At the A1 level, you can think of 'Ajab' (عجب) as a word used to express that something is 'wow' or very surprising. It is a simple noun. You might hear it in the phrase 'Ya la-l-ajab!' which is like saying 'Oh my!' or 'How wonderful!' in English. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex grammar. Just recognize that when you see these three letters (Ain, Jeem, Ba), someone is talking about something that isn't normal or ordinary. It's a great word to use when you see a beautiful flower or a big building. You can also use it to show you are listening to a friend's story. If they say something surprising, you can say 'Ajab!' with a surprised face. This shows you understand the emotion of the story. Remember, in Arabic, many words come from three-letter roots. This root 'A-J-B' is very common, so learning it now will help you later when you learn words for 'wonderful' (ajib) and 'I like' (ajabani). Keep it simple: 'Ajab' equals 'Wonder'.
At the A2 level, you should start using 'Ajab' (عجب) in short sentences and understand its basic grammatical role. You should know that 'Ajab' is a noun. A very useful phrase for you is 'La 'ajaba' (لا عجب), which means 'No wonder'. You can use this when something makes sense, like 'He studied a lot, so no wonder (la 'ajaba) he passed.' You should also be able to use 'Ajab' with prepositions. For example, 'bi-ajab' (بـعجب) means 'with wonder'. You can say 'He looked at the sea with wonder' (Nazara ilá al-bahr bi-ajab). This adds more detail to your speaking and writing. You are also learning to distinguish between the noun 'Ajab' and the adjective 'Ajib'. If you want to describe a thing, use 'Ajib' (This is a wonderful book - Hadha kitab ajib). If you want to talk about the feeling or the situation, use 'Ajab'. You might also notice that 'Ajab' can sometimes mean 'strange'. If something is very weird, an Arabic speaker might say 'Amrun 'ajab' (A strange matter). At A2, you are building the foundation to express your reactions to the world around you using this versatile word.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'Ajab' (عجب) in different contexts. You should be comfortable using it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Min al-ajabi an...' (It is a wonder that...). This allows you to express your own opinions about events. You should also start recognizing the word in media and literature. For example, when reading a news article about a scientific breakthrough, the journalist might use 'Ajab' to describe the public's reaction. You should also be aware of the word's plural form, 'A'jaab' (أعجاب), and how it is used in phrases like 'Aja'ib al-dunya' (Wonders of the world). At this level, you can also start exploring the related verb 'Ta'ajjaba' (to wonder/be amazed). You should know that 'Ta'ajjaba' is followed by the preposition 'min'. So, 'I wonder at your courage' is 'Atajabbabu min shuja'atika'. This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You are also becoming aware that 'Ajab' isn't always positive; it can be used to express skepticism or to highlight a paradox. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning is key to reaching intermediate proficiency.
At the B2 level, your understanding of 'Ajab' (عجب) should include its rhetorical and stylistic uses. You should be able to identify 'Ajab' in classical texts and understand its weight. In formal writing, you might use 'Ajab' to create emphasis or to engage the reader's emotions. For instance, using the phrase 'Wa al-ajabu kulla al-ajabi...' (And the wonder, all the wonder...) is a sophisticated way to introduce a particularly surprising point in an essay. You should also be able to distinguish 'Ajab' from its close synonyms like 'Dahsha' (astonishment) and 'Istighrab' (strangeness) based on the context. A B2 learner should also understand the concept of 'Ujub' (self-admiration/vanity) and how it differs from the general sense of 'Ajab', even though they share the same root. This shows a deep cultural and linguistic awareness. You should be able to use 'Ajab' in debates to point out inconsistencies in an argument, perhaps by saying 'Inna fi hadha la-ajaban' (Indeed, there is a wonder in this), implying that the argument is illogical. Your use of the word should feel natural and well-timed, reflecting an understanding of Arabic social cues and expressive norms.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and theological depths of 'Ajab' (عجب). You should be able to analyze how the word is used in Quranic exegesis (Tafsir) and classical Arabic philosophy. For example, how 'Ajab' is considered the starting point of 'Ma'rifa' (knowledge). You should be comfortable with archaic uses of the word found in 10th-century poetry or prose. Your vocabulary should include advanced collocations like 'Mawdi'u ajab' (a subject of wonder) or 'Yathiru al-ajab' (stirs wonder). You should also be able to use the word in high-level academic writing to describe phenomena that are anomalous or paradigm-shifting. At this level, you can appreciate the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry, where the 'Jeem' and 'Ba' provide a firm, resonant ending to a verse. You should also be able to translate 'Ajab' into English with high precision, choosing between 'wonder', 'awe', 'marvel', or 'paradox' depending on the specific shade of meaning intended by the original Arabic author. Your mastery of 'Ajab' reflects a near-native grasp of the language's emotional and intellectual landscape.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Ajab' (عجب) is complete. You understand the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a cultural archetype. You can trace the evolution of the root 'A-J-B' from pre-Islamic poetry through the Islamic Golden Age to modern day. You are aware of the rarest forms of the word and its most obscure grammatical applications. You can use 'Ajab' to express the finest shades of irony, sarcasm, or profound spiritual ecstasy. In your own writing, you use 'Ajab' with the precision of a master stylist, knowing exactly when it will provide the most impact. You can engage in deep discussions about the psychological nature of 'Ajab' as described by thinkers like Al-Ghazali. You also understand the cross-linguistic connections, such as how 'Ajab' relates to concepts of wonder in other Semitic languages. For you, 'Ajab' is a tool for profound expression, capable of capturing the most complex human reactions to the mystery of existence. You can navigate the most difficult classical texts where 'Ajab' might be used in highly specialized ways, and you can explain these nuances to others with clarity and authority.

