Loading...
Third
الثلث (al-thulth) is an Arabic noun meaning 'one-third' or 'third,' referring to one of three equal parts of a whole. It is commonly used in mathematical contexts, religious discussions (particularly in Islamic inheritance law), and everyday situations involving division or fractions. The word can function both as a standalone noun and in compound expressions.
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.
ثلث الطلاب نجحوا في الامتحان.
Thulth al-tullab najahu fi al-imtihan.
One-third of the students passed the exam.
أكلت ثلث الكعكة فقط.
Akalt thulth al-ka'kah faqat.
I ate only one-third of the cake.
يجب أن تشرب ثلث لتر من الماء يومياً.
Yajib an tashrab thulth liter min al-ma'.
You should drink one-third of a liter of water daily.
في الشريعة الإسلامية، الثلث حد أقصى للوصية.
Fi al-shariah al-Islamiyyah, al-thulth hadd aqsa li-al-wasiyyah.
In Islamic law, one-third is the maximum limit for a bequest.
استغرقت الرحلة ثلث ساعة تقريباً.
Istaghraqa al-rihlah thulth sa'ah taqriban.
The trip took approximately one-third of an hour.
The concept of الثلث holds particular significance in Islamic law, where it frequently appears in discussions of inheritance (mirath) and bequests (wasiyyah). Islamic scholars established that a person can bequeath no more than one-third of their estate, with the remaining two-thirds reserved for heirs according to Islamic inheritance rules. This legal principle has been practiced for over 1,400 years and remains fundamental in Muslim-majority countries' legal systems.
Remember that الثلث is masculine in gender (al-thulth) and takes the definite article 'al-' when used as 'the third.' When expressing fractions mathematically, Arabic speakers often use the construct form: 'ثلث الكمية' (thulth al-kammiyyah) meaning 'one-third of the quantity.' Be careful not to confuse الثلث (one-third) with ثلاثة (three) or الثالث (the third/third in order), as these have different meanings and uses.
The Arabic word الثلث (al-thulth) is a fundamental noun that means "one-third" or "third," referring to one of three equal parts that make up a whole. This word is essential for anyone learning Arabic, as it appears frequently in mathematics, everyday conversations, religious contexts, and legal discussions.
الثلث is a masculine noun derived from the root ث-ل-ث (th-l-th), which relates to the number three. The word takes the definite article "al-" (ال) when used as "the third," and can be used in both singular and plural forms depending on context. When expressing fractions, it typically appears in construct form (إضافة - idhafah), such as "ثلث الكمية" (one-third of the quantity), where it connects to another noun to specify what is being divided.
In everyday Arabic, الثلث is used to describe fractional quantities. For example, "ثلث لتر من الحليب" means "one-third of a liter of milk." In mathematical contexts, it's essential for discussing ratios, proportions, and divisions. Students and professionals in Arabic-speaking countries use this word regularly when discussing measurements, statistics, and calculations. The word is particularly important in scientific and technical fields where precise measurements are necessary.
One of the most important contexts where الثلث appears is in Islamic law and inheritance. The Quran and Hadith establish specific rules about wills and bequests, and الثلث plays a central role in these discussions. According to Islamic jurisprudence, a person may bequeath no more than one-third of their estate to someone other than their designated heirs. This principle, known as "وصية الثلث" (wasiyyat al-thulth), is foundational in Islamic estate planning and has been practiced for centuries.
In Islamic tradition, the night is also divided into sections, and "ثلث الليل الأخير" (the last third of the night) holds special spiritual significance as it is considered an excellent time for voluntary prayers and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Understanding الثلث becomes easier when you learn related fractional terms. The word الثلثان (al-thulthaan) means "two-thirds," while الربع (al-rub') means "quarter." Other important fraction-related words include النصف (an-nisf, the half) and الكسر (al-kasr, fraction). Mastering these terms together helps create a comprehensive understanding of how fractions are discussed in Arabic.
Several common phrases use الثلث in everyday and formal contexts:
In Arabic-speaking cultures, understanding fractions like الثلث is not merely academic—it has practical applications in commerce, inheritance matters, and religious observance. When conducting business transactions, discussing property division, or understanding Islamic legal matters, knowing how to use الثلث correctly demonstrates cultural literacy and respect for Islamic principles.
To master الثلث, practice using it in construct phrases (with other nouns) rather than in isolation. Pay attention to gender agreement—while الثلث itself is masculine, it must agree with the noun it modifies. Create sentences using different contexts: mathematical ("ثلث الرقم"), temporal ("ثلث الساعة"), and legal ("ثلث التركة"). Regular practice with native speakers or language resources will help solidify your understanding of this fundamental Arabic word and its various applications.