We’ve previously posted articles regarding the most common basic Arabic words. You could also check the post about the most important basic Arabic sentences. Let’s continue our series of Arabic basics. One of the most commonly looked words would be the colors in Arabic. Colors play a big role in the Arab culture, from religion and beliefs to literature. Some colors are packed with symbolism.
| English | Transliteration | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black in Arabic | ‘aswad | أسود | Arabs sometimes mention this color in sayings. A black-hearted (aswad al-qalb) person is one full of hatred |
| White in Arabic | ‘abyad | أبيض | White is associated with light, peace, purity, or even nature items as clouds, water, air, cotton |
| Blue in Arabic | ‘azraq | أزرق | Like much in the West, blue has the same connotations |
| Green in Arabic | ‘akhdar | أخضر | It symbolizes truthfulness, goodness, growth, harmony, health, and safety |
| Yellow in Arabic | ‘asfar | أصفر | The primary meaning for this color is associated with nature. It represents the color of the sun, autumn and the desert |
| Red in Arabic | ‘ahmar | أحمر | Even though red is associated with love, it is mostly packed with negative symbolism. It can provoke feelings of anger and some see it as the color of hardships and dangers. |
| Pink in Arabic | zahree | زهري | Pink does not necessarily have a connotation in the Arab culture, as it is not one of the main colors |
| Orange in Arabic | burtuqalee | برتقالي | Same as pink, orange does not have a special meaning to it |
| Purple in Arabic | banafsajee | بنفسجي | Some say that purple is the color of royalty |
| Brown in Arabic | binnee | بني | Again, this color does not signify much |
As you can see, there aren’t that many differences in significance for colors in the Arab culture and the Western culture. It might differ the way they are used in expressions or idioms, or the objects that have that specific color might have been used in different rituals or customs. All in all, we think that everyone can enjoy a bit of symbolism from time to time, and this would help you dwelve more into the Arabic culture.
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