عجب em 30 segundos

  • Ajab is a versatile Arabic noun meaning wonder, amazement, or admiration, used to react to extraordinary things.
  • It is commonly found in exclamations like 'Ya la-l-ajab!' and logical phrases like 'La 'ajaba' (no wonder).
  • The word spans all registers, from daily conversation and social media to classical poetry and religious texts.
  • Understanding 'Ajab' helps learners express genuine emotion and appreciate the Arabic focus on the marvelous.
The Arabic word عجب (Ajab) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to wonder, amazement, or admiration. At its core, it represents the psychological state one enters when encountering something extraordinary, unexpected, or remarkably beautiful. In the Arabic linguistic tradition, 'Ajab' is not merely a fleeting surprise; it is a deep-seated reaction to the marvelous. When an Arabic speaker uses this word, they are often signaling that their expectations have been transcended by reality. This can range from the 'Ajab' felt when looking at a breathtaking sunset to the 'Ajab' experienced when hearing a piece of news that defies logic.
Linguistic Root
The root Ain-Jeem-Ba (ع-ج-ب) relates to things that are wonderful, astonishing, or even strange. It suggests a deviation from the norm that captures the attention and moves the heart.

شاهدتُ في رحلتي عجباً من عجائب الدنيا.

In classical literature, 'Ajab' is frequently used to describe the reaction to divine creation or miraculous events. It carries a weight of reverence. However, in modern standard Arabic and various dialects, it has evolved to cover everyday admiration. For instance, if someone performs a difficult task with ease, a witness might say 'Ajab!' to express their impressed state. It is important to distinguish this from 'Dahsha' (shock), which can be negative. 'Ajab' is almost always associated with a positive or neutral sense of awe. Furthermore, the word 'Ajab' can sometimes lean towards the meaning of 'vanity' or 'self-admiration' (known as 'Ujub'), though in the context of CEFR A2 learners, the primary meaning of wonder and admiration is the focus. Understanding 'Ajab' requires recognizing that Arabic often links the emotion of surprise with the quality of the object causing it. Therefore, 'Ajab' is both the feeling in the observer and the quality of the thing observed.
Social Context
In social gatherings, expressing 'Ajab' is a way to show engagement and appreciation for a story or a feat. It validates the speaker's narrative as being noteworthy.

كان في حديثه عجبٌ لا ينتهي.

To master this word, one must practice the subtle shift in tone; when said with a rising intonation, it asks for more information about the wonder, and when said with a falling, breathy tone, it signifies deep, settled admiration. It is a cornerstone of Arabic expressive vocabulary, bridging the gap between simple 'surprise' and profound 'awe'. In the modern digital age, 'Ajab' finds its way into social media comments to express being 'wowed' by content. It remains a vibrant, essential term for anyone seeking to communicate genuine emotion in Arabic.
Philosophical Nuance
Philosophically, 'Ajab' is the beginning of inquiry. In many Arabic texts, wonder is seen as the catalyst for seeking knowledge and understanding the complexities of the universe.

يا لَلـعجب! كيف حدث هذا؟

العالم مليء بالـعجب والجمال.

Using 'Ajab' correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and its common syntactic patterns. In its simplest form, it acts as the subject or object of a sentence to denote the presence of wonder. For example, 'Fihi Ajab' (In it is wonder) is a common way to describe something amazing. When you want to emphasize the degree of wonder, you might use the accusative form 'Ajaban' in exclamations. The most iconic structure is 'Ya la-l-ajab!' (Oh, the wonder!), where the 'Ya' is a calling particle and 'la' is for emphasis. This phrase is used when something truly unexpected happens.
Grammatical Placement
'Ajab' can be a Muqtada (subject) in a nominal sentence, such as 'Al-Ajabu annahu faza' (The wonder is that he won). It can also follow prepositions like 'bi' (with), as in 'Nazara ilayhi bi-ajab' (He looked at him with wonder).

أمرٌ عجبٌ أن نلتقي هنا اليوم.

Another frequent usage is the construction 'La 'ajaba' (No wonder). This is used to indicate that something is logical or expected given the circumstances. For instance, 'La 'ajaba annahu mut'ab' (No wonder he is tired) suggests that his tiredness is a natural consequence of his actions. This 'La' is the 'La' of absolute negation, making the phrase very strong. In more descriptive writing, 'Ajab' can be modified by adjectives to specify the type of wonder. 'Ajabun shadid' (Great wonder) or 'Ajabun gharib' (Strange wonder). It is also used in the plural 'A'jaab' (أعجاب), though less frequently than the singular in daily speech. The plural often appears in literature to describe a collection of marvels.
Common Collocations
'Kullu al-ajab' (All the wonder/total amazement) is used for maximum emphasis. 'Mawdi'u ajab' (A matter of wonder) identifies the specific thing that is causing the emotion.

