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بعيدًا (ba'īdan) is an Arabic adverb meaning 'far,' 'far away,' or 'distant.' It describes a significant distance or separation in space, and can also be used figuratively to mean 'away' or 'aside.' This word is commonly used in everyday Arabic to indicate physical or metaphorical distance.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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المدرسة بعيدة جدًا من هنا.
Al-madrasa ba'īda jiddan min huna.
The school is very far from here.
يسكن أخي بعيدًا عن المدينة.
Yaskun akhī ba'īdan 'an al-madīna.
My brother lives far from the city.
ضع هذا الشيء بعيدًا عني.
Da' hādha al-shay' ba'īdan 'annī.
Put this thing away from me.
لا تذهب بعيدًا وحدك في الليل.
La tadhab ba'īdan wahdaka fī al-layl.
Don't go far alone at night.
السفر بعيدًا كان حلمه الدائم.
Al-safar ba'īdan kana hulmihi al-dā'im.
Traveling far away was his constant dream.
In Arab culture, the concept of distance is often tied to notions of separation and longing, particularly in poetry and traditional literature. The word بعيدًا frequently appears in songs and poetry expressing homesickness (nostalgia for homeland). Understanding distance-related vocabulary is essential for navigating daily life in Arabic-speaking countries, where directions and locations are commonly discussed.
Remember that بعيدًا is an adverb in its accusative form (tanween ending in ًا). It typically follows verbs or prepositions like 'من' (from) or 'عن' (from/about). When describing something as distant, use the adjective بعيد instead. Don't confuse it with the preposition 'بعد' (after/behind) which has a different meaning.
The Arabic word بعيدًا (ba'īdan) is an adverb that means 'far,' 'far away,' or 'at a distance.' It's one of the most commonly used words in Arabic to describe physical or spatial separation between objects, people, or places.
بعيدًا functions as an adverb in Arabic. It's derived from the root ب-ع-د (b-'-d), which relates to distance and separation. The word appears in its accusative case with the tanween ending (ًا), which is the standard form when used as an adverb. This distinguishes it from the adjective بعيد (ba'īd), which means 'distant' or 'far' when describing nouns.
This adverb is essential for everyday communication. Whether giving directions, discussing travel plans, or expressing how far something is, بعيدًا appears constantly in spoken and written Arabic. For example:
While بعيدًا is the most common way to express 'far,' Arabic offers several alternatives depending on context. The word على بعد (alā ba'd) means 'at a distance' and is more formal. نائي (nā'ī) is a literary or poetic alternative meaning 'remote' or 'distant.' These synonyms are useful for varying your expression and understanding different registers of Arabic.
The opposite of بعيدًا is قريبًا (qarībdan), meaning 'near' or 'close.' Understanding this contrast is crucial for spatial vocabulary. You might hear: 'The café is close, not far' (المقهى قريب، وليس بعيد). The phrase بالقرب (bil-qurb) also means 'nearby' and is frequently used in directions.
In Arabic literature and poetry, distance (بعد) carries deep emotional significance. The concept of being far away (بعيدًا) often represents separation, longing, and homesickness—themes central to classical and modern Arabic poetry. Many famous Arabic songs express the pain of being far from loved ones or homeland using this vocabulary. Understanding these cultural layers enriches your comprehension of Arabic beyond mere vocabulary.
When using بعيدًا, remember that it functions as an adverb and usually follows verbs or comes after prepositions like من (min, 'from') or عن ('an, 'from/about'). For instance: 'He lives far from the city' (يسكن بعيدًا عن المدينة). Don't confuse it with the preposition بعد (ba'd, 'after'), which, despite similar spelling, has an entirely different meaning. Additionally, when describing a noun as distant, use the adjective بعيد instead: 'a distant place' (مكان بعيد).
Learners will frequently encounter بعيدًا in set phrases. 'Not far' (ليس بعيدًا) is a reassuring response when someone worries about distance. 'Far from home' (بعيدًا عن المنزل) is a poignant phrase used in discussions of travel, exile, or displacement. 'He went too far' (ذهب بعيدًا جدًا) is an idiomatic expression meaning someone overstepped boundaries, used metaphorically as well as literally.
To build comprehensive spatial vocabulary, learners should study related words: بعد (distance, after), البعيد (the distant one), ابعد (farther, comparative form), and مسافة (distance as a noun). Each of these words connects to the core concept of distance and separation, allowing you to express spatial relationships more precisely.
The word بعيدًا is fundamental to Arabic communication. Whether discussing logistics, expressing emotions, or understanding literature, this adverb provides essential meaning. By mastering its usage, synonyms, and cultural context, learners significantly enhance their ability to navigate Arabic-speaking environments and engage with authentic Arabic content.