Loading...
Alcohols
الكحول (al-kuḥūl) is the Arabic word for 'alcohol' or 'alcohols,' referring to both the chemical compounds and alcoholic beverages. It is a noun used in both scientific and everyday contexts, including chemistry, medicine, and social discussions. The term carries cultural and religious significance in Islamic societies where alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11 — completely free
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
الكحول مادة خطيرة إذا تم تناولها بكميات كبيرة.
Al-kuḥūl mādda khāṭira idhā tamma tanāwuluhā bi-kammiyyāt kabīra.
Alcohol is a dangerous substance if consumed in large quantities.
يستخدم الكحول في تطهير الجروح والعمليات الجراحية.
Yastakhdim al-kuḥūl fī taṭhīr al-jurūḥ wa-al-amaliyyāt al-jirāḥiyya.
Alcohol is used in cleaning wounds and surgical operations.
تحظر الشريعة الإسلامية تناول الكحول بأي كمية.
Taḥẓur al-sharī'a al-islāmiyya tanāwul al-kuḥūl bi-ayy kammiyya.
Islamic law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any amount.
يجب غسل اليدين بالكحول قبل العملية الطبية.
Yajib ghassil al-yadayn bi-al-kuḥūl qabl al-amaliyya al-ṭibbiyya.
Hands must be washed with alcohol before a medical procedure.
الكحولات المختلفة لها استخدامات متعددة في الصناعة.
Al-kuḥūlāt al-mukhtalifa lahā istikhidāmāt muta'addida fī al-ṣinā'a.
Different alcohols have multiple uses in industry.
In Islamic culture, the consumption of alcohol (الكحول) is strictly forbidden (haram) according to religious teachings found in the Quran and Hadith. However, the term is commonly used in medical, scientific, and pharmaceutical contexts without religious prohibition, as it refers to the chemical compound itself. Understanding this distinction is important when discussing the word in different social and professional settings within Arabic-speaking communities.
When using الكحول in an Arabic-speaking context, be mindful of the distinction between discussing alcohol as a chemical/pharmaceutical substance versus as a beverage. In medical or scientific discussions, the term is neutral and widely accepted. In social or religious contexts, be aware of cultural sensitivities regarding alcohol consumption. The plural form الكحولات (alcohols) is used when referring to multiple types or classes of alcohols in chemistry.
الكحول (al-kuḥūl) is the Arabic word for "alcohol," derived from the ancient Greek term "alkohol." This word refers to a broad category of organic compounds containing hydroxyl groups (-OH) bonded to carbon atoms. In everyday usage, it typically refers to ethanol, the type of alcohol found in beverages and used for medical purposes.
In scientific and medical Arabic, الكحول is a neutral, technical term used extensively in chemistry, pharmacy, and healthcare settings. Medical alcohol (الكحول الطبي) is commonly used for sterilization and disinfection purposes in hospitals and clinics throughout the Arab world. Different types of alcohols are employed in various applications:
In Islamic culture, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden (حرام - harām) according to Islamic law. This prohibition is based on Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions. However, this religious restriction applies specifically to drinking alcoholic beverages for intoxication purposes, not to the chemical use of alcohol in medical or industrial contexts.
The word الخمر (khamr) is traditionally used in religious contexts to refer to alcoholic beverages that are forbidden, while الكحول is the modern scientific term. This linguistic distinction reflects the separation between the chemical compound and its consumption as a beverage.
الكحول is a masculine noun in Arabic. The plural form is الكحولات (al-kuḥūlāt), used when referring to multiple types or classes of alcohols. In sentences, it functions as a regular noun and can be modified by adjectives:
خالي من الكحول (alcohol-free) is commonly seen on product labels and is used to describe beverages and products that contain no alcohol. محتوى الكحول (alcohol content) refers to the percentage of alcohol in a beverage.
In contemporary Arabic media, healthcare, and scientific discussions, الكحول is used without controversy in medical and industrial contexts. The term appears regularly in pharmaceutical advertisements, medical textbooks, and health education materials across Arabic-speaking countries.
When learning this word, recognize that its usage depends heavily on context. In scientific or medical discussions, it is a straightforward, neutral term. In social or religious discussions, be aware of the cultural and religious dimensions of the topic. Understanding this nuance will help you communicate more effectively and respectfully within Arabic-speaking communities.
The word الكحول represents an excellent example of how modern scientific terminology has been integrated into Arabic, often borrowed from other languages and adapted to Arabic grammar and usage patterns.