Em 15 segundos
- Used to identify feminine objects by pointing.
- Essential for A1 learners to build vocabulary.
- Requires matching the gender of the object.
Significado
This is the most common way to ask 'What is this?' when you are pointing at something feminine. It is your essential tool for identifying objects like cars, bags, or pictures.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a fruit market pointing to a strange fruit
ما هذه الفاكهة؟
What is this fruit?
Looking at a friend's new car
ما هذه السيارة الجميلة؟
What is this beautiful car?
In a formal meeting looking at a document
ما هذه الوثيقة؟
What is this document?
Contexto cultural
The 'ta marbuta' (ة) is the most reliable sign of a feminine noun. If you see it, use 'Ma hadhihi'. In daily life, people say 'Shu hay?' instead of 'Ma hadhihi'. It's much more common in casual talk. In poetry, 'Ma hadhihi' can be used to address the soul (nafs) or the sun (shams), both of which are feminine. Influencers often use 'Ma hadhihi' (or dialect versions) when doing unboxing videos for feminine-gendered products like 'sa'a' (watch) or 'shanta' (bag).
The Plural Rule
Always use 'Ma hadhihi' for plural objects (like 'books' or 'cars'). In Arabic, non-human plurals are treated as feminine singular!
Don't 'Ma' a Person
Using 'Ma' for a person is a major faux pas. It's like calling someone an 'it'.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to identify feminine objects by pointing.
- Essential for A1 learners to build vocabulary.
- Requires matching the gender of the object.
What It Means
ما هذه؟ is the feminine version of the basic question 'What is this?'. In Arabic, every noun has a gender. When you see something and want to know what it is, you use this phrase if the object you are pointing at is grammatically feminine. It is simple, direct, and incredibly useful for beginners.
How To Use It
You use this phrase by simply pointing at an object and saying ما هذه؟. You don't need a verb like 'is' because Arabic sentences often skip the verb 'to be' in the present tense. Just remember: if the word ends in a ة (ta marbuta), it is almost certainly feminine, and this is the phrase you need. It is like having a key that unlocks the name of half the things in the world!
When To Use It
Use this in any situation where you are curious. You are at a market and see a strange fruit? Point and ask ما هذه؟. You are looking at a friend's photo and see an unknown person or place? Ask away. It is perfect for the classroom, while shopping, or even when someone hands you a mysterious gift. It shows you are engaged and eager to learn the language.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for masculine objects. If you point at a كتاب (book) or a قلم (pen) and say ما هذه؟, people will understand you, but it will sound a bit like saying 'What is she?' about a boy. For masculine items, you must use ما هذا؟. Also, avoid using ما when asking about people; for humans, we use من (who), as in من هذه؟ (Who is she?).
Cultural Background
Arabic speakers take great pride in the gendered nature of their language. Everything from the sun (شمس - feminine) to the moon (قمر - masculine) has a gendered identity. Using the correct gender for 'this' shows that you are paying attention to the soul of the language. In many Arab cultures, being inquisitive is seen as a sign of intelligence and respect for the environment around you.
Common Variations
While ما هذه؟ is the standard form (MSA), you will hear it differently in the streets. In Egypt, they say إيه دي؟ (Eh di?). In the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), you will hear شو هاي؟ (Shu hay?). In the Gulf, it might sound like وش ذي؟ (Wush dhi?). Even though the sounds change, the logic of pointing and asking remains exactly the same.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and works in both formal and semi-formal contexts. Always ensure you are pointing at a feminine noun or a non-human plural to remain grammatically correct.
The Plural Rule
Always use 'Ma hadhihi' for plural objects (like 'books' or 'cars'). In Arabic, non-human plurals are treated as feminine singular!
Don't 'Ma' a Person
Using 'Ma' for a person is a major faux pas. It's like calling someone an 'it'.
Look for the Circle
If the object's name ends in ة, you must use 'Ma hadhihi'.
Exemplos
6ما هذه الفاكهة؟
What is this fruit?
Fruit (fakihah) is feminine in Arabic.
ما هذه السيارة الجميلة؟
What is this beautiful car?
Car (sayyarah) is feminine, so we use 'hadhihi'.
ما هذه الوثيقة؟
What is this document?
Used to inquire about a specific paper or file.
ما هذه الصورة؟ هههه
What is this picture? lol
A very common way to react to shared media.
ما هذه الفوضى؟!
What is this mess?!
Used rhetorically to express shock at a disaster.
ما هذه المفاجأة الرائعة؟
What is this wonderful surprise?
Expressing delight and curiosity.
Teste-se
Choose the correct question for a 'سيارة' (car - feminine).
You see a car and want to ask what it is. What do you say?
'Sayyara' is feminine, so we use 'Ma hadhihi'.
Complete the question.
ما ____؟ (Pointing at a bag/حقيبة)
The word 'حقيبة' ends in ta marbuta, indicating it is feminine.
Match the question to the object.
Which object matches 'ما هذه؟'?
Only 'صورة' is feminine among the choices.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ما هذه؟ B: هذه ________.
The answer must be a feminine object to match the question.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Choosing the Right 'This'
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosYou see a car and want to ask what it is. What do you say?
'Sayyara' is feminine, so we use 'Ma hadhihi'.
ما ____؟ (Pointing at a bag/حقيبة)
The word 'حقيبة' ends in ta marbuta, indicating it is feminine.
Which object matches 'ما هذه؟'?
Only 'صورة' is feminine among the choices.
A: ما هذه؟ B: هذه ________.
The answer must be a feminine object to match the question.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasIf you are unsure, it is safer to default to the masculine 'ما هذا؟'. However, if you see a 'ta marbuta' on a label, switch to 'ما هذه؟'.
No, for a group of people, use 'من هؤلاء؟' (Man ha'ula'i). 'Hadhihi' is only for one woman or for plural objects.
Yes, it is a neutral and polite way to ask for information. Just avoid pointing aggressively with one finger.
In Arabic, gender is often arbitrary or based on ancient poetic traditions. 'Shams' (sun) is feminine by convention, while 'Qamar' (moon) is masculine.
Frases relacionadas
ما هذا؟
contrastWhat is this? (Masculine)
من هذه؟
similarWho is this? (Feminine)
ما تلك؟
specialized formWhat is that? (Feminine, far)
ما هؤلاء؟
builds onWhat are these? (Plural, usually people)
