Embassy
السفارة (al-sifārah) is the Arabic word for 'embassy,' referring to the official diplomatic representation of one country in another. It denotes both the building where diplomatic staff work and the institution itself. This word is commonly used in formal, diplomatic, and administrative contexts.
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ذهبت إلى السفارة الأمريكية لتجديد جوازي.
Dhahabtu ilā al-sifārah al-amrikiyyah li-tajdīd jawāzī.
I went to the American embassy to renew my passport.
تقع السفارة البريطانية في وسط العاصمة.
Taqʿ al-sifārah al-baritāniyyah fī wasaṭ al-ʿāṣimah.
The British embassy is located in the center of the capital.
عملت موظفة في السفارة لمدة خمس سنوات.
ʿAmilat muwazzafah fī al-sifārah li-muddat khams sanawāt.
She worked as an employee at the embassy for five years.
يجب أن تحصل على تأشيرة من السفارة قبل السفر.
Yajib an taḥṣal ʿalā taʾshīrah min al-sifārah qabl al-safar.
You must obtain a visa from the embassy before traveling.
أغلقت السفارة أبوابها للصيانة الدورية.
Aghlaqu al-sifārah abwābahā li-al-ṣiyānah al-dawriyyah.
The embassy closed its doors for routine maintenance.
Embassies are crucial institutions in Arab countries, serving as important points of contact for visa processing, passport services, and international diplomatic affairs. In Arabic-speaking regions, visits to embassies are formal occasions requiring proper documentation and adherence to security protocols. The embassy building itself often reflects the cultural and architectural significance of the country it represents.
Use السفارة when referring to the institutional body or the physical building representing another country. Remember that السفارة takes the feminine grammatical gender in Arabic, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., السفارة الأمريكية - the American embassy is feminine). For specific consular services, you might also hear الملحقية (consulate) used for smaller branch offices.
السفارة (al-sifārah) is the Arabic word for "embassy." It refers to the official diplomatic mission and building of one country stationed in another country's capital or major cities. The word is essential in diplomatic, administrative, and travel-related contexts in Arabic-speaking regions.
السفارة is a feminine noun in Arabic, derived from the root word سفر (safar), which relates to travel and journeys. Being feminine, it requires feminine agreement with adjectives and verbs. For example:
The plural form is السفارات (al-sifārāt), though singular is more commonly used in most contexts.
One of the most frequent uses of السفارة relates to visa applications and passport renewals. Many Arabic learners encounter this word when dealing with immigration matters:
In news and formal discussions, السفارة refers to the diplomatic institution itself:
When contacting government representatives:
Understanding السفارة is easier when you know related terms:
In Arab countries, embassies represent important symbols of international relations and sovereignty. They are typically located in secure areas of capital cities and are heavily fortified for security reasons. Visiting an embassy is a formal affair that requires appointments, proper documentation, and adherence to security protocols.
Embassies in Arab countries often maintain cultural attachés who promote the sending country's culture through language programs, cultural events, and educational exchanges. Many Arabic learners interact with embassies when applying for scholarships or student visas to study abroad.
When using السفارة in conversation:
Learn these useful phrases containing السفارة:
Mastering the word السفارة and its related vocabulary will significantly enhance your ability to navigate administrative and formal contexts in Arabic.