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ibn al-ʿamm
cousin (male)
#15
ابن العم (ibn al-ʿamm) is a masculine noun phrase meaning 'male cousin' (specifically a paternal cousin, the son of one's father's brother). This is a compound word made up of ابن (ibn, 'son of') and العم (al-ʿamm, 'the uncle'). It is commonly used in Arabic-speaking cultures to refer to male cousins and is an important kinship term in family relationships.
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ابن عمي يسكن بجانبنا في نفس الحي.
Ibnu ʿammi yaskunun bijaniibinaa fi nafs al-hayy.
My (paternal) cousin lives next to us in the same neighborhood.
ذهبت إلى حفل عيد ميلاد ابن العم الأسبوع الماضي.
Dhahabt ilaa hafl ʿīd mīlād ibni al-ʿamm al-usbuʿ al-maadi.
I went to my cousin's birthday party last week.
ابن عمي الأكبر تخرج من الجامعة هذا العام.
Ibnu ʿammi al-akbar takharraja min al-jāmiʿah hādhā al-ʿām.
My older cousin graduated from university this year.
هل تعرف ابن عمك أحمد؟
Hal taʿrifu ibna ʿammika Aḥmad?
Do you know your cousin Ahmed?
ابن العم هو أقرب الأقارب في الأسرة العربية.
Ibnu al-ʿamm huwa aqrab al-aqārib fi al-usrah al-ʿarabiyyah.
The male cousin is among the closest relatives in the Arab family.
In Arab culture, cousins hold a special position in family structures, and paternal cousins (ابن العم) are traditionally considered particularly close relatives. The extended family system in Arabic societies means cousins often grow up together and maintain lifelong bonds. Historically, in some Arab communities, marriages between paternal cousins have been culturally significant, though this practice varies across different regions and has become less common in modern times.
Remember that ابن العم specifically refers to a paternal cousin (the son of your father's brother). If you want to refer to a maternal cousin (son of your mother's brother), use ابن الخال instead. The word is commonly used in both formal and casual contexts. When using possessive forms, the word changes: ابن عمي (my cousin), ابن عمك (your cousin), ابن عمه (his cousin), etc.
ابن العم (ibn al-ʿamm) is an Arabic noun phrase that literally translates to "son of the uncle." It specifically refers to a male cousin on the paternal side—that is, the son of your father's brother. This compound word combines ابن (ibn), meaning "son of," with العم (al-ʿamm), meaning "the uncle" (specifically a paternal uncle).
The phrase ابن العم is a construct noun (إضافة/iḍāfah) in Arabic, where the first noun (ابن) is in a dependent relationship with the second noun (العم). When used with possessive pronouns, the structure changes:
In Arab culture, the extended family system plays a central role in society, and cousins hold an especially important position. Paternal cousins are traditionally considered among the closest relatives after immediate family members. The concept of family honor and loyalty extends strongly to cousins, and they often serve as trusted confidants and supporters throughout life.
Historically, marriages between paternal cousins have been documented in Arab societies, though this practice has become increasingly less common in modern urban areas due to globalization and changing social values. However, the cultural closeness between paternal cousins remains significant across most Arab communities.
It is crucial to distinguish ابن العم from other cousin-related terms in Arabic:
The distinction between paternal and maternal cousins is important in Arabic and reflects the cultural emphasis on the father's side of the family in traditional Arab society.
The term ابن العم is used in both formal and informal contexts. Families use it regularly when discussing relatives, making plans, or introducing family members. It appears in official documents, genealogical records, and formal announcements. In casual conversation, Arabs might also use diminutive or affectionate variations when referring to beloved cousins.
Understanding ابن العم becomes easier when learned alongside other family vocabulary:
When learning ابن العم, remember that it is a compound noun that follows specific rules for possessive pronouns. Practice using the different possessive forms in context to solidify your understanding. Additionally, learn it alongside bنت العم (female cousin) to fully grasp the gender distinctions in Arabic kinship terminology.
Mastering this term opens doors to understanding the broader family structure in Arabic-speaking societies and helps learners engage more meaningfully with native speakers about their families and personal relationships.