Cable
السلك (al-silk) is a masculine noun meaning 'cable,' 'wire,' or 'cord.' It refers to a thin strand or bundle of metallic or synthetic material used for electrical, mechanical, or structural purposes. The word is commonly used in both everyday contexts and technical discussions in Arabic-speaking regions.
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قطع السلك الكهربائي أثناء الإصلاح.
Qata'a al-silk al-kahraba'i athna al-islah.
The electrical cable was cut during the repair.
احذر من السلك الحاد على الأرض.
Idhzar min al-silk al-haad 'ala al-ard.
Be careful of the sharp wire on the ground.
نحتاج إلى سلك أطول لتوصيل الجهاز.
Nahtaj ila silk atwol li-tawsil al-jihaz.
We need a longer cable to connect the device.
السلك النحاسي يستخدم في التوصيلات الكهربائية.
Al-silk al-nuhassi yustakhdim fi al-tawsilat al-kahraba'iyyah.
Copper wire is used in electrical connections.
تأكد من أن السلك آمن وغير مكسور.
Ta'akkad min anna al-silk amin wa-ghair maksur.
Make sure the cable is safe and not broken.
In Arabic-speaking countries, the term السلك is widely used in both residential and industrial contexts, from household electrical work to construction and telecommunications. The word has historical roots in traditional rope-making and has naturally evolved to encompass modern materials like electrical wires and fiber optic cables. Understanding this vocabulary is essential for anyone dealing with technical matters, home repairs, or technological discussions in Arabic communities.
Remember that السلك is masculine, so it takes masculine adjectives and verbs (e.g., السلك الطويل 'the long cable,' not الطويلة). Use this word when referring to physical cables or wires used for electrical, mechanical, or communicative purposes. In formal contexts, you might also hear الكابل (al-kabil), which is an English loanword, though السلك is the classical Arabic term and is still widely preferred.
The Arabic word السلك (al-silk) is a fundamental term in Arabic vocabulary that translates to 'cable,' 'wire,' or 'cord.' This masculine noun is essential for anyone learning Arabic, particularly those interested in technical, technological, or construction-related discussions. The word carries both literal and figurative meanings in modern Arabic usage.
السلك refers to a thin, flexible strand or bundle of material—typically metallic or synthetic—that is used for various purposes including electrical transmission, mechanical connections, and structural support. The word is used in both classical Arabic and modern standard Arabic (Fusha), making it an important addition to any Arabic learner's vocabulary.
The word is pronounced as "al-silk" (ال-سلك), with the definite article "al-" meaning "the." In its indefinite form, it is simply "silk" (سلك). The word follows standard masculine noun patterns in Arabic.
The most common usage of السلك is in electrical contexts. When referring to electrical wires or cables, you would say سلك كهربائي (silk kahraba'i). This is frequently heard in home repair, construction, and electrical maintenance discussions. For example:
Arabic speakers often specify the material of the wire or cable. Common combinations include:
In modern technological contexts, السلك is used to describe communication cables and networking wires. Though الكابل (al-kabil), an English loanword, is sometimes used interchangeably, السلك remains the preferred classical term.
As a masculine noun, السلك follows these patterns:
When used with adjectives, remember that they must agree in gender and number:
Understanding السلك becomes easier when you learn related terms:
In Arabic-speaking countries, understanding terminology like السلك is crucial for practical daily situations. Whether you're hiring a contractor, discussing home repairs, or working in technical fields, this vocabulary is essential. The word appears frequently in instructional materials, safety guidelines, and technical documentation throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
English speakers should note that while السلك is the classical and most widely accepted term, الكابل is increasingly used in modern Arabic, especially in technology-related contexts. However, السلك remains prevalent in traditional trades and formal writing. Always use masculine agreements with this word, and remember that the plural form الأسلاك is used for multiple cables or wires.
السلك is an indispensable vocabulary word for Arabic learners, particularly those studying in technical, construction, or technology fields. By mastering this word and its related vocabulary, you'll be better equipped to understand and participate in practical discussions about cables, wires, and electrical systems in Arabic-speaking environments. The word exemplifies how classical Arabic vocabulary continues to serve modern technical needs while maintaining its fundamental linguistic structure.