مَثَل، أمثال — meaning in English: Such as, proverbs

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

Guess the translation for example

تَعريف

فَرديّ

يُمكِنُ أنْ

سُلوك

مَثَل، أمثال

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 Arabic speakers often use the word مَثَل, أمثال in discussions about wisdom, moral lessons, or life experiences. For example, during a family gathering, someone might share a مَثَل to highlight the importance of patience in a storytelling session. Similarly, in educational settings, teachers might reference أمثال to illustrate complex ideas succinctly.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for مَثَل is 'حكمة' (hikmah), meaning wisdom or wise saying. While مَثَل specifically refers to proverbs or sayings that illustrate a point, حكمة encompasses broader notions of wisdom, including philosophical ideas. You would use مَثَل when referring to a specific saying.

Culture

The word مَثَل comes from the Arabic root 'm-th-l', which means to compare or to be like something. Proverbs play a significant role in Arabic culture, often reflecting the values and traditions of various communities. They are frequently used in literature and conversation, providing insight into the wisdom of past generations.

FAQ

Q.What does مَثَل mean in English?

مَثَل translates to 'such as' or 'proverbs' in English, commonly used to refer to sayings that convey moral lessons.

Q.How do I use مَثَل in a sentence?

You can use مَثَل in a sentence like this: 'There is a مَثَل in Arabic that says, 'Patience is a virtue'.' This illustrates how proverbs are utilized to convey wisdom.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using مَثَل?

A common mistake is using مَثَل interchangeably with general sayings. Remember, مَثَل specifically refers to traditional proverbs that carry deeper meaning, so ensure you're referencing a well-known saying.

Learn arabic with Maspeak →

Arabic 5000