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Shirt
#11
القميص (al-qamīṣ) is the standard Arabic word for a shirt or dress, referring to a garment worn on the upper body. It is commonly used in everyday conversation across all Arabic-speaking regions and can refer to various types of shirts including casual wear, formal wear, and traditional garments. The word is masculine in gender and is one of the most basic clothing vocabulary items in Arabic.
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أشتريت قميصاً أبيض جديداً من المتجر.
Ishtarayt qamīṣan abyaḍ jadīdan min al-matjar.
I bought a new white shirt from the store.
يرتدي أحمد قميصاً أزرق في العمل.
Yartadī Aḥmad qamīṣan azraq fī al-'amal.
Ahmed wears a blue shirt at work.
هذا القميص غالي الثمن جداً.
Hādhā al-qamīṣ ghālī al-thaman jiddan.
This shirt is very expensive.
يحتاج القميص إلى غسيل وكي.
Yaḥtāj al-qamīṣ ilā ghassīl wa-kayy.
The shirt needs washing and ironing.
لبس قميصه قبل الذهاب إلى الاجتماع.
Labasa qamīṣahu qabla al-dhihāb ilā al-ijtimā'.
He put on his shirt before going to the meeting.
In Arab culture, the style and type of shirt worn can reflect social status, occasion, and formality level. Traditional long shirts called 'thobes' or 'dishdashas' remain popular formal and everyday wear in Gulf countries, while Western-style shirts are common in urban areas. The concept of modesty in Islamic culture influences shirt design, with many traditional shirts featuring long sleeves and loose-fitting cuts.
Remember that القميص is masculine (al-qamīṣ), so when using adjectives or articles, match the masculine gender. In singular form, you would say 'qamīṣ,' and in plural it becomes 'qumṣān' or 'aqmiṣah.' Use this word when shopping, describing clothing, or discussing daily activities involving getting dressed.
القميص (al-qamīṣ) is the fundamental Arabic word for a shirt or dress, representing one of the most essential clothing vocabulary items for Arabic learners. This masculine noun refers to any shirt worn on the upper body, from casual t-shirts to formal dress shirts. Whether you're shopping for clothes, describing what someone is wearing, or discussing your daily wardrobe, القميص is the word you'll need.
القميص is a masculine singular noun in Arabic. Understanding its grammatical properties helps with proper usage:
Singular Forms:
Plural Forms:
When using adjectives with القميص, they must agree in gender and number. For example:
القميص appears in various contexts in everyday Arabic conversation:
Shopping and Commerce: When buying clothes, you'll frequently hear and use القميص: "أريد قميصاً جديداً" (I want a new shirt)
Describing Appearance: Talking about what someone is wearing: "يرتدي قميصاً أحمر" (He's wearing a red shirt)
Clothing Maintenance: Discussing laundry and care: "هذا القميص يحتاج إلى كي" (This shirt needs ironing)
Size and Fit: Referring to clothing sizes: "هل هذا القميص بحجمي؟" (Is this shirt in my size?)
While القميص is the most common term, related words include:
Related vocabulary for clothing discussion:
In Arab culture, the type and style of shirt worn carries significant meaning. Traditional long shirts, known as thobes, dishdashas, or kanduras depending on the region, remain prevalent in Gulf states and other Arab countries as formal and everyday wear. These traditional shirts, typically made of white or cream-colored fabric, represent cultural identity and are often preferred for formal occasions.
Modern Western-style shirts are common in urban centers and professional environments throughout the Arab world. However, the concept of modesty in Islamic tradition influences shirt design, with many traditional and contemporary styles featuring longer cuts and looser fits compared to Western fashion norms.
For English speakers learning Arabic, remember these practical points:
Gender Agreement: Since القميص is masculine, all descriptive words must be masculine: "قميص أسود" (a black shirt), not feminine forms.
Color Description: When describing shirt colors, you can use simple adjectives: "قميص أخضر" (a green shirt), "قميص بني" (a brown shirt).
Quantity Expression: Use the plural form when talking about multiple shirts: "أشتريت ثلاثة أقمصة" (I bought three shirts).
Combinations: القميص combines well with other clothing words: "قميص وسروال" (a shirt and trousers), "قميص وربطة عنق" (a shirt and tie).
القميص is an indispensable word in Arabic vocabulary for anyone learning the language. Its frequent use in daily life—whether discussing what you're wearing, shopping for new clothes, or doing laundry—makes it essential for beginners. By understanding its grammatical properties, cultural context, and common usage patterns, you'll be well-equipped to use this fundamental clothing vocabulary word confidently in any Arabic-speaking environment.