ليس من الـعجب أن ينجح المجتهد.

For A2 learners, the focus should be on recognizing 'Ajab' as a noun that follows the pattern of many Arabic abstract concepts. It doesn't change based on gender unless it's part of an adjective phrase, but as a noun, it stays 'Ajab'. In spoken dialects, you might hear 'Ajaba' or 'Ajab' used as a standalone response to a surprising story, effectively acting as an interjection.
Negative Usage
While usually positive, 'Ajab' can be used sarcastically. 'Ajaban laka!' can mean 'I am amazed at you!' in a critical way, implying 'I can't believe you did that!'

من الـعجب أنك لم تعرف الخبر بعد.

نظرتُ إليه بـعجب شديد.

The word 'Ajab' is ubiquitous across the Arabic-speaking world, appearing in diverse settings from formal religious sermons to casual street conversations. In a religious context, you will hear it in the Quran and Hadith, where it often describes the 'Ajab' of the disbelievers at the message or the 'Ajab' of the believers at God's signs. For example, in Surah Al-Kahf, the companions of the cave are described as a 'wonder' (Ajaba). This gives the word a high-register, spiritual dimension that is still felt today.
Media and News
On news channels like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, presenters use 'Ajab' to discuss political anomalies or surprising scientific discoveries. Phrases like 'Amrun 'Ajib' (A strange/wonderful matter) are common headlines.

أبدى الجمهور عجبه من أداء الفريق.

In the world of literature and poetry, 'Ajab' is a favorite theme. Poets often write about the 'Ajab' of love or the 'Ajab' of the passing of time. If you attend a poetry recital (a popular cultural event in the Arab world), you will likely hear the word used to describe the poet's awe of their subject. In daily life, the word is often embedded in idioms. If a friend tells you a story that seems too good to be true, you might respond with 'Ya la-l-ajab!' to show you are following along and are genuinely surprised. Children's stories are another place where 'Ajab' thrives. Stories of magic, talking animals, and distant lands are often framed as 'Aja'ib' (wonders). The famous 'Arabian Nights' (Alf Layla wa Layla) is filled with 'Aja'ib wa Ghara'ib' (Wonders and Curiosities). This usage cements the word in the minds of native speakers from a young age as something associated with the fantastic.
Academic and Scientific
In academic settings, 'Ajab' might be used to describe a phenomenon that challenges existing theories. A scientist might express 'Ajab' at a result that doesn't fit the hypothesis.

في الطبيعة عجبٌ لا ينتهي للمتأملين.

Even in modern business Arabic, one might hear 'Ajab' in the context of marketing—creating a 'wow' factor or a sense of wonder for a product. It is a word that spans the entire spectrum of human experience, from the most mundane surprise to the most profound existential awe.
Regional Variation
In the Maghreb (North Africa), you might hear 'Ajab' used more frequently to mean 'strange' or 'weird', whereas in the Gulf, it often retains its more 'wonderful' connotation.

كلما قرأتُ الكتاب، زاد عجبي.

سمعتُ منه كلاماً فيه عجبٌ.

For English speakers learning Arabic, the most common mistake with 'Ajab' is confusing it with its related forms, particularly the adjective 'Ajib' (strange/wonderful) and the verb 'A'jaba' (to please/amaze). While 'Ajab' is the noun (wonder), 'Ajib' is the quality of being wonderful. Saying 'Ana Ajab' (I am wonder) is incorrect; you should say 'Ana mu'jab' (I am impressed) or 'Hadha ajib' (This is wonderful).
Noun vs. Adjective
Learners often use 'Ajab' where 'Ajib' is needed. Remember: 'Ajab' is the feeling or the concept, 'Ajib' is the description of the object.

خطأ: هذا الفيلم عجب. (Correct: عجيب)

Another significant pitfall is the confusion between 'Ajab' (wonder) and 'Ujub' (vanity). While they share the same root, 'Ujub' is a specific term in Islamic ethics referring to the vice of being impressed with oneself or one's own deeds. Using 'Ajab' to describe someone's arrogance might be technically understood but is linguistically imprecise. Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that 'Ajab' is a fully declinable noun. In formal Arabic (Fusha), it takes 'un' (nominative), 'an' (accusative), or 'in' (genitive) endings. Forgetting the 'an' in exclamations like 'Ajaban!' (Wonderfully!/Strangely!) is a common error in formal speech. Furthermore, the phrase 'La 'ajaba' (No wonder) requires the noun to be in the accusative case without nunation (La 'ajaba), which is a specific rule for the 'La' of absolute negation.
Preposition Errors
English speakers often say 'Wonder about' (Ajab 'an). In Arabic, you express wonder 'at' something using 'min' (from) or 'bi' (with). 'Ajabtu min dhālika' (I wondered at that).

صح: تعجبتُ من سرعته. (Not: عن)

Lastly, don't overuse 'Ajab' for simple surprises. If you just forgot your keys and are surprised, 'Ajab' is too heavy. Use 'Mufaja'a' (surprise) instead. 'Ajab' implies a level of depth and admiration that a mundane surprise doesn't possess.
Cultural Nuance
In some dialects, 'Ajab' can be used to mean 'I like'. For example, 'Ajabni' (It pleased me). Learners often confuse this with the noun form.

