Loading...
Illness
#12
المرض (al-maraḍ) is a masculine noun meaning 'illness' or 'disease' in Arabic. It refers to any physical or mental condition that affects health and well-being, ranging from minor ailments to serious medical conditions. This is one of the most commonly used medical terms in everyday Arabic conversation and healthcare contexts.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
أنا أعاني من مرض في المعدة.
Anā a'ānī min maraḍ fī al-ma'idah.
I am suffering from a stomach illness.
المرض لم يمنعه من الذهاب إلى العمل.
Al-maraḍ lam yamna'hu min al-dhahāb ilā al-'amal.
The illness did not prevent him from going to work.
الطبيب قال إن هذا المرض معدٍ جداً.
Al-ṭabīb qāl inna hādhā al-maraḍ mu'addīn jiddan.
The doctor said that this disease is very contagious.
يجب أن نبحث عن علاج لهذا المرض.
Yajib an nabḥath 'an 'ilāj li-hādhā al-maraḍ.
We must search for a treatment for this illness.
المرض النفسي أصبح أكثر انتشاراً في المجتمع.
Al-maraḍ al-nafsī aṣbaḥ akthar intishāran fī al-mujtama'.
Mental illness has become more prevalent in society.
In Arab culture, discussing one's health and illnesses is quite common in social interactions. Islamic tradition places great emphasis on seeking medical treatment, with a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad encouraging people to seek cures for their ailments. The concept of visiting sick people is considered an important social and religious duty in Arab societies.
Remember that المرض is masculine, so adjectives and verbs must agree with this gender (e.g., المرض الخطير for 'serious illness'). When describing personal illness, you can use 'عندي مرض' (I have an illness) or 'أنا مريض' (I am sick). This word is appropriate for both formal medical contexts and casual conversation.
المرض (al-maraḍ) is a fundamental Arabic noun meaning 'illness,' 'disease,' or 'sickness.' It is a masculine noun that appears frequently in medical, social, and everyday contexts throughout the Arab world. The word derives from the root م-ر-ض (m-r-ḍ), which carries meanings related to sickness, weakness, and affliction.
As a masculine noun, المرض must be paired with masculine adjectives and verbs. For example:
When used with the definite article ال, it becomes 'the illness' (al-maraḍ), and when used indefinitely, it simply means 'an illness' (maraḍ).
The word المرض is extensively used when:
Arabs frequently inquire about each other's health by asking كيف المريض؟ (kayf al-marīḍ?) meaning 'How is the sick person?' or التفاصيل عن المرض (al-tafāṣīl 'an al-maraḍ) asking for 'details about the illness.'
Understanding المرض is essential for grasping related medical vocabulary:
In Islamic tradition, seeking medical treatment for illness is highly encouraged. The concept of visiting sick individuals (عيادة المرضى - 'iyādat al-marḍā) is considered a significant religious and social obligation. Muslims are taught that patience during illness is a virtue, and the phrase "إن شاء الله" (in shā' Allāh - God willing) is commonly used when discussing recovery or treatment outcomes.
Arab societies traditionally combine modern medical approaches with traditional remedies and spiritual well-being. This holistic view of health considers physical, mental, and emotional factors when discussing المرض.
When learning to use المرض effectively:
Practical examples help reinforce understanding:
المرض is an essential vocabulary word for anyone learning Arabic, whether for healthcare communication, daily conversation, or medical Arabic studies. Its frequent use in both formal and informal contexts makes it a cornerstone word in building practical Arabic language skills. Understanding not only the literal meaning but also its cultural significance in Arab societies will enhance your overall language proficiency and cultural awareness.