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Abhorrible
كريه (karīh) is an adjective meaning 'abhorrent,' 'detestable,' or 'disgusting.' It describes something deeply unpleasant, offensive, or morally repugnant that provokes strong negative reactions. The word is commonly used to express disgust toward actions, behaviors, smells, or situations.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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رائحة كريهة تنبعث من الحمام.
Rā'iḥa karīha tanba'ath min al-ḥammām.
A disgusting smell emanates from the bathroom.
هذا السلوك كريه جداً ولا يقبله أي شخص محترم.
Hādhā as-sulūk karīh jiddan wa-lā yaqbaluh ayy shakhṣ muḥtaram.
This behavior is absolutely abhorrent and no respectful person would accept it.
طعم كريه في الفم بعد شرب هذا الدواء.
Ta'am karīh fī al-fam ba'da sharb hādhā ad-dawā'.
A disgusting taste in the mouth after drinking this medicine.
كان لديه رأي كريه عن النساء.
Kān ladayhu ra'y karīh 'an an-nisā'.
He had a detestable opinion about women.
الأفكار الكريهة يجب رفضها بشدة.
Al-afkār al-karīha yajib rafḍuhā bishidda.
Abhorrent ideas must be firmly rejected.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, كريه is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to express strong disapproval of behaviors that violate social norms or Islamic values. The word appears frequently in religious discourse when discussing morally reprehensible actions. It's also commonly used in everyday conversation to describe physically unpleasant sensations like bad smells or tastes.
كريه functions as an adjective and must agree with the noun it describes in gender and number. When describing a feminine noun, it becomes كريهة (karīha). Use this word cautiously in formal settings as it expresses strong negative judgment. It can describe physical unpleasantness (smells, tastes) or moral/behavioral repugnance, so context determines the intensity of disapproval.
The Arabic word كريه (pronounced karīh) is an adjective that translates to 'abhorrent,' 'disgusting,' 'detestable,' or 'repulsive' in English. It's one of the most common words used to express strong negative feelings about something—whether that something is physically unpleasant or morally reprehensible.
كريه describes anything that provokes a visceral negative reaction. It can refer to:
The intensity of the word makes it suitable for expressing serious condemnation, though it remains appropriate for everyday conversation.
كريه is an adjective that must agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number:
Example: "رائحة كريهة" (rā'iḥa karīha) - 'a disgusting smell' uses the feminine form because رائحة (smell) is feminine.
The word comes from the Arabic root ك-ر-ه (k-r-h), which carries the sense of hatred and rejection:
Understanding this root helps learners see how related Arabic words connect conceptually.
While كريه is the most direct translation of 'abhorrent,' several synonyms provide nuanced alternatives:
Each word carries slightly different connotations, making them useful for varied contexts.
The opposite of كريه would include:
Learners should familiarize themselves with these common collocations:
In Arabic-speaking cultures, كريه is deeply woven into both everyday and formal discourse. The word frequently appears in religious contexts when scholars or preachers discuss morally reprehensible actions that violate Islamic principles. In literature and media, it's used to convey strong artistic disapproval or to create vivid descriptions of unpleasant situations.
The frequency of this word in Arabic suggests that expressing strong disapproval is an important communicative function in Arabic culture. When an Arab speaker uses كريه, they are making a significant value judgment, so listeners understand the speaker feels deeply negative about the subject.
Remember gender agreement: Don't forget to adjust the ending when describing feminine nouns. This is crucial for sounding natural.
Use contextually: While appropriate in most situations, be mindful that using كريه to describe a person's behavior (as opposed to their character) is typically acceptable, though describing a person themselves as كريه would be considered quite harsh.
Intensity matters: Recognize that this word carries significant negative weight. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'not good' (ليس جيد).
Combine with prepositions: You'll often see كريه used with prepositions like في (in), مثل (like), or عن (about) to specify what exactly is abhorrent.
كريه is an essential vocabulary word for any Arabic learner because it allows you to express strong negative reactions and moral judgments—both crucial communicative functions. By understanding its meaning, agreeing it correctly with nouns, and learning its common collocations, you'll significantly enhance your ability to discuss disapproval and disgust in Arabic.