Neck
#14
الرقبة (al-raqaba) is an Arabic noun meaning 'neck,' referring to the part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders and torso. It is commonly used in both literal anatomical contexts and figurative expressions in Arabic language and culture. The word is feminine in gender and is fundamental to basic body vocabulary.
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أصيبت بألم في الرقبة بعد الجلوس لفترة طويلة.
Usiibat bi-alam fi al-raqaba ba'da al-juloos li-fatra tawila.
She suffered from neck pain after sitting for a long time.
يرتدي قلادة جميلة حول رقبته.
Yartadi qilada jamila hawla raqabatihi.
He is wearing a beautiful necklace around his neck.
الطبيب فحص رقبة المريض بعناية.
Al-tabib fahasa raqabat al-mareed bi-'inaya.
The doctor examined the patient's neck carefully.
امسك به من الرقبة وألقاه أرضاً.
Amsaka bihi min al-raqaba wa-alqahu ardan.
He grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground.
تُظهر الرقبة المحتويات الكثيرة على الجسم.
Tuhir al-raqaba al-muhtawayat al-kathira 'ala al-jism.
The neck displays many features on the body.
In Arabic culture, the neck and throat (حلق - halq) hold both medical and cultural significance. Historically, 'breaking the neck' has appeared in Arabic literature as a metaphor for defeating someone, while protecting one's neck symbolizes self-preservation and dignity. In modern medical contexts, neck-related health issues are discussed frequently in Arabic-speaking countries, particularly regarding ergonomics and posture.
Remember that الرقبة is a feminine noun in Arabic, so adjectives and verbs must agree with this gender. When discussing neck pain or physical conditions, الرقبة is the standard medical term. Be careful not to confuse it with العنق (another word for neck) or الحلق (throat), though in casual speech these may be used interchangeably in some dialects.
الرقبة (al-raqaba) is the Arabic word for 'neck,' representing the anatomical part of the human body that connects the head to the shoulders and chest. This noun is fundamental to basic body vocabulary in Arabic and is essential for learners to master when discussing human anatomy, health concerns, or physical descriptions.
الرقبة is a feminine noun in Arabic, marked by the feminine ending ة (ta marbuta). This grammatical property is important for learners to remember, as it affects:
In medical contexts, الرقبة is the standard term used by healthcare professionals in Arabic-speaking countries. It encompasses:
Common health-related phrases include:
Beyond its literal anatomical meaning, الرقبة appears in various Arabic idioms and expressions:
While الرقبة is the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) term, different Arabic dialects may have their own variations:
When learning about الرقبة, it's helpful to become familiar with related body parts:
Medical context: "أشعر بألم شديد في الرقبة" (I feel severe pain in my neck)
Description: "لديها رقبة طويلة وأنيقة" (She has a long and elegant neck)
Physical action: "لفّ الشال حول رقبته" (He wrapped the scarf around his neck)
In Arabic literature and cultural expressions, the neck has historically held symbolic importance. References to neck-breaking appear metaphorically in classical Arabic poetry to describe defeat or hardship. In modern contexts, the neck's appearance and adornment (through jewelry like necklaces) reflects cultural and personal aesthetic preferences across Arabic-speaking regions.
مastering الرقبة is essential for anyone learning Arabic, whether for medical communication, basic conversation, or understanding Arabic literature. Its proper usage requires attention to feminine grammatical agreement and awareness of both literal and figurative meanings within the language.