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Perfume
العطر (al-'atr) is a masculine noun meaning 'perfume' or 'fragrance,' referring to aromatic liquids used for personal adornment or enhancing pleasant scents. It is commonly used in Arabic to describe both commercial perfumes and natural fragrances, and holds cultural significance in Arab and Islamic tradition where perfume use is encouraged and widely practiced.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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أشتري عطراً جديداً من المتجر كل شهر.
Ashtari 'atran jadīdan min al-mutajjar kulla shahr.
I buy a new perfume from the store every month.
رائحة العطر في هذا المتجر جميلة جداً.
Rā'ihat al-'atr fī hādha al-mutajjar jamīlah jiddan.
The fragrance of perfume in this store is very beautiful.
هديتها عطراً فرنسياً غالياً في عيد ميلادها.
Hadaytuhā 'atran farransīyan ghālīan fī 'īd mīlādiha.
I gave her an expensive French perfume for her birthday.
يستخدم الرجل العطر بعد الاستحمام مباشرة.
Yastakhdim ar-rajul al-'atr ba'da al-istihmmām mubāshrah.
The man uses perfume right after bathing.
العطر العربي من أفضل أنواع العطور في العالم.
Al-'atr al-'arabī min afdal anwā' al-'utūr fī al-'ālam.
Arabic perfume is among the best types of fragrances in the world.
Perfume holds deep cultural and religious significance in Arab and Islamic tradition, with references to its use appearing in Islamic texts and Hadith literature. The use of perfume is encouraged in Islam, particularly on special occasions and for Friday prayers, making it an integral part of Arab social customs and personal grooming practices. Traditional Arabic perfumes, especially those made from natural ingredients like oud (عود), musk, and rose water, are highly valued and often serve as luxury gifts.
Remember that العطر is a masculine noun, so adjectives and modifiers should agree in gender and number (e.g., عطر جميل for 'beautiful perfume'). When shopping for perfume in Arab countries, you'll hear this word frequently in perfume shops (متاجر العطور). The singular form is العطر, while the plural form is العطور (al-'utūr), which is also commonly used when discussing multiple types or bottles of perfume.
The Arabic word العطر (al-'atr) is a masculine noun that translates to 'perfume,' 'fragrance,' or 'scent' in English. It refers to aromatic liquids or substances applied to the body for their pleasant smell. In Arabic, this word encompasses all types of personal fragrances, from commercial perfumes to traditional natural fragrances used in Arab and Islamic cultures for centuries.
العطر is a masculine singular noun. When pluralized, it becomes العطور (al-'utūr), meaning 'perfumes' or 'fragrances.' As a masculine noun, all adjectives and modifiers that follow must agree in gender:
The word العطر is extensively used in everyday Arabic conversations, particularly when discussing personal grooming, shopping, or gift-giving. Arabs commonly use this word in retail contexts, as perfume shopping is a popular activity in Arab markets and stores. You'll frequently hear phrases like "أين متجر العطور?" (Where is the perfume store?) or "أي عطر تفضل?" (Which perfume do you prefer?).
Perfume holds profound cultural and religious significance in Arab and Islamic traditions. Islamic texts and Hadith literature mention the use of perfume, and it is particularly encouraged during religious occasions and daily grooming practices. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have used and recommended perfume, making it an important part of Islamic culture.
Traditional Arabic perfumes, especially those made from natural ingredients like oud (عود), musk, rose water, and ambergris, are considered luxury items and are often given as prestigious gifts. Oud-based perfumes are particularly celebrated throughout the Arab world and are among the most expensive and sought-after fragrances globally.
Several words are related to العطر:
While العطر is the most common word for perfume, several synonyms exist:
When learning about العطر, it's useful to know how different perfume concentrations are described:
When using العطر in conversation or writing, remember:
While العطر is understood throughout the Arabic-speaking world, some regions may have local preferences for specific types of perfumes or variations in terminology. However, the word العطر itself remains consistent across all Arabic dialects and the Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha).
Understanding the word العطر and its related vocabulary is essential for anyone learning Arabic, particularly those interested in Arab culture, shopping, or social interactions. Its cultural importance in Islamic and Arab traditions makes it not just a vocabulary item, but a window into understanding Arab values and customs surrounding personal grooming, hospitality, and gift-giving.