نِصْف — meaning in English: Half

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

Guess the translation for half

جِدّيّة

نِصْف

صَبَّ، يَصُبُّ، الصَّبّ

اِسمَح لي

صَوَّرَ

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 very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word نِصْف in everyday conversations when discussing quantities, measurements, or time. For instance, one might say 'نِصْف ساعة' to mean 'half an hour' when arranging plans or appointments, or use it in cooking while measuring ingredients, such as 'خذ نِصْف كوب من السكر' meaning 'take half a cup of sugar.'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for نِصْف is 'جزء' (meaning 'part'), but نِصْف specifically conveys the idea of half, denoting an equal division of something into two parts. You would choose نِصْف when you want to emphasize an exact half rather than any arbitrary portion.

Culture

The word نِصْف has its roots in the Arabic language, reflecting a rich tradition of mathematical and scientific advancements in the Arab world. In Islamic culture, the concept of 'half' is significant as it relates to many aspects of daily life, including prayer times and the division of assets, making it a practical term in various contexts.

FAQ

Q.What does نِصْف mean in English?

The Arabic word نِصْف translates to 'half' in English. It is commonly used to denote an equal division of something into two parts.

Q.How is نِصْف used in sentences?

You can use نِصْف in various contexts, such as 'نِصْف ساعة' (half an hour) or 'نِصْف الشجرة' (half the tree). It's versatile and applies to time, quantities, and more.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with نِصْف?

One common mistake is using نِصْف with non-count nouns incorrectly. Remember that نِصْف specifically refers to divisible quantities, so it's best used with items that can be halved.

Learn arabic with Maspeak →

Arabic 5000