arabic
arabic — noun
1. the main language used by people across much of the Middle East and northern Afr
the main language used by people across much of the Middle East and northern Africa, written from right to left and spoken by hundreds of millions today.
Layla grew up in Cairo, so she speaks Arabic at home with her grandmother.
speak + Arabic
Aiko signed up for evening Arabic classes before her trip to Jordan.
Arabic classes / lessons
The restaurant menu was printed in both English and Arabic.
After two years of study, Daniel could finally read short stories in Arabic.
Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools across the region, but each country has its own spoken form.
文法句型
speak/learn/study + Arabic
用法筆記
Treated as uncountable: say 'I study Arabic', not 'an Arabic'. Capitalised because it is the name of a language.
常見錯誤
arabic — adjective
1. describing something that is written in or belongs to the Arabic language, such
describing something that is written in or belongs to the Arabic language, such as its alphabet, words, or literature.
The shopkeeper painted his name above the door in beautiful Arabic script.
Arabic script
Sara borrowed an Arabic dictionary from the library to help with her homework.
Arabic + noun (dictionary)
Many English words for spices, like saffron and sugar, come from Arabic roots.
The professor read an Arabic poem aloud, then explained each line in English.
文法句型
Arabic + noun (script, word, poetry)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3: this sense focuses on the language itself (script, words, texts), while sense 3 covers the broader culture and people of Arabia.
2. describing the standard digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 used for counting an
describing the standard digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 used for counting and writing numbers in most of the world today, in contrast with Roman numerals like IV or X.
Please write the page numbers in Arabic numerals, not Roman ones.
Arabic numerals vs Roman
The clock face used Arabic numerals, which made it easier for the children to read.
Arabic numerals
Most modern textbooks present equations using Arabic numerals.
The architect labelled each floor in Arabic numerals so visitors would not get confused.
- Roman
as in 'Roman numerals' (I, II, III, IV) — the older system replaced by Arabic numerals in most contexts
文法句型
Arabic numerals / numbers
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'Arabic numerals' or 'Arabic numbers'. Object is typically a number, digit, or numeral, not a person or place.
常見錯誤
3. connected with the people, history, or traditions of the Arab world — for exampl
connected with the people, history, or traditions of the Arab world — for example, its music, food, art, or way of life. Note that many writers prefer 'Arab' or 'Arabian' for people and places, and reserve 'Arabic' for the language.
The festival celebrated Arabic music, with traditional drums and singing late into the night.
Arabic music / art
Aunt Hala served us a plate of Arabic sweets after dinner.
Arabic sweets / food
The museum had a small exhibition on classical Arabic poetry.
Rashid showed his classmates an old Arabic coin he had inherited from his grandfather.
文法句型
Arabic + noun (culture, music, food)
用法筆記
In careful modern usage, 'Arab' describes people ('Arab students') and 'Arabian' describes the peninsula ('Arabian desert'); 'Arabic' is preferred for the language and items linked to it (script, poetry). For broader culture, both 'Arab' and 'Arabic' are seen.