لا يتجزأ من مساحة المعيشة المفتوحة.

The modern dining room is often an integral part of an open living space.

Passive verb 'tu'addu' (is considered), noun phrase 'masahat al-ma'eesha al-maftooha' (open living space).

5

كانت هناك محاولات لتوحيد مفهوم السفرة عبر الثقافات المختلفة.

There were attempts to unify the concept of the dining room across different cultures.

Noun 'muhawalat' (attempts), verb 'tuwahhid' (unify), noun 'mafhoom' (concept).

6

يُقال إن تصميم السفرة يعكس ذوق وأسلوب حياة صاحب المنزل.

It is said that the design of the dining room reflects the taste and lifestyle of the homeowner.

Passive verb 'yuqal' (it is said), noun 'thawq' (taste), noun 'usloob hayaah' (lifestyle).

7

أصبح تنظيم سفرة جماعية أكثر شيوعاً في المناسبات الاجتماعية الكبيرة.

Organizing a communal dining setup has become more common for large social events.

Verbal noun 'tanzim' (organizing), adjective 'shayo'an' (common).

8

الاهتمام بالتفاصيل في السفرة يمكن أن يحولها إلى تحفة فنية.

Attention to detail in the dining room can transform it into a work of art.

Noun 'ihtimam' (attention), verb 'yuhawwil' (transforms), noun 'tuhfa fanniyya' (work of art).

1

تُعد السفرة في الأدبيات العربية القديمة رمزاً للضيافة والكرم، حيث كانت تُحضر الولائم الفاخرة.

In ancient Arabic literature, the dining room is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity, where lavish feasts were prepared.

Abstract noun 'dhiyafah' (hospitality), 'karam' (generosity), noun 'wla'em' (feasts).

2

إن إكساء السفرة بأناقة يتطلب فهماً عميقاً للتناغم اللوني والتوزيع المكاني.

Decorating the dining room elegantly requires a deep understanding of color harmony and spatial distribution.

Verbal noun 'iksaa'' (decorating), 'fahm 'ameeq' (deep understanding), 'tanaahum looni' (color harmony), 'tawzee' makaani' (spatial distribution).

3

لم تكن السفرة مجرد مكان لتناول الطعام، بل كانت مسرحاً للحوارات السياسية والاجتماعية بين أفراد العائلة.

The dining room was not merely a place for eating, but it was a stage for political and social dialogues among family members.

Figurative use of 'masrah' (stage), 'hiwarat siyasiyya wa ijtima'iyya' (political and social dialogues).

4

تعكس تطورات تصميم السفرة عبر العصور التحولات الثقافية والاجتماعية للمجتمعات.

The evolution of dining room design throughout the ages reflects the cultural and social transformations of societies.

Noun 'tatawwurat' (evolutions), 'tahawwulat thaqafiyya wa ijtima'iyya' (cultural and social transformations).

5

إن إضفاء طابع شخصي على السفرة يمنحها هوية فريدة، بعيداً عن القوالب الجاهزة.

Imbuing the dining room with a personal touch gives it a unique identity, away from ready-made templates.

Verbal noun 'idfaa' taabi' shakhsi' (imbuing personal touch), 'huwiyya fareeda' (unique identity), 'qawaalib jaahiza' (ready-made templates).

6

غالباً ما تُستخدم السفرة كرمز للطبقة الاجتماعية والمكانة الاقتصادية في بعض المجتمعات.

The dining room is often used as a symbol of social class and economic status in some societies.

Noun 'tabaqa ijtima'iyya' (social class), 'makaana iqtisadiyya' (economic status).

7

تتطلب إقامة مأدبة رسمية في السفرة تنسيقاً دقيقاً بين المطبخ والخدمة.

Hosting a formal banquet in the dining room requires precise coordination between the kitchen and service.

Noun 'ma'duba rasmiyya' (formal banquet), 'tanseeq daqeeq' (precise coordination).

8

إن إحياء تقاليد السفرة التقليدية يعزز الروابط الأسرية في عصر السرعة.

Reviving traditional dining room traditions strengthens family bonds in the age of speed.

Verbal noun 'ihyaa'' (reviving), 'taqaaleed' (traditions), 'ta'zeez rawabit' (strengthening bonds), 'asr al-sur'a' (age of speed).

1

تتجاوز السفرة في سياقها الأنثروبولوجي مجرد وظيفتها المادية لتصبح فضاءً اجتماعياً ورمزياً للتفاعل البشري.

In its anthropological context, the dining room transcends its mere material function to become a social and symbolic space for human interaction.

