Record
السجلّ (al-sijill) is a masculine noun meaning 'record' or 'register,' referring to an official document, file, or list that documents information systematically. It is commonly used in administrative, legal, and academic contexts to denote recorded data, archives, or official accounts. The word can also mean 'scroll' or 'document' in classical Arabic usage.
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.
احتفظ المستشفى بسجل طبي شامل لكل مريض.
Ihtafaza al-mustashfā bi-sijill tibbī shāmil li-kull marīd.
The hospital kept a comprehensive medical record for each patient.
تم البحث في السجلات القديمة للعثور على المعلومات التاريخية.
Tamma al-bahth fī al-sijilāt al-qadīma li-l-'uthūr 'alā al-ma'lūmāt al-tārīkhiyya.
The old records were searched to find historical information.
يجب أن تحتفظ بسجل دقيق لجميع المعاملات المالية.
Yajib an tahtafiza bi-sijill daqīq li-jamī' al-mu'āmalāt al-māliyya.
You must keep an accurate record of all financial transactions.
السجل الجنائي للمتهم يظهر عدة إدانات سابقة.
Al-sijill al-jinā'ī li-l-muttaham yuzhar 'iddat idāna sābiqah.
The defendant's criminal record shows several prior convictions.
قام الموظف بتسجيل البيانات في السجل الرسمي.
Qāma al-muwazzaf bi-tasjīl al-bayyānāt fī al-sijill al-rasmī.
The employee recorded the data in the official register.
In Arabic administrative and legal systems, maintaining detailed سجلات (records) is crucial for official documentation and governance. The word reflects the importance of written documentation in Islamic and Arab traditions, where record-keeping has been a valued practice since historical times. In modern contexts, it is extensively used in education, healthcare, law, and government institutions across the Arab world.
When using السجل, always use the definite article 'ال' or possessive pronoun when referring to a specific record (e.g., السجل الطبي = the medical record, سجلي = my record). The plural form is السجلات. In formal contexts, pair it with descriptive adjectives like 'رسمي' (official), 'طبي' (medical), or 'جنائي' (criminal) to specify the type of record being discussed.
السجل (al-sijill) is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates to 'record,' 'register,' or 'document' in English. This word is used extensively in official, administrative, medical, and legal contexts across the Arab world. The root of this word carries the meaning of writing down or documenting information in an organized manner.
The word السجل has roots in classical Arabic and Islamic tradition, where documentation and record-keeping have always held significant importance. Historically, الكاتبون (scribes) maintained سجلات (records) for governments, religious institutions, and commercial entities. The word appears frequently in classical Islamic texts and administrative documents, reflecting its enduring significance in Arab culture.
In modern Arabic, السجل is used in multiple professional and institutional settings:
Medical Context: السجل الطبي (medical record) contains a patient's health history, diagnoses, and treatment information. Healthcare professionals rely heavily on these records for continuity of care.
Legal and Criminal Context: السجل الجنائي (criminal record) documents a person's history of criminal convictions. This type of record is crucial in the judicial system.
Academic Context: الجامعات (universities) maintain السجلات الأكاديمية (academic records) for each student, tracking grades, courses completed, and academic standing.
Administrative Context: Government offices and businesses keep detailed سجلات (records) for personnel, finances, and official transactions.
السجل is a masculine singular noun. Its plural form is السجلات (al-sijilāt). When used with possessive pronouns:
Several phrases incorporate السجل:
سجّل (sajjala): The verb form meaning 'to record' or 'to register.' Example: سجّل البيانات (recorded the data)
التسجيل (al-tasjīl): The noun form of the verb, meaning 'registration' or 'recording'
المسجّل (al-musjjal): Meaning 'recorded' or 'registered'; the past participle
الكاتب (al-kātib): A scribe or person responsible for maintaining records
In Arab and Islamic culture, maintaining accurate records carries both practical and ethical significance. The principle of documentation is deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, where testimony and written evidence are valued in legal proceedings. Business practices, especially in traditional commerce, have long emphasized detailed record-keeping.
When learning to use السجل, remember to pair it with descriptive adjectives to clarify the type of record: طبي (medical), جنائي (criminal), أكاديمي (academic), مالي (financial), or رسمي (official). Context is crucial—the word's meaning is refined by these qualifiers.
Medical: "الطبيب اطلع على سجل المريض الطبي" (The doctor reviewed the patient's medical record)
Legal: "السجل الجنائي للمتهم يحتوي على إدانات سابقة" (The defendant's criminal record contains prior convictions)
Educational: "تم تحديث السجل الأكاديمي للطالب" (The student's academic record was updated)
Financial: "يجب الاحتفاظ بسجلات مالية دقيقة" (Accurate financial records must be maintained)
The word السجل remains essential in modern Arabic discourse and professional communication, making it a vital vocabulary item for learners of the language.