Tag
البطاقة (al-bitāqa) is a feminine noun meaning 'card' or 'tag' in Arabic. It refers to a flat piece of material, typically paper or plastic, used for identification, information, or labeling purposes. This word is commonly used in modern Arabic across the Middle East and North Africa.
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أعطاني الفندق بطاقة الدخول.
A'ṭānī al-funduq bitāqat ad-dukhūl.
The hotel gave me an entry card.
هذه بطاقة عيد الميلاد جميلة جداً.
Hadhihi bitāqat 'īd al-milād jamīlah jiddan.
This birthday card is very beautiful.
تحتاج إلى بطاقة هوية للسفر.
Taḥtāj ilā bitāqat huwiyyah li-s-safar.
You need an ID card for travel.
وضعت البطاقة على الطاولة.
Waḍa'at al-bitāqa 'alā aṭ-ṭāwilah.
She placed the card on the table.
بطاقة الائتمان الخاصة بي منتهية الصلاحية.
Bitāqat al-i'timān al-khāssah bī muntahiyyah aṣ-ṣalāḥiyyah.
My credit card has expired.
The word البطاقة is widely used in modern Arab society, from identification cards to credit cards and greeting cards. In many Arabic-speaking countries, the national identity card (بطاقة الهوية) is an essential document for daily transactions and official matters. The word has adapted well to modern commerce and digital contexts.
Remember that البطاقة is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., 'البطاقة الجديدة' for 'the new card'). When referring to multiple cards, use the plural form البطاقات. This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, making it essential vocabulary for learners.
البطاقة (al-bitāqa) is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates to 'card' or 'tag' in English. This feminine noun refers to a flat, typically rectangular piece of material—usually paper or plastic—that serves various purposes in modern society. The word has become increasingly important in contemporary Arabic due to the prevalence of identification documents, banking cards, and digital access systems.
البطاقة is derived from the root ب-ط-ق, which relates to the concept of something flat and thin. As a feminine noun in Arabic, it requires feminine agreement patterns with adjectives and verbs. The plural form is البطاقات (al-bitāqāt), following the regular feminine plural pattern in Modern Standard Arabic.
In everyday Arabic usage, البطاقة appears in numerous contexts:
Identification Documents: بطاقة الهوية (identity card) is perhaps the most commonly referenced form, essential for legal and administrative purposes throughout the Arab world.
Financial Cards: بطاقة الائتمان (credit card) and بطاقة الخصم (debit card) are standard vocabulary in banking and commercial contexts.
Access and Entry: بطاقة الدخول (entry card or access card) is used in hotels, offices, and secure facilities.
Greeting Cards: بطاقة تهنئة (greeting card) and بطاقة عيد الميلاد (birthday card) are used in social contexts.
As a feminine noun, البطاقة requires feminine grammatical agreement. For example:
When used with numerals, standard feminine agreement rules apply, and the dual form is البطاقتان (al-bitāqatān).
With the advancement of technology and globalization, the term البطاقة has seamlessly integrated into Arabic discussions about modern banking, digital identification, and access systems. While some Arabic speakers may use the English loanword 'كرت' (kart), البطاقة remains the more formal and widely accepted standard term across all Arab countries.
In Arab culture, certain cards hold significant importance. The national identity card (بطاقة الهوية) is not merely a document but a symbol of citizenship and is required for numerous daily transactions. Similarly, greeting cards (بطاقات التهاني) are an important part of social customs, particularly for celebrations and condolences.
When learning البطاقة, practice it alongside related vocabulary such as الهوية (identity), الائتمان (credit), and الدخول (entry). Pay attention to the feminine gender marking, as this is crucial for correct Arabic usage. Familiarize yourself with common collocations like 'بطاقة + type' to build practical vocabulary for real-world communication.