جِنسيّة — meaning in English: nationality

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for nationality

دائِرة، دَوائِر

جِنسيّة

فَتوى، فَتاوى

بِضاعة، بِضائِع

عَجَل

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Arabic for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word جِنسيّة when discussing personal documents like passports or during official processes such as immigration. For instance, in a conversation about applying for a visa, one might ask, 'What is your جِنسيّة?' to clarify someone's nationality.

Synonyms & nuances

A similar term is مواطنة (mawatina), which means 'citizenship.' While جِنسيّة focuses more on the concept of nationality itself, مواطنة implies legal rights and responsibilities within a state. You'd choose جِنسيّة when discussing where someone is from, while مواطنة might come into play when discussing rights or duties.

Culture

The word جِنسيّة derives from the Arabic root ج ن س, which relates to 'gender' or 'kind.' Its significance transcends mere identification; in many Arab cultures, جِنسيّة can be tied to one's identity and belonging, reflecting the complex histories of migration and colonialism in the region, where nationality can invoke deep feelings of pride or conflict.

FAQ

Q.What does جِنسيّة mean in English?

جِنسيّة translates to 'nationality' in English, referring to a person's national affiliation or identity.

Q.How do you pronounce جِنسيّة?

جِنسيّة is pronounced as 'jinsiyya.' Emphasizing the 'j' sound at the beginning is crucial for clarity.

Q.Can جِنسيّة be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, جِنسيّة can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's suitable for conversations about identity in casual chats or official documents.

Learn arabic with Maspeak →

Arabic 5000