Language/Standard-arabic/Vocabulary/Compound-nouns-in-Arabic

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Standard Arabic → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Arabic adjectives and nouns → Compound nouns in Arabic

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the formation and usage of compound nouns in Arabic. Compound nouns are words that are formed by combining two or more individual nouns to create a new word with a different meaning. Understanding compound nouns is essential for building your vocabulary and speaking more fluently in Arabic. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize and utilize compound nouns in your everyday conversations.

Formation of Compound Nouns

Compound nouns in Arabic are formed by combining two or more individual nouns. The first noun in the compound usually acts as a modifier or descriptor for the second noun. Let's take a look at some examples:

Noun + Noun

In this type of compound noun, two nouns are combined to create a new word. The first noun modifies or describes the second noun. Here are some examples:

Standard Arabic	Pronunciation	English Translation
مدرسة + لغة	madrasat + lughah	language school
مطعم + سمك	mat'am + samak	fish restaurant
مستشفى + أطفال	mustashfa + atfal	children's hospital

Adjective + Noun

Compound nouns can also be formed by combining an adjective with a noun. The adjective modifies or describes the noun. Here are some examples:

Standard Arabic	Pronunciation	English Translation
عالم + نبات	'alim + nabaat	plant scientist
صحي + جسم	sahih + jism	healthy body
جديد + خبر	jadid + khabar	new information

Verb + Noun

Another way to form compound nouns in Arabic is by combining a verb with a noun. The verb usually describes an action related to the noun. Here are some examples:

Standard Arabic	Pronunciation	English Translation
قطع + غيار	qata' + ghayr	spare parts
طبخ + كتاب	tabakh + kitab	cookbook
دراسة + جدوى	dirasah + jadwah	feasibility study

Usage of Compound Nouns

Compound nouns are commonly used in Arabic and play an important role in everyday conversations. They allow speakers to express complex ideas and describe specific objects or concepts. Here are some common ways compound nouns are used in Arabic:

Describing Professions

Compound nouns are often used to describe specific professions or occupations. These compound nouns usually consist of an adjective that describes the nature of the work and a noun that represents the profession. Here are some examples:

• طبيب أسنان (tabib asnan) - dentist
• مهندس معماري (muhandis ma'mari) - architect
• محامي جنائي (muhami jina'i) - criminal lawyer

Referring to Places or Institutions

Compound nouns are also used to refer to specific places or institutions. These compound nouns typically consist of a noun that represents the type of place or institution and a noun that specifies the location or purpose. Here are some examples:

• مستشفى عام (mustashfa 'am) - general hospital
• مطار دولي (matar dawli) - international airport
• جامعة حكومية (jami'ah hukumiyah) - government university

Describing Objects or Concepts

Compound nouns are frequently used to describe specific objects or concepts. The first noun in the compound modifies or describes the second noun, creating a new word with a unique meaning. Here are some examples:

• كرسي مكتب (kursi maktab) - office chair
• ساعة يد (saa'ah yad) - wristwatch
• قلم رصاص (qalam rasas) - pencil

Practice Exercise

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate compound nouns:

1. أنا أعمل في __________ الكمبيوتر. (computer + maintenance) 2. المتحف الوطني يحتوي على مجموعة كبيرة من __________. (art + masterpiece) 3. هل تستخدم __________ في مطبخك؟ (electric + blender) 4. أنا أرغب في دراسة __________ العمارة. (environmental + architecture)

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the formation and usage of compound nouns in Arabic. Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more individual nouns and play an important role in everyday conversations. By understanding compound nouns, you will be able to expand your vocabulary and communicate more effectively in Arabic. Keep practicing and incorporating compound nouns into your speech to enhance your language skills.

Table of Contents - Standard Arabic Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Arabic script

• Arabic vowels
• Arabic consonants
• Basic Arabic phrases

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Nouns and gender in Arabic

• Definite and indefinite articles
• Masculine and feminine nouns

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Verbs and conjugation in Arabic

• Present tense conjugation
• Past tense conjugation
• Future tense conjugation

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Numbers and counting in Arabic

• Cardinal numbers 1-100
• Ordinal numbers

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Everyday Arabic vocabulary

• Greetings and farewells
• Colors
• Days of the week
• Months of the year

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Food and drink vocabulary

• Basic food vocabulary
• Drinks

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Arabic customs and traditions

• Islam and Arabic culture
• Arabic hospitality

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Arabic music and entertainment

• Arabic music genres
• Arabic dance

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Adjectives in Arabic

• Adjective agreement and placement
• Comparative and superlative

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Pronouns in Arabic

• Personal pronouns
• Possessive pronouns

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Prepositions in Arabic

• Basic prepositions
• Prepositions of time and place

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Interrogatives in Arabic

• Question words
• Question formation

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Adverbs in Arabic

• Formation and placement
• Negation

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Transportation vocabulary

• Public transportation
• Asking for directions

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Shopping and money vocabulary

• Money vocabulary
• Shopping vocabulary

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Arabic literature and poetry

• Classical Arabic literature
• Arabic poetry

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Arabic calligraphy and art

• History of Arabic calligraphy
• Arabic art and architecture

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Weather vocabulary

• Basic weather vocabulary
• Talking about the weather

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Conditional sentences in Arabic

• First and second conditional
• Third conditional and mixed conditionals

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Passive voice in Arabic

• Formation and usage
• Differences from the active voice

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Relative clauses in Arabic

• Formation and usage
• Differences from English relative clauses

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Arabic adjectives and nouns

• Common Arabic adjectives
• Compound nouns in Arabic

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Arabic cinema and TV

• Arabic cinema
• Arabic TV

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Arabic fashion and beauty

• Traditional Arabic dress
• Arabic beauty and cosmetics

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Sports and leisure vocabulary

• Popular Arabic sports
• Leisure activities

Sources

• Arabic grammar
• Arabic compound nouns

Other Lessons

• Clothes
• Free Time Activities
• Asking Directions
• Geography
• Tools
• At Home
• How to Write a Good CV
• Feelings and Emotions
• Airport
• Numbers

◀️ Common Arabic adjectives — Previous Lesson

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