خطأ: هو في عجب كبير. (Meaning: He is in great wonder - Correct, but rare. Usually: هو متعجب جداً)

صح: لا عجبَ في ذلك.

To truly enrich your Arabic vocabulary, it is helpful to compare 'Ajab' with its synonyms and related terms. While 'Ajab' is the most general term for wonder, other words offer specific shades of meaning. 'Dahsha' (دهشة) is often translated as 'astonishment' or 'shock'. Unlike 'Ajab', which is often calm and appreciative, 'Dahsha' implies a sudden, overwhelming impact that might leave one speechless or confused.
Ajab vs. Dahsha
'Ajab' is the 'wonder' of a beautiful poem; 'Dahsha' is the 'shock' of a sudden loud noise or a shocking plot twist.

شعرتُ بالـدهشة عندما رأيتُ الحادث.

Another alternative is 'Istighrab' (استغراب), which comes from the root for 'strange' (Gharib). This word is used when something is weird, unusual, or hard to believe. While 'Ajab' can be positive, 'Istighrab' often carries a tone of skepticism or disapproval. If someone does something socially unacceptable, you feel 'Istighrab', not 'Ajab'. Then there is 'I'jab' (إعجاب), which is the masdar (verbal noun) of 'A'jaba' (to like/admire). While 'Ajab' is the state of wonder, 'I'jab' is the act of admiration or liking. On social media, a 'Like' is called 'I'jab'. If you admire a person's character, you have 'I'jab' for them. 'Ajab' is more about the external phenomenon, while 'I'jab' is more about the internal feeling of liking.
Comparison Table
- **Ajab**: Wonder/Awe (General) - **Dahsha**: Shock/Astonishment (Sudden) - **Istighrab**: Strangeness/Skepticism (Analytical) - **I'jab**: Admiration/Liking (Personal)

عبرتُ عن إعجابي بلوحته الجميلة.

For those looking for more poetic alternatives, 'Hira' (حيرة) means 'perplexity' or 'bewilderment'. This is a type of 'Ajab' where the wonder is so great that it leads to confusion. In Sufi poetry, 'Hira' in the presence of the Divine is considered a high spiritual state. Lastly, 'Gharaba' (غرابة) refers to the quality of being strange or exotic. While 'Ajab' focuses on the reaction, 'Gharaba' focuses on the nature of the thing itself.
Register Differences
'Ajab' is neutral-to-formal. 'Dahsha' is more literary. 'Istighrab' is very common in news and debates.

هذا الأمر يثير الـاستغراب حقاً.

يا لَلـعجب! ما أجمل هذا المنظر!

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutro

""

Informal

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Child friendly

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Gíria

""

Curiosidade

The root of 'Ajab' is also used to form the word 'Aja'ib' (أجائب), which refers to the 'Seven Wonders of the World' (Aja'ib al-Dunya al-Sab'a).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈædʒæb/
US /ˈædʒæb/
The stress is on the first syllable: 'A-jab'.
Rima com
Adab (أدب) Sabab (سبب) Laqab (لقب) Dhahab (ذهب) Ghadab (غضب) Lahab (لهب) Atab (عتب) Nasab (نسب)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'j' like a French 'j' (soft 'zh'). It should be a hard 'j' as in 'judge'.
  • Elongating the second 'a'. It is a short vowel (fatha), not a long 'aa'.
  • Dropping the final 'b' sound.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'Ajib' (which has a long 'ee' sound).
  • Over-emphasizing the 'Ain' (ع) if the speaker is not used to pharyngeal sounds.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its short, distinct root.

Escrita 3/5

Requires knowledge of case endings for exclamations (Ajaban).

Expressão oral 2/5

Simple to pronounce, but requires the correct emotional intonation.

Audição 2/5

Common in media and speech, easy to pick out.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

غريب (Strange) جميل (Beautiful) أمر (Matter) لا (No) يا (O)

Aprenda a seguir

عجيب (Wonderful) أعجبني (I liked) دهشة (Astonishment) إعجاب (Admiration)

Avançado

إعجاز (Miraculousness) ذهول (Daze) عجب الذنب (Coccyx) استعجاب (Finding strange)

Gramática essencial

La of Absolute Negation

لا عجبَ (La 'ajaba) - The noun is in the accusative without nunation.

Exclamatory Particles

يا لَلـ (Ya la-l-) - Used to call out to a concept or person in wonder.

Accusative of State/Exclamation

عجباً! (Ajaban!) - Using the noun in the accusative for emphasis.

Idafa Construction

عجبُ الناسِ (The wonder of the people) - Linking two nouns.

Prepositional Manner

بـعجبٍ (With wonder) - Using 'bi' to create an adverbial phrase.

Exemplos por nível

1

هذا عجب!

This is a wonder!

Simple nominal sentence with a demonstrative pronoun.

2

يا للعجب!

Oh, what a wonder!

A common idiomatic exclamation.

3

رأيتُ عجباً في الحديقة.

I saw a wonder in the garden.

The word is in the accusative case (mansub) as the object of the verb.

4

في الكتاب عجب.

In the book is wonder.

Prepositional phrase starting the sentence for emphasis.

5

هو ينظر بعجب.

