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Airfare
الثّمن (ath-thaman) is an Arabic noun meaning 'price' or 'cost,' referring to the monetary value of goods or services. It is commonly used in commercial, everyday, and formal contexts to discuss how much something costs. The word can apply to any purchasable item, from basic commodities to services like transportation or accommodation.
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ما هو ثمن تذكرة الطائرة إلى باريس؟
Ma huwa thaman tadhkarat at-ta'ira ila baris?
What is the price of an airplane ticket to Paris?
الثمن غالي جداً لهذا المنتج.
Ath-thaman ghali jiddan li-hadha al-muntaj.
The price is very expensive for this product.
هل يمكنك تخفيض الثمن قليلاً؟
Hal yumkinuka takhfif ath-thaman qalilan?
Can you reduce the price a little bit?
اتفقنا على ثمن معقول للسيارة المستعملة.
Ittafaqna ala thaman ma'qul li-as-sayyara al-musta'mala.
We agreed on a reasonable price for the used car.
دفعت ثمناً باهظاً مقابل هذه الخدمة.
Dafa'tu thaman baahidhan muqabil hadhih al-khidma.
I paid a high price for this service.
In Arab cultures, discussing and negotiating prices is a common and often expected practice, particularly in traditional markets (souks) and when making significant purchases. The concept of 'ثمن' extends beyond monetary value to metaphorical contexts in literature and poetry, where it can represent the 'price' or sacrifice of achieving something valuable. Business transactions and price discussions are integral to Arab social and economic life.
Remember that 'الثمن' is typically used with singular nouns and can be preceded by demonstratives (هذا الثمن - this price) or possessives. When negotiating, you might use phrases like 'غالي الثمن' (expensive) or 'رخيص الثمن' (cheap). The word is formal enough for written communication but commonly used in everyday speech as well.
The Arabic word الثمن (ath-thaman) is a fundamental noun in everyday Arabic that translates to 'price' or 'cost' in English. This word is essential for anyone learning Arabic, as discussions about prices are among the most common interactions in daily life, from shopping at markets to negotiating business deals. The word originates from Semitic roots and has been used in Arabic for centuries in commercial and economic contexts.
الثمن is a masculine singular noun in Arabic. When used with the definite article ال (al-), it becomes 'the price.' It can be modified with adjectives such as:
For example: "الثمن غالي جداً" (ath-thaman ghali jiddan) means "The price is very expensive."
In shopping contexts, you'll hear phrases like:
In formal business contexts:
Price negotiation, or "haggling," is deeply embedded in Arab culture, especially in traditional markets known as souks. Unlike in many Western countries where prices are typically fixed, in Arab markets, the act of negotiating the price (discussing الثمن) is expected and often seen as part of the shopping experience and a way to build relationships between buyer and seller. Understanding and using the word الثمن correctly is crucial for effective communication in these settings.
While الثمن is the most common word for 'price,' related terms include:
Understanding these synonyms helps learners recognize different contexts and regional variations in Arabic.
Beyond its literal commercial meaning, الثمن appears frequently in Arabic literature, poetry, and philosophical texts, where it metaphorically represents the 'price' or 'cost' of achieving something valuable or making a sacrifice. This deeper meaning reflects the importance of the concept throughout Arab intellectual traditions.
When learning to use الثمن, remember that:
Mastering this essential vocabulary word will significantly enhance your ability to engage in everyday conversations about commerce and transactions throughout the Arab world.