#15
الجيب (al-jayb) is a masculine noun meaning 'pocket,' referring to the small pouch sewn into clothing for carrying personal items. It's commonly used in everyday Arabic to describe pockets on shirts, pants, jackets, and other garments. The word can also be used metaphorically in certain contexts.
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وضعت مفاتيحي في جيب بنطالي.
Waḍa'tu mafātīḥī fī jayb banṭālī.
I put my keys in my pants pocket.
هل لديك نقود في جيبك؟
Hal ladayka nuqūd fī jaybak?
Do you have money in your pocket?
الجيب الأيسر من القميص تمزق.
Al-jayb al-ayssar min al-qamīṣ tamazraq.
The left pocket of the shirt tore.
أخرجت هاتفي من جيبي.
Akhrajtu hātifī min jaybī.
I took my phone out of my pocket.
هذا المعطف له جيوب عميقة جداً.
Hādhā al-mua'ṭaf lahu juyūb 'amīqah jiddan.
This coat has very deep pockets.
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In Arab culture, the concept of pockets has practical and social significance, particularly regarding where valuable items are kept for security. The phrase "في جيبي" (in my pocket) can sometimes be used figuratively to mean something is within one's possession or control. In traditional or conservative settings, discussions about pockets might relate to what items are culturally appropriate to carry.
Remember that جيب is masculine (al-jayb), so adjectives and articles must agree in gender. The plural form is جيوب (juyūb). When describing which pocket, use directional words like الأيمن (right) or الأيسر (left). This word is commonly used in daily conversation and appears frequently in clothing descriptions.
الجيب (al-jayb) is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates to "pocket" in English. This masculine noun refers to the small pouches sewn into clothing designed to hold personal items such as keys, money, phone, or handkerchiefs. It's an everyday word that every Arabic learner should know, as it appears frequently in casual conversations about clothing and personal belongings.
As a masculine noun, الجيب follows standard Arabic grammar rules:
When used with adjectives or descriptive phrases, all modifiers must agree in gender and number. For example:
الجيب appears in various everyday situations:
Describing Clothing: Arabic speakers frequently describe garments by their pockets. You might hear "هذا السترة لها جيوب" (This jacket has pockets) or "هذا الفستان بدون جيوب" (This dress has no pockets).
Indicating Location: When explaining where something is kept, speakers use جيب: "تركت مفاتيحي في الجيب" (I left my keys in the pocket).
Discussing Size and Depth: Pockets are often described by their characteristics - "جيب عميق" (deep pocket), "جيب ضيق" (tight pocket), or "جيب واسع" (wide pocket).
Understanding جيب becomes easier when you know related clothing and storage words:
In Arab culture, the practical function of pockets has social implications. The security of personal belongings is important in daily life, and discussions about pockets often relate to keeping valuables safe. Additionally, in more traditional or conservative contexts, what items someone carries in their pockets can carry cultural significance.
Interestingly, the phrase "في جيبي" (in my pocket) can be used figuratively to indicate possession or control over something, similar to English expressions like "it's in the bag."
الجيب is pronounced as "al-jayb" with emphasis on a clear pronunciation of the ج (j) sound, which is like the 'j' in "jump." The vowel sounds are important: al-JAYb, not al-JEEb or al-JOB.
To master this word, practice using it in context with clothing vocabulary. Try describing different garments and whether they have pockets and what type. Learn the directional words (يمين/يسار - right/left) to describe specific pockets. Remember that جيب is masculine, which affects how you describe it with adjectives and articles.
الجيب is an essential vocabulary word for anyone learning Arabic, as it's used regularly in everyday conversations about clothing and personal items. Its straightforward meaning and common usage make it an easy word to incorporate into your Arabic vocabulary. With its clear pronunciation and practical application, mastering this word will help you describe clothing and discuss where personal items are kept in natural, conversational Arabic.