الولادة
Accouchement
Difficulty Level
Description
الولادة (al-wilādah) is a feminine noun meaning 'birth' or 'childbirth' in Arabic. It refers to the process of giving birth or the act of a child being born. This word is commonly used in medical, legal, and everyday contexts when discussing pregnancy outcomes and newborns.
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Example Sentences
تمت الولادة بنجاح في المستشفى.
Tammat al-wilādah bi-najāḥ fī al-mustashfā.
The birth was successful at the hospital.
كانت الولادة صعبة وطويلة.
Kānat al-wilādah ṣa'bah wa-ṭawīlah.
The childbirth was difficult and long.
توقع الولادة في الشهر القادم.
Tawaqqa' al-wilādah fī al-shahri al-qādim.
The birth is expected next month.
بعد الولادة مباشرة، أخذ الطبيب الطفل للفحص.
Ba'da al-wilādah mubāsharatan, akhidha al-ṭabīb al-ṭifl li-al-faḥṣ.
Immediately after birth, the doctor took the baby for examination.
شهادة الولادة وثيقة رسمية مهمة جداً.
Shahādat al-wilādah wathīqah rasmiyyah muhimmah jiddan.
A birth certificate is a very important official document.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Cultural Notes
In Arab culture, childbirth is a significant life event celebrated within families and communities. The birth of a child, particularly a son in some traditional contexts, is often marked with special gatherings and celebrations. Islamic traditions include specific practices surrounding birth, such as the Adhān (call to prayer) being recited in the newborn's ear and formal naming ceremonies held days after birth.
Usage Tips
Remember that الولادة is a feminine noun (indicated by the ة at the end), so it takes feminine adjectives and verb forms. Use it with the definite article 'ال' (al-) when referring to a specific birth (الولادة = 'the birth'), or without it for general references (ولادة = 'a birth'). It's commonly paired with adjectives like 'طبيعية' (natural) or 'قيصرية' (caesarean) to describe the type of birth.
الولادة (Al-Wilādah): The Arabic Word for Birth
Definition and Meaning
الولادة (al-wilādah) is a fundamental Arabic noun that means 'birth' or 'childbirth.' The word comes from the root و-ل-د (W-L-D), which relates to bearing children, offspring, and procreation. This feminine noun (indicated by the final ة) is widely used in medical, legal, administrative, and everyday conversation throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
Grammar and Structure
As a feminine noun, الولادة follows standard feminine patterns in Arabic grammar. When used with the definite article, it becomes 'الولادة' (al-wilādah = 'the birth'). In plural form, it becomes 'الولادات' (al-wilādāt). The word commonly takes feminine adjectives and agrees with feminine verb forms. For example: 'الولادة الطبيعية' (al-wilādah al-ṭabī'iyyah) means 'natural birth,' where 'طبيعية' (natural) agrees with the feminine noun.
Usage in Daily Life
الولادة is used frequently in medical settings, hospital contexts, and family discussions. Expecting mothers and their families use this word when discussing pregnancy outcomes and due dates. Doctors and midwives use it professionally when explaining birth procedures and options. The word also appears in important documents such as birth certificates ('شهادة الولادة'), where it serves as a legal term.
Related Terminology
Understanding الولادة requires familiarity with related terms. 'المخاض' (al-mikhāḍ) refers to the labor process preceding birth. 'المولود' (al-mawlūd) means 'newborn' or 'baby,' literally 'the one who has been born.' 'الحمل' (al-ḥaml) means 'pregnancy,' the period preceding birth. 'الأم' (al-umm) means 'mother,' the person giving birth. These terms frequently appear together in medical and family contexts.
Types of Birth
Arabic distinguishes between different types of birth. The most common distinction is between 'الولادة الطبيعية' (natural childbirth) and 'الولادة القيصرية' (caesarean section). Medical professionals may also reference 'الولادة المبكرة' (premature birth) or 'الولادة المتأخرة' (late birth), depending on the gestational timeline.
Cultural Significance
In Arab and Islamic cultures, birth holds deep significance. Islamic tradition prescribes specific practices surrounding birth, including the recitation of the Adhān (call to prayer) in the newborn's ear immediately after birth. Seven days after birth, a naming ceremony called 'العقيقة' (al-'aqīqah) may be held, where the child receives their official name. Birth announcements and celebrations strengthen family and community bonds.
Common Phrases and Expressions
The phrase 'شهادة الولادة' (birth certificate) is particularly important in administrative and legal contexts. Asking about someone's 'يوم الولادة' (birthday) is common in social interactions. Medical professionals frequently discuss 'تاريخ الولادة المتوقع' (expected date of birth or due date) during prenatal care.
Learning Tips for English Speakers
English speakers learning Arabic should remember that الولادة is always feminine, which affects all modifying words and verbs used with it. Practice using it in sentences about healthcare and family planning. Notice how Arabic healthcare terminology builds around this core word, helping you expand medical vocabulary comprehensively.