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Heel
الكعب (al-ka'b) refers to the heel of the foot, the rounded back part of the foot below the ankle. It is a common anatomical term used in both everyday speech and medical contexts to describe this specific body part. The word can also be used figuratively in Arabic phrases and idioms.
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أشعر بألم في كعبي بعد المشي الطويل.
Ash'ur bi-alam fi ka'bi ba'd al-mashyi al-taweel.
I feel pain in my heel after a long walk.
ترتدي أحذية بكعب عالي للحفلة.
Tartadi ahdhiya bi-ka'b 'ali lil-hafla.
She is wearing high-heeled shoes for the party.
الكعب هو جزء مهم من القدم.
Al-ka'b huwa juz' muhimm min al-qadam.
The heel is an important part of the foot.
كسرت كعبها عندما سقطت من السلالم.
Kasarat ka'baha 'indama saqatat min al-salalam.
She broke her heel when she fell down the stairs.
يرفع الرياضيون على أصابع أقدامهم وليس على الكعب.
Yarfa' al-riyathiyyun 'ala asabi' aqdamihim wa laysa 'ala al-ka'b.
Athletes stand on their toes, not on their heels.
In Arabic culture, foot-related vocabulary is significant in daily conversation, especially in contexts involving health, fashion, and physical movement. High-heeled shoes (أحذية بكعب عالي) are popular in Arab fashion and social settings. The heel is also referenced in traditional poetry and idioms, making it a culturally relevant term beyond its literal anatomical meaning.
Remember that الكعب is a masculine noun (al-ka'b = the heel). When referring to high heels, use the phrase 'كعب عالي' (high heel). In medical contexts, you might hear 'ألم الكعب' (heel pain) or 'التهاب كعب القدم' (heel inflammation). Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words in Arabic.
الكعب (al-ka'b) is the Arabic word for "heel," referring to the rounded posterior part of the foot located below the ankle. This is a fundamental anatomical term used in both casual conversation and medical contexts throughout the Arabic-speaking world. The word is masculine in gender (al-ka'b) and is commonly used when discussing foot-related topics, footwear, or physical health concerns.
In anatomical discussions, الكعب refers specifically to the calcaneus bone and the surrounding tissue that forms the back of the foot. Healthcare professionals in Arab countries frequently use this term when discussing injuries, pain, or medical conditions affecting the foot. Understanding this word is essential for anyone seeking medical care in Arabic-speaking regions or discussing health concerns with Arabic speakers.
One of the most common uses of الكعب in modern Arabic is in fashion terminology. The phrase "كعب عالي" (high heel) is extensively used in fashion discussions, shopping, and social contexts. Arab fashion culture frequently features high-heeled shoes at formal events, celebrations, and social gatherings. This terminology is particularly prevalent in women's fashion discussions and shopping contexts throughout the Arab world.
When discussing foot pain or injuries, Arabic speakers often use phrases like "ألم الكعب" (heel pain), which is a very common complaint. Other medical expressions include "التهاب كعب القدم" (heel inflammation) and "كسر الكعب" (broken heel). These phrases are essential vocabulary for medical students, healthcare workers, or anyone dealing with foot health issues in Arabic-speaking communities.
In discussions of movement and posture, الكعب is used to describe how a person stands or walks. The expression "على الكعب والأصابع" (on heels and toes) describes careful or cautious movement. Athletes and fitness instructors frequently reference proper foot placement using this terminology, emphasizing the importance of both heel and toe positioning in physical activities.
Beyond medical and fashion contexts, الكعب appears regularly in everyday Arabic conversation. Family members might discuss foot care, shoe comfort, or walking discomfort using this word. It is a fundamental body part vocabulary word that Arabic learners should master early in their studies to effectively communicate about health, fashion, and physical experiences.
Understanding الكعب helps learners grasp related foot terminology. The word connects to قدم (foot), كاحل (ankle), and أصابع (toes). Learning these related words together creates a comprehensive vocabulary cluster for discussing the lower extremities in Arabic, making it easier to have meaningful conversations about physical health and anatomy.
English speakers should note that الكعب is a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs used with it must agree in gender. The pronunciation can be challenging for English speakers due to the emphatic 'ayn sound at the beginning. Practicing the correct pronunciation with native speakers and repetition of common phrases will help solidify this vocabulary in your Arabic learning journey.