Button
#13
الزرّ (al-zarr) is an Arabic noun meaning 'button,' referring to the small fastening device used on clothing or electronic devices. It can also metaphorically refer to a button on machinery or equipment. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts when discussing clothing, fashion, or technology.
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زرّ قميصي مفقود.
Zarr qamīṣī mafqūd.
A button on my shirt is missing.
اضغط على الزرّ الأحمر لإيقاف الآلة.
Iḍghaṭ ʿalá al-zarr al-aḥmar li-īqāf al-ālah.
Press the red button to stop the machine.
تحتاج إلى خياطة هذا الزرّ على الفستان.
Taḥtāj ilá khiyāṭat hādhā al-zarr ʿalá al-fustān.
You need to sew this button onto the dress.
الزرّ العلوي لم ينقطع بعد.
Al-zarr al-ʿalawī lam yanqaṭiʿ baʿd.
The top button hasn't come off yet.
زرّ الجرس الكهربائي مكسور.
Zarr al-jaras al-kahrabāʾī maksūr.
The electric doorbell button is broken.
In Arab culture, attention to clothing details and proper maintenance is valued. The phrase 'خياطة الأزرار' (sewing buttons) is a practical household skill traditionally taught to both men and women. In modern contexts, buttons on electronic devices and machinery are integral to daily life, making this vocabulary essential for discussing technology and appliances.
Remember that الزرّ is singular; the plural is الأزرار (al-azrār). Use this word both literally for clothing buttons and metaphorically for buttons on electronic devices. The word pair 'اضغط الزرّ' (press the button) is extremely common in instructional contexts and technology-related Arabic.
The Arabic word الزرّ (al-zarr) is a fundamental vocabulary term that refers to a button in both literal and figurative contexts. Whether you're discussing clothing maintenance or operating electronic devices, understanding this word is essential for everyday Arabic communication.
الزرّ is a masculine singular noun that primarily means 'button' in English. The plural form is الأزرار (al-azrār). This word can refer to:
The word is derived from the Arabic root ز-ر-ر, which relates to the concept of fastening or holding together.
The word is pronounced as 'zarr' with a rolled 'r' sound, typical of Arabic pronunciation. The stress is placed on the single syllable. When forming sentences, remember that:
In daily conversations, you'll encounter this word in various contexts:
In clothing contexts: When discussing clothing care or fashion, you might say "زرّ قميصي مفقود" (zarr qamīṣī mafqūd) meaning "A button on my shirt is missing." This is particularly common when visiting a tailor or discussing clothing maintenance.
With electronic devices: When giving instructions about machinery or appliances, the phrase "اضغط على الزرّ" (iḍghaṭ ʿalá al-zarr) meaning "press the button" is extraordinarily common in Arabic-speaking regions.
In technical contexts: When discussing computers, phones, or household appliances, speakers frequently use this word: "زرّ الجرس الكهربائي" (zarr al-jaras al-kahrabāʾī) means "doorbell button."
When discussing buttons and fastening, you'll often encounter related words:
In Arab culture, the ability to maintain one's clothing by sewing buttons is considered a practical and valued skill. Traditionally, families would teach children, particularly through household tasks, how to sew buttons properly. This reflects broader cultural values regarding personal responsibility and garment care.
Modernly, with the prevalence of electronic devices and machinery in everyday life, understanding button-related vocabulary in Arabic is equally important for operating household appliances, computers, and various technological devices.
Several phrases using الزرّ are particularly common:
When learning this word, remember:
While الزرّ is the most common term, you may also encounter:
To internalize this vocabulary, practice with these sentences:
Mastering the word الزرّ and its related vocabulary will enhance your ability to discuss everyday items and operations in Arabic. Whether in clothing contexts or technological settings, this fundamental vocabulary word appears regularly in Arabic conversations, making it an essential addition to your learning journey.