القنبلة النووية
A-bomb
Difficulty Level
Description
القنبلة النووية (al-qunbula al-nawawiyya) is the Arabic term for 'nuclear bomb' or 'atomic bomb' (A-bomb). This compound phrase combines القنبلة (bomb) with النووية (nuclear), and is used in modern standard Arabic to discuss nuclear weapons, military technology, historical events like Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and international security topics.
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Example Sentences
أُلقيت القنبلة النووية الأولى على مدينة هيروشيما اليابانية في عام 1945.
ulqiyat al-qunbula al-nawawiyya al-ūlā 'alā madīnat hīrūshīmā al-yābāniyya fī 'ām 1945.
The first atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945.
تعمل الدول الكبرى على منع انتشار القنابل النووية في العالم.
ta'mal al-duwal al-kubrā 'alā man' intishār al-qanābil al-nawawiyya fī al-'ālam.
Major powers are working to prevent the proliferation of nuclear bombs in the world.
القنبلة النووية سلاح مدمر يهدد البشرية جمعاء.
al-qunbula al-nawawiyya silāḥ mudammir yuhadid al-bashariyya jam'ā'.
The nuclear bomb is a destructive weapon that threatens all of humanity.
يخشى العالم من وقوع القنابل النووية في أيدي الإرهابيين.
yakhshā al-'ālam min wuqū' al-qanābil al-nawawiyya fī aydī al-irhābiyyīn.
The world fears nuclear bombs falling into the hands of terrorists.
أدت تجارب القنابل النووية إلى تلوث بيئي خطير في بعض المناطق.
addat tajārib al-qanābil al-nawawiyya ilā talawwuth bī'ī khaṭīr fī ba'ḍ al-manāṭiq.
Nuclear bomb tests led to serious environmental pollution in some areas.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
Cultural Notes
The term القنبلة النووية carries heavy historical and political weight in Arabic-speaking media and discourse, particularly in discussions about Middle Eastern security, the Israeli nuclear program, and international relations. Arabic news outlets frequently use this term when covering nuclear proliferation treaties, UN resolutions, and regional security concerns. The phrase is also commonly heard in educational contexts when teaching about World War II and the Cold War era.
Usage Tips
When using القنبلة النووية, remember that both words require the definite article (ال) when referring to nuclear bombs in general or specific historical bombs. The plural form is القنابل النووية (al-qanābil al-nawawiyya). This is a formal, Modern Standard Arabic term used primarily in news, academic, and political contexts rather than everyday conversation. Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of النووية with its double 'waw' sound.
Understanding القنبلة النووية (Al-Qunbula Al-Nawawiyya)
The Arabic phrase القنبلة النووية (al-qunbula al-nawawiyya) translates directly to "nuclear bomb" or "atomic bomb" in English, commonly abbreviated as "A-bomb" in historical contexts. This compound term is essential vocabulary for anyone following Arabic news media, studying modern history in Arabic, or engaging with political discourse in the Arab world.
Breaking Down the Components
The phrase consists of two key elements. First, القنبلة (al-qunbula) means "the bomb" and comes from the root ق-ن-ب-ل, which relates to explosive projectiles. The word has been used in Arabic military terminology for centuries, though its application to modern weaponry is relatively recent. Second, النووية (al-nawawiyya) is the feminine form of the adjective "nuclear," derived from نواة (nawāh), meaning "nucleus" or "core." Together, these words create a technical term that has become standard across Arabic-speaking countries.
Historical and Political Context
The term القنبلة النووية gained prominence in Arabic media following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Since then, it has been central to discussions about international security, arms control, and Middle Eastern politics. Arabic news sources regularly use this term when reporting on topics such as Iran's nuclear program, North Korea's weapons development, and international non-proliferation treaties. The phrase carries significant emotional weight, evoking concerns about regional security and global peace.
Grammar and Usage Patterns
In Arabic grammar, القنبلة النووية demonstrates the idafa (إضافة) construction modified by an adjective. The word قنبلة is feminine, which is why the adjective نووية takes the feminine form. When used in sentences, this phrase typically functions as a subject or object. The plural form, القنابل النووية (al-qanābil al-nawawiyya), is equally common when discussing nuclear arsenals or multiple weapons.
Related Vocabulary and Expressions
Learning القنبلة النووية opens the door to understanding a broader vocabulary network. Related terms include الإشعاع النووي (nuclear radiation), الانشطار النووي (nuclear fission), and المفاعل النووي (nuclear reactor). In media discourse, you'll often encounter phrases like تجربة نووية (nuclear test) and انفجار نووي (nuclear explosion). Understanding these connections helps learners grasp complex news articles and political commentary.
Modern Usage in Arabic Media
Contemporary Arabic journalism employs القنبلة النووية frequently, particularly in Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, and other major outlets. The term appears in headlines, analysis pieces, and documentary content. When Arab leaders discuss nuclear non-proliferation or when international summits address weapons reduction, this phrase becomes central to the conversation. It's also common in educational materials teaching about World War II history and Cold War dynamics.
Pronunciation Tips for English Speakers
Pronouncing القنبلة النووية correctly requires attention to several challenging sounds. The قاف (qāf) at the beginning produces a deep guttural sound from the back of the throat. The double واو (wāw) in نووية creates an extended "oo" sound: na-wa-wee-ya. Practice breaking the phrase into syllables: al-qun-bu-la al-na-wa-wee-ya. Native speakers often link these words smoothly in continuous speech, so listening to news broadcasts can help develop natural pronunciation patterns.