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Zebra
العتابيّ (al-'itābī) is an Arabic word meaning zebra, referring to the striped African equine animal. This term is used in modern standard Arabic and various dialects to identify this distinctive wild horse species. The word may also be used metaphorically or in comparative contexts to describe something with striped or alternating patterns.
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شاهدنا قطيعاً من العتابيّ في حديقة الحيوانات.
Shahidnā qatīʿan min al-ʿitābī fī hadīqat al-ḥayawānāt.
We saw a herd of zebras in the zoo.
تتميز العتابيّ برقوقها السوداء والبيضاء المميزة.
Tatammayz al-ʿitābī bi-ruqūqihā al-sawdāʾ wa-al-bayḍāʾ al-mumayyiza.
Zebras are distinguished by their distinctive black and white stripes.
تعيش العتابيّ في السافانا الأفريقية بأعداد كبيرة.
Taʿīsh al-ʿitābī fī al-sāfānā al-ʾafrīqiyya bi-ʾaʿdād kabīra.
Zebras live in African savannas in large numbers.
الحمار الوحشي والعتابيّ من أقارب الخيل.
Al-ḥimār al-waḥshī wa-al-ʿitābī min ʾaqārib al-khayl.
The wild donkey and zebra are relatives of horses.
يمكن للعتابيّ أن تركض بسرعة تصل إلى 65 كيلومتر في الساعة.
Yumkin li-al-ʿitābī ʾan tarkuḍ bi-surʿa taṣil ʾilā 65 kīlūmitr fī al-sāʿa.
Zebras can run at speeds reaching 65 kilometers per hour.
While zebras are native to Africa and not traditionally part of Arabic-speaking regions' native fauna, the word العتابيّ reflects modern Arabic's capacity to incorporate and name animals from around the world. In contemporary Arabic media, literature, and educational contexts, this word is commonly used when discussing African wildlife, nature documentaries, and zoological education. The term carries exotic and wild connotations, often used to illustrate concepts of natural beauty and untamed nature.
When using العتابيّ, remember it is a masculine noun in Arabic and typically appears with the definite article 'al-' (ال). The word is primarily used in modern standard Arabic and contemporary contexts rather than classical texts. When discussing zebras in groups, use the collective noun 'قطيع' (qatīʿ) meaning 'herd,' making phrases like 'قطيع من العتابيّ' (a herd of zebras) very natural and commonly used.
العتابيّ (al-ʿitābī) is the Arabic word for zebra, one of Africa's most iconic striped equines. The term is used in modern standard Arabic and contemporary dialects across the Arab world to refer to this distinctive wild horse species. Understanding this word opens doors to discussing African wildlife, nature, and zoology in Arabic.
The word العتابيّ is primarily used in modern Arabic contexts rather than classical texts, reflecting how the language has evolved to incorporate knowledge of world fauna. It is a masculine singular noun that typically carries the definite article 'al-' (ال) when used in general reference. The word structure follows standard Arabic noun patterns and can be modified with adjectives to describe specific characteristics or contexts.
The pronunciation is: al-ʿitābī (العتابيّ)
When discussing zebras in Arabic, you might use phrases such as:
The word is frequently encountered in educational materials, nature documentaries, travel descriptions, and wildlife discussions. In informal conversation, Arabs might reference zebras when discussing African safaris, zoo visits, or nature programs.
Understanding العتابيّ connects naturally to related animal vocabulary:
While zebras are native to African continent and not found naturally in Arabic-speaking regions, the term العتابيّ represents modern Arabic's ability to incorporate global fauna into its vocabulary. The word is particularly relevant in contemporary contexts such as international wildlife conservation discussions, educational curricula about African biodiversity, and travel narratives about safari experiences.
Arab zoologists, wildlife educators, and nature enthusiasts regularly use this term when discussing African ecosystems and animal diversity. The characteristic black and white stripes make zebras instantly recognizable, and the Arabic word العتابيّ has become the standard term across modern Arab media and educational institutions.
As a masculine singular noun, العتابيّ follows standard Arabic grammatical rules:
When used with plural verbs or references, Arabic speakers often use the collective noun form or add numerical quantifiers like "قطيع" (herd) or "مجموعة" (group).
To effectively use العتابيّ in conversation, remember that it typically appears with the definite article. Practice using it with common adjectives like جميل (beautiful), برّي (wild), or أفريقي (African). Engaging with animal-related vocabulary through documentaries or zoo-related conversations provides practical context for this word and related terms.