He looks with wonder.

Use of the preposition 'bi' (with) to describe the manner.

6

هذا أمر عجب.

This is a wonderful/strange matter.

The word 'Ajab' acts as an adjective-like noun here.

7

سمعتُ عجباً اليوم.

I heard a wonder today.

Accusative case used for the object of hearing.

8

العالم فيه عجب.

The world has wonder in it.

A simple sentence describing a general state.

1

لا عجبَ أنك ناجح.

No wonder you are successful.

Use of 'La' for absolute negation.

2

نظرتُ إلى النجوم بعجب.

I looked at the stars with wonder.

Prepositional phrase describing an action.

3

هذا الخبر يثير العجب.

This news stirs wonder.

Verb 'yuthiru' (stirs/excites) used with the noun.

4

من العجب أن نلتقي هنا.

It is a wonder that we meet here.

Construction 'Min al-ajabi an...'.

5

كل العجب في هذا التصرف.

All the wonder is in this behavior.

Emphasis using 'Kull' (all).

6

أبدى المعلم عجبه من ذكاء الطالب.

The teacher showed his wonder at the student's intelligence.

Possessive suffix attached to the noun.

7

يا له من عجبٍ كبير!

What a great wonder!

Exclamatory structure with 'Ya lahu min'.

8

ليس في الأمر عجب.

There is no wonder in the matter.

Negation using 'Laysa'.

1

تملكني العجب عندما سمعت القصة.

Wonder possessed me when I heard the story.

Personification of the emotion 'Ajab'.

2

كان في صوته نبرة عجب.

There was a tone of wonder in his voice.

Noun used to describe a quality of voice.

3

عجباً لهؤلاء الناس!

How strange/wonderful are these people!

Accusative of exclamation.

4

لا ينقضي العجب من جمال الطبيعة.

The wonder of nature's beauty never ends.

Verb 'yanqadi' (ends/expires) negated.

5

أثار الفيلم عجباً واسعاً.

The movie stirred wide wonder.

Noun modified by an adjective.

6

وقف السائحون في عجب أمام الأهرامات.

The tourists stood in wonder before the pyramids.

Preposition 'fi' (in) used for a state of being.

7

ياله من عجبٍ عجاب!

What a wonder of wonders!

Intensive form using 'Ujab'.

8

ما زال العجب يملأ قلبي.

Wonder still fills my heart.

Continuous state using 'Ma zala'.

1

والعجب كل العجب في صمتهم.

And the wonder, all the wonder, is in their silence.

Rhetorical repetition for emphasis.

2

أثار هذا الاكتشاف عجب العلماء.

This discovery stirred the wonder of scientists.

Idafa construction (possessive link).

3

ليس من العجب أن تتبدل الأحوال.

It is not a wonder that conditions change.

Philosophical statement about change.

4

كانت ملامحه تنطق بالعجب.

His features were speaking with wonder.

Metaphorical use of 'speaking'.

5

عجباً كيف ينسى الإنسان ماضيه.

Strange how a human forgets their past.

Exclamatory 'Ajaban' followed by a 'how' clause.

6

في كل زاوية من المدينة عجبٌ جديد.

In every corner of the city is a new wonder.

Descriptive sentence with an indefinite subject.

7

لقد جاوز الأمر حد العجب.

The matter has surpassed the limit of wonder.

Idiom meaning something is beyond belief.

8

أبدى الحاضرون عجبهم الشديد من القرار.

Those present showed their intense wonder at the decision.

Noun with plural possessive and adjective.

1

إن في خلق السماوات والأرض لعجباً للمتفكرين.

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth is a wonder for those who reflect.

Classical style with 'Inna' and the emphatic 'La'.

2

يقف العقل وقفة عجب أمام أسرار الكون.

The mind stands in a state of wonder before the secrets of the universe.

Cognate accusative-like structure for state.

3

لم يكن عجبهم إلا انعكاساً لجهلهم.

Their wonder was nothing but a reflection of their ignorance.

Complex negation and restriction using 'Lam... illa'.

4

يا لَلعجب من قلبٍ لا يلين!

Oh, what a wonder is a heart that does not soften!

Poetic exclamation with a prepositional phrase.

5

تداخل العجب بالخوف في تلك اللحظة.

Wonder mixed with fear at that moment.

Verb 'tadakhala' (intertwined) used with emotions.

6

ما أشد عجب المرء من نفسه أحياناً.

How intense is a person's wonder at themselves sometimes.

Exclamatory 'Ma af'ala' pattern.

7

أورثه هذا المشهد عجباً طويلاً.

This scene left him with a long-lasting wonder.

Verb 'awrathahu' (inherited/bequeathed) used metaphorically.

8

العجب هو مفتاح المعرفة الأول.

Wonder is the first key to knowledge.

Philosophical definition.

1

استبد به العجب حتى ذهل عن نفسه.

Wonder took hold of him until he became oblivious to himself.

Strong verb 'istabadda' (to seize/dominate).

2

فيا عجباً لمن يرى الحق ثم ينكره.

How wondrous (strange) is the one who sees the truth then denies it.

Classical rhetorical exclamation.

3

بلغ العجب منه مبلغه.

Wonder reached its peak in him.

Idiomatic expression for reaching a limit.

