Lapel
التلبيب (al-talbīb) refers to the lapel or front flap of a garment, particularly the fold of cloth on a jacket, coat, or traditional garment that covers the chest. This word is used in both everyday conversation about clothing and in formal or fashion contexts. The term can also metaphorically relate to grasping or seizing someone by the lapels.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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أمسك به من التلبيب وجره نحوه.
Amsaka bih min al-talbīb wa jarrah nah'wah.
He grabbed him by the lapel and dragged him towards him.
التلبيب في هذا المعطف مزين بأزرار نحاسية.
Al-talbīb fī hādhā al-mi'ṭaf muazzin bi-azrār nuhāsiyyah.
The lapel of this coat is decorated with brass buttons.
أصلحت التلبيب قبل ارتداء البدلة الرسمية.
Aslaht al-talbīb qabl irtidā' al-badlah al-rasmiyyah.
I adjusted the lapel before wearing the formal suit.
يرتدي ربطة عنق تتدلى على التلبيب بأناقة.
Yartadi rabṭat 'unuq tatadallá 'alá al-talbīb bi-anāqah.
He wears a necktie that drapes elegantly over the lapel.
التلبيب الواسع يعطي المعطف منظراً كلاسيكياً.
Al-talbīb al-wāsi' yu'ṭī al-mi'ṭaf manẓarān klāsīkiyyān.
The wide lapel gives the coat a classic appearance.
In Arabic culture, the lapel of a garment holds both practical and aesthetic significance. Traditionally, Arab garments like the 'abaya and dishdasha may feature decorative lapels that reflect regional style and social status. The act of grabbing someone by the lapel is a culturally significant gesture that appears frequently in Arabic literature and cinema, often symbolizing confrontation, negotiation, or intimate persuasion.
When learning this word, note that التلبيب is primarily a masculine noun in Arabic grammar. It's commonly used in fashion contexts when discussing tailoring and garment design, and also appears in idiomatic expressions involving physical contact or confrontation. Remember that while English uses 'lapel' (singular) or 'lapels' (plural), Arabic typically uses التلبيب in both contexts, though التلابيب serves as the plural form.
The Arabic word التلبيب (al-talbīb) refers to the lapel of a garment, specifically the fold of fabric on a jacket, coat, or formal wear that covers the upper chest area. This term is essential for anyone interested in Arabic fashion terminology or classical Arabic literature, where it appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
التلبيب is a masculine noun (اسم) derived from the root ل-ب-ب (l-b-b), which relates to concepts of binding or attaching. The word is typically used in its singular form التلبيب, with the plural form being التلاابيب (al-talābīb). In Arabic grammar, it functions as a direct object when used in physical contexts, as seen in phrases like "أمسك بالتلبيب" (grabbed by the lapel).
In contemporary Arabic, التلبيب is widely used in fashion design and tailoring contexts. When discussing garment construction, Arabic speakers refer to the lapel's width (عرض التلبيب), style (نمط التلبيب), and design elements. Fashion terminology in Arabic often employs this word when describing suit jackets, blazers, and formal wear. The lapel's design can vary from narrow (ضيق) to wide (واسع), each carrying different style connotations.
Beyond its literal meaning, التلبيب carries cultural weight in Arabic literature and cinema. The act of seizing someone by the lapel—"أمسك بالتلبيب"—is a powerful gesture in Arabic culture, often representing confrontation, emotional intensity, or intimate negotiation. This phrase appears frequently in classical Arabic poetry, modern novels, and contemporary films as a symbol of human drama and conflict.
Understanding التلبيب requires familiarity with related Arabic clothing terms. The المعطف (coat or jacket) is the primary garment featuring a lapel, while البدلة (suit) typically includes lapels on its jacket component. Additional related terms include الكم (sleeve), الزر (button), and الخياطة (tailoring), all of which interact with the lapel in garment design.
For English speakers learning Arabic, التلبيب serves as a practical vocabulary word useful in fashion contexts, shopping, and literature comprehension. When reading classical or contemporary Arabic texts, this word frequently appears in descriptions of characters' appearances or in dramatic scenes involving physical confrontation. Understanding both its literal and metaphorical uses enriches comprehension of Arabic cultural nuances.
While التلبيب is understood across Arabic-speaking regions, some dialects may employ alternative or additional terms for lapel-related concepts. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA/Fusha) maintains consistency in using التلبيب across formal contexts, making it essential for learners pursuing advanced Arabic proficiency.