Advanced vocabulary: 'tatajawaz' (transcends), 'siyaaqaha al-anthropoloji' (anthropological context), 'wazifatiha al-maddiyya' (material function), 'fadaa' ijtimaa'i wa ramzi' (social and symbolic space), 'tafaa'ul bashari' (human interaction).

2

إن إشكالية تعريف السفرة تتجلى في تداخلاتها مع مفاهيم أخرى كالمطبخ وغرفة المعيشة، مما يستدعي تأويلاً دقيقاً للسياق.

The problematic definition of the dining room is evident in its overlaps with other concepts like the kitchen and living room, necessitating a precise contextual interpretation.

Advanced vocabulary: 'ishkaliyyat ta'reef' (problematic definition), 'tataghallaha' (overlaps), 'mustad'ee' (necessitating), 'ta'weel daqeeq' (precise interpretation).

3

تُحاكي السفرة في بعض التصاميم المعاصرة فضاءات عامة، مما يطمس الحدود التقليدية بين الخاص والعام.

The dining room in some contemporary designs emulates public spaces, blurring the traditional boundaries between private and public.

Advanced vocabulary: 'tuhaki' (emulates), 'fadaa'aat 'aamma' (public spaces), 'tatmas al-hudood' (blurs the boundaries).

4

يمكن النظر إلى السفرة كمرآة تعكس التحولات الاجتماعية والاقتصادية، حيث تتغير أنماط تناول الطعام وتشكيلات الجلوس.

The dining room can be viewed as a mirror reflecting social and economic transformations, as dining patterns and seating arrangements change.

Metaphorical use of 'mir'aah' (mirror), 'anmaat tanawul al-ta'am' (dining patterns), 'tashkeelaat al-juloos' (seating arrangements).

5

إن استدعاء روح السفرة التقليدية في العصر الرقمي يتطلب توازناً دقيقاً بين التكنولوجيا والحميمية.

Evoking the spirit of the traditional dining room in the digital age requires a delicate balance between technology and intimacy.

Advanced vocabulary: 'istid'aa' rooh' (evoking the spirit), 'al-'asr al-raqmi' (digital age), 'tawaazun daqeeq' (delicate balance), 'tamimiyya' (intimacy).

6

تُسهم السفرة، بوصفها فضاءً ثقافياً، في ترسيخ الهوية الجماعية وتعزيز الشعور بالانتماء.

The dining room, as a cultural space, contributes to solidifying collective identity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Advanced vocabulary: 'tuushim' (contributes), 'bi-wasfiha' (as), 'fadaa' thaqafi' (cultural space), 'tarseekh al-huwiyya al-jama'iyya' (solidifying collective identity), 'ta'zeez shaoor bil-intimaa'' (fostering a sense of belonging).

7

إن الافتقار إلى السفرة المخصصة في المساكن الصغيرة يطرح تحديات تتعلق بالحياة الاجتماعية والتفاعل الأسري.

The lack of a dedicated dining room in small dwellings poses challenges related to social life and family interaction.

Advanced vocabulary: 'iftiqar' (lack), 'makhsusa' (dedicated), 'masakin sagheera' (small dwellings), 'yataarhah tahaddiyaat' (poses challenges).

8

تُعد السفرة، في جوهرها، مسرحاً لتجسيد القيم الاجتماعية والطقوس اليومية التي تشكل نسيج المجتمع.

The dining room, in its essence, is a stage for embodying social values and daily rituals that form the fabric of society.

Advanced vocabulary: 'fi jawhariha' (in its essence), 'masrah li-tajseed' (stage for embodying), 'qeem ijtimaa'iyya' (social values), 'tuqoos yawmiyya' (daily rituals), 'tashakkil naseej al-mujtama'' (form the fabric of society).

Common Collocations

غرفة سفرة
تجهيز السفرة
سفرة عائلية
طاولة سفرة
تزيين السفرة
السفرة جاهزة
سفرة شهية
تجديد السفرة
السفرة واسعة
الجلوس في السفرة

Common Phrases

غرفة سفرة

— Dining room. This is the most common way 'سفرة' is used, referring to the designated room for meals.

أنا أجلس في غرفة السفرة الآن. (I am sitting in the dining room now.)

تجهيز السفرة

— To set the dining table or prepare the dining room for a meal.

ساعدت الأطفال في تجهيز السفرة للعشاء. (The children helped set the dining table for dinner.)

سفرة عائلية

— A family meal or gathering around the dining table.

كانت أمسية رائعة في سفرتنا العائلية. (It was a wonderful evening at our family meal.)

طاولة سفرة

— Dining table. Specifically refers to the table itself.

اشترينا طاولة سفرة جديدة كبيرة

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This Word in Other Languages

سفر Persian
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