4

إنما العجب في دوام الحال لا في تغيره.

The real wonder is in the permanence of a state, not its change.

Restrictive 'Innama' for philosophical emphasis.

5

أضحى العجب ديدنه كلما تأمل الوجود.

Wonder became his habit whenever he contemplated existence.

Use of 'Adha' (became) and 'Daydan' (habit).

6

توارى العجب خلف أستار الاعتياد.

Wonder hid behind the veils of habituation.

Highly metaphorical literary language.

7

أي عجبٍ يضاهي عجب الروح ببارئها؟

What wonder equals the wonder of the soul at its Creator?

Interrogative used for rhetorical effect.

8

لقد صاغ من عجب الأيام قصائد خالدة.

He fashioned eternal poems from the wonder of the days.

Metaphorical construction of 'fashioning' from an emotion.

Colocações comuns

يا للعجب
لا عجب
يثير العجب
بعجب شديد
موضع عجب
عجب عجاب
كل العجب
نبرة عجب
عجب النفس
منتهى العجب

Frases Comuns

لا عجب في ذلك

— There is no wonder in that; it is expected.

نجح لأنه درس، فلا عجب في ذلك.

أمر عجب

— A wonderful or strange thing.

رأيت أمراً عجباً في الغابة.

يا لَلعجب!

— Oh, what a wonder! (Strong exclamation).

يا لَلعجب! لقد عاد أخيراً.

في الأمر عجب

— There is something strange/wonderful about this matter.

أشعر أن في الأمر عجباً.

عجباً لك!

— I am amazed at you! (Can be positive or sarcastic).

عجباً لك! كيف فعلت هذا وحدك؟

ليس من العجب

— It is not surprising.

ليس من العجب أن تمطر في الشتاء.

زاد عجبي

— My wonder increased.

كلما سمعت القصة زاد عجبي.

أبدى عجبه

— He expressed his wonder.

أبدى المدير عجبه من النتائج.

عجب العجاب

— The wonder of wonders (something extremely amazing).

بناء هذا القصر عجب العجاب.

من العجب أن...

— It is a wonder that...

من العجب أنك لم تره.

Frequentemente confundido com

عجب vs عجيب

This is the adjective (wonderful), while 'Ajab' is the noun (wonder).

عجب vs إعجاب

This means 'admiration' or 'liking' (as in a social media like).

عجب vs عُجب

Pronounced 'Ujub', this specifically means 'vanity' or 'self-pride'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"عجب عجاب"

— Something so strange or wonderful it defies description.

ما حدث اليوم هو عجب عجاب.

Literary/Emphatic
"لا عجب ولا غرو"

— No wonder and no doubt (a double emphasis).

لا عجب ولا غرو في كرمه.

Formal
"يا لَلعجب العجاب"

— An even stronger form of 'Ya la-l-ajab'.

يا لَلعجب العجاب! كيف طار؟

Poetic
"عجباً لِـ..."

— How strange/wonderful it is for [someone/something].

عجباً لقلبٍ لا يحن.

Literary
"ضرب من العجب"

— A kind of wonder (meaning something very strange).

كلامه ضرب من العجب.

Formal
"فوق حد العجب"

— Beyond the limit of wonder.

جمالها فوق حد العجب.

Emphatic
"عجب الذنب"

— The coccyx (tailbone) - a specific anatomical term from Hadith.

خلق الإنسان من عجب الذنب.

Religious/Technical
"أمر يثير العجب"

— Something that provokes amazement.

هذا أمر يثير العجب حقاً.

Neutral
"بكل عجب"

— With all wonder (meaning very surprisingly).

بكل عجب، وافق على الطلب.

General
"ما وراء العجب"

— Beyond wonder (extreme amazement).

هذا المشهد ما وراء العجب.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

عجب vs دهشة

Both mean surprise.

Dahsha is sudden and can be negative; Ajab is more about admiration and wonder.

شعرت بالدهشة من الحادث، وبالعجب من جمال اللوحة.

عجب vs استغراب

Both mean finding something unusual.

Istighrab is analytical and often skeptical; Ajab is emotional and appreciative.

أبدى استغرابه من الكذبة، وعجبه من الصدق.

عجب vs مفاجأة

Both relate to the unexpected.

Mufaja'a is a 'surprise' (event); Ajab is the 'wonder' (emotion/quality).

كانت الحفلة مفاجأة، وكان فيها عجب كثير.

عجب vs روعة

Both express high praise.

Raw'a is about splendor and beauty; Ajab is about the reaction to it.

روعة المكان أثارت العجب في نفسي.

عجب vs إعجاز

Both mean something amazing.

I'jaz is specifically for miracles that cannot be imitated; Ajab is general wonder.

في القرآن إعجاز، وفي الطبيعة عجب.

Padrões de frases

A1

هذا [Noun] عجب.

هذا يوم عجب.

A2

لا عجب أن [Sentence].

لا عجب أنك متفوق.

B1

أشعر بالـعجب من [Noun].

أشعر بالعجب من شجاعتك.

B2

أثار [Noun] عجب الـ[Group].

أثار الفيلم عجب الجمهور.

C1

من العجب أن [Sentence].

من العجب أن يغيب وهو مهتم.

C2

يا لَلعجب من [Noun]!

يا لَلعجب من صبرك!

All

يا للعجب!

يا للعجب! ما هذا؟

All

أمر عجب.

هذا أمر عجب.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Arabic.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'Ajab' as an adjective. Using 'Ajib'.

    Say 'Hadha kitab ajib' (This is a wonderful book), not 'Hadha kitab ajab'.

  • Saying 'Ana Ajab' to mean 'I am amazed'. Saying 'Ana mu'jab' or 'Ana muta'ajjib'.

    'Ajab' is a noun. You need a participle or adjective to describe yourself.

  • Confusing 'Ajab' with 'Ujub'. Using 'Ajab' for wonder and 'Ujub' for vanity.

    While related, 'Ujub' is a specific negative trait of self-pride.

  • Using 'Ajab 'an' for 'wonder about'. Using 'Ajab min'.

    In Arabic, the preposition for wonder is 'min' (from/at), not 'an' (about).

  • Forgetting the accusative in 'La 'ajaba'. La 'ajaba (with a fatha).

    The 'La' of absolute negation requires the noun to be in the accusative case without nunation.

Dicas

Case Endings

In formal Arabic, remember that 'Ajaban' (accusative) is used for exclamations. This adds a touch of eloquence to your speech.

Root Learning

Learn the root A-J-B. It will unlock many related words like 'Ajib' (wonderful), 'I'jab' (admiration), and 'Mu'jab' (fan).

Religious Links

When you see something that causes 'Ajab', follow it with 'Subhan Allah' to sound more like a native speaker.

Intonation

Use a breathy, surprised tone when saying 'Ajab' to convey genuine emotion rather than just reading a word.

Logical Links

Use 'La 'ajaba' as a sophisticated way to say 'of course' or 'naturally' in your written assignments.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Ajab' in a serious debate, it might be used sarcastically to point out a logical flaw.

Noun vs Verb

Don't say 'Ana ajab'. Use the verb 'Atajabbab' or the adjective 'Mu'jab' to describe your own state.

Avoid Repetition

If you've already used 'Ajab', try 'Dahsha' or 'Istighrab' to keep your descriptions varied and interesting.

Emphatic Form

Use 'عجب عجاب' (Ajab Ujab) when you want to describe something that is truly, mind-blowingly amazing.

Visual Cues

Associate the word with the Seven Wonders of the World (Aja'ib al-Dunya) to remember its core meaning.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'A Job' (Ajab). If someone does 'A Job' so well that it's a miracle, you feel 'Ajab' (wonder)!

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing in front of the pyramids with their mouth open in an 'O' shape—that 'O' is the feeling of 'Ajab'.

Word Web

Wonder Awe Surprise Admiration Strange Miracle Like Amazing

Desafio

Try to use 'Ya la-l-ajab!' three times today: once for something beautiful, once for something strange, and once for a surprising piece of news.

Origem da palavra

The word comes from the Proto-Semitic root '-j-b, which is found in various Semitic languages with meanings related to being astonished or finding something strange. In Arabic, it developed a strong sense of positive admiration alongside the sense of surprise.

Significado original: To be struck by the unexpected or the extraordinary.

Semitic -> Afroasiatic

Contexto cultural

Be careful with 'Ujub' (vanity), as it is a negative trait in religious contexts. Ensure you are using 'Ajab' for wonder, not self-pride.

English speakers might use 'wow' or 'no way', whereas Arabic speakers use 'Ajab' or 'Ya la-l-ajab' which feels slightly more formal or poetic.

Surah Al-Kahf (Quran) The Seven Wonders of the World (Aja'ib al-Dunya) Alf Layla wa Layla (1001 Nights)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Nature

  • عجب الطبيعة
  • جمال يثير العجب
  • سبحان من خلق هذا العجب
  • ألوان فيها عجب

News

  • خبر يثير العجب
  • من العجب أن يحدث هذا
  • أبدى المسؤول عجبه
  • أمر عجب حقاً

Socializing

  • يا للعجب!
  • عجباً لك!
  • لا عجب في ذلك
  • سمعت عجباً

Literature

  • قصة فيها عجب
  • عجب العجاب
  • نظرة عجب
  • في قلبه عجب

Religion

  • عجب الذنب
  • آية فيها عجب
  • عجب المؤمن
  • سبحان الله، يا للعجب

Iniciadores de conversa

"هل رأيت شيئاً يثير العجب اليوم؟ (Did you see something that stirs wonder today?)"

"ما هو أكبر عجب رأيته في حياتك؟ (What is the biggest wonder you've seen in your life?)"

"يا للعجب! هل سمعت الخبر الجديد؟ (Oh wonder! Have you heard the new news?)"

"لماذا يشعر الناس بالعجب من هذا الأمر؟ (Why do people feel wonder at this matter?)"

"هل تعتقد أن العالم مليء بالعجب؟ (Do you think the world is full of wonder?)"

Temas para diário

اكتب عن موقف شعرت فيه بالعجب الشديد. (Write about a situation where you felt intense wonder.)

هل 'العجب' شعور إيجابي أم سلبي بالنسبة لك؟ ولماذا؟ (Is 'wonder' a positive or negative feeling for you? Why?)

صف منظراً طبيعياً يثير العجب في نفسك. (Describe a natural scene that stirs wonder in you.)

لماذا نقول 'لا عجب' عندما نفهم شيئاً؟ (Why do we say 'no wonder' when we understand something?)

تخيل عالماً بلا عجب، كيف سيكون؟ (Imagine a world without wonder, how would it be?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is primarily positive or neutral, signifying wonder and admiration. However, it can be used sarcastically to mean 'how strange' in a negative way.

'Ajab' is a noun (wonder), and 'Ajib' is an adjective (wonderful/strange). You say 'Hadha ajib' (This is wonderful) but 'Fihi ajab' (In it is wonder).

The most common way is 'La 'ajaba' (لا عجب). For example, 'La 'ajaba annahu faza' (No wonder he won).

Yes, when pronounced 'Ujub', it refers to self-admiration or vanity. In general contexts, 'Ajab' means wonder.

The plural is 'A'jaab' (أعجاب), but the word 'Aja'ib' (عجائب) is more commonly used to mean 'wonders'.

It is used to describe the wonder of the disbelievers at the message, or the marvelous nature of God's signs, such as the companions of the cave.

Yes, it is very common in all dialects, often as an exclamation or in the verb form 'Ajabni' (I liked/It pleased me).

Usually 'min' (from/at) or 'bi' (with). For example, 'Atajabbabu min' (I wonder at) or 'Bi-ajab' (With wonder).

You can say 'Huwa mu'jab' (He is an admirer) or 'Huwa ajib' (He is wonderful), but 'Huwa ajab' is not standard.

It is a classic Arabic exclamation meaning 'Oh, what a wonder!' or 'How amazing/strange!'

Teste-se 185 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'Ya la-l-ajab' about a beautiful sunset.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Use 'La 'ajaba' to explain why someone is tired after running a marathon.

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writing

Describe a person's reaction to a magic trick using 'bi-ajab'.

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writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about the 'Wonders of the World'.

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writing

Use 'Ajab Ujab' in a sentence about a futuristic city.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Min al-ajabi an' about a friend who never forgets anything.

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writing

Use 'Ajaban' as an exclamation in a sentence about people's behavior.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'Ajab' and 'Dahsha' in Arabic.

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writing

Write a poetic sentence about the 'wonder of the soul'.

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writing

Use 'Mawdi'u ajab' in a sentence about a political event.

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writing

Describe a scientific discovery using 'yuthiru al-ajab'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kullu al-ajab' for emphasis.

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writing

Use 'ليس من العجب' to describe a natural event.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'strange matter' using 'Amrun 'ajab'.

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writing

Describe a mother's wonder at her child's first words.

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writing

Use 'Ajab al-dhanab' in a sentence about creation.

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writing

Write a sentence about the 'wonder of the stars'.

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writing

Use 'Ya la-l-ajab' sarcastically.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'miracle' using 'U'juba'.

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writing

Describe the feeling of wonder using the verb 'تملكني'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Ajab' correctly with the 'Ain' sound.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Ya la-l-ajab!' with a surprised tone.

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speaking

Say 'La 'ajaba' as if you just understood something.

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speaking

Pronounce the plural 'Aja'ib'.

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speaking

Say 'Amrun 'ajab' to describe a strange story.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Ajaban laka!' sarcastically.

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speaking

Say 'Bi-ajab shadid' with emphasis.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Ajab Ujab'.

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speaking

Say 'Min al-ajabi an...' and complete it with a sentence.

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speaking

Pronounce 'I'jab' (admiration).

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speaking

Say 'Ya la-l-ajab al-ujab!'

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speaking

Pronounce 'Ajab al-dhanab'.

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speaking

Say 'Laysa fi al-amri 'ajab'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Mawdi'u ajab'.

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speaking

Say 'Yuthiru al-ajab'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Kullu al-ajab'.

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speaking

Say 'Nabra ajab'.

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speaking

Pronounce 'A'jaab' (plural).

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speaking

Say 'Ajaban!' as a standalone reaction.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Inna fi dhalika la-ajaban'.

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listening

Listen to 'Ya la-l-ajab!'. What is the emotion?

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listening

Listen to 'La 'ajaba'. Does the speaker find it surprising?

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listening

Listen to 'Amrun 'ajab'. What is being described?

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listening

Listen to 'Ajaban laka!'. Is it likely a compliment or a critique?

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listening

Listen to 'Aja'ib al-dunya'. What is the topic?

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listening

Listen to 'Yuthiru al-ajab'. What is the verb's effect?

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listening

Listen to 'Bi-ajab shadid'. How much wonder is there?

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listening

Listen to 'Ajab Ujab'. Is this a common or rare expression?

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listening

Listen to 'Min al-ajabi an...'. What follows this phrase?

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listening

Listen to 'Laysa fi al-amri 'ajab'. Is there a problem?

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listening

Listen to 'Mawdi'u ajab'. What is being identified?

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listening

Listen to 'Nabra ajab'. Where is the wonder?

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listening

Listen to 'Inna fi dhalika la-ajaban'. What is the register?

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listening

Listen to 'Ajab al-dhanab'. Is this about an emotion?

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listening

Listen to 'Ya la-l-ajab al-ujab!'. How strong is the exclamation?

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/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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