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Broom
المقشّة (al-muqashshat) is an Arabic noun meaning 'broom,' referring to a cleaning implement typically made of bristles or twigs bound together on a handle, used for sweeping floors and surfaces. This is a common household item found in daily life across Arabic-speaking countries. The word is feminine and typically used in both modern standard Arabic (MSA) and various dialects.
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استخدمت المقشّة لتنظيف الأرضية.
Istaḵdamt al-muqashshat litanẓīf al-arḍiyyat.
I used the broom to clean the floor.
ضعي المقشّة في الزاوية بعد الانتهاء من التنظيف.
Ḍa'ī al-muqashshat fī al-zāwiyat ba'da al-intihāʾ min al-tanẓīf.
Put the broom in the corner after you finish cleaning.
المقشّة الجديدة تنظف بشكل أفضل من القديمة.
Al-muqashshat al-jadīdat tanẓif bišakl aḥsan min al-qadīmat.
The new broom cleans better than the old one.
أين تركت المقشّة والمجرفة؟
Ayn taraft al-muqashshat wa-al-majrafat?
Where did you leave the broom and dustpan?
المقشّة مكسورة ولا يمكن استخدامها.
Al-muqashshat maksūrat wa-lā yumkin istaḵdāmuhā.
The broom is broken and cannot be used.
The broom is an essential household item in Arab culture, and sweeping is a daily activity that maintains cleanliness in homes and public spaces. In traditional Arab homes, sweeping the floor is often performed regularly, sometimes multiple times a day, reflecting cultural values of cleanliness and hospitality. The word المقشّة appears in various dialects across the Arab world, with some regional variations in pronunciation and spelling.
Remember that المقشّة is a feminine noun in Arabic, so it takes feminine adjectives and verbs (e.g., المقشّة الجديدة 'the new broom,' not الجديد). When talking about using a broom, use the verb استخدم (istakhdama - to use) or كنس (kanasa - to sweep). This word is commonly used in household contexts and everyday conversations about cleaning chores.
المقشّة (al-muqashshat) is an Arabic feminine noun that means 'broom.' A broom is a cleaning implement consisting of bristles or twigs bound together and attached to a long handle, used for sweeping floors and other surfaces. This everyday household item is fundamental to maintaining cleanliness in homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
The word is pronounced as "al-muqash-shat" with the emphasis on the middle syllable. In Arabic script, it is written as المقشّة, where the doubled letter شّ indicates a more emphatic pronunciation. Some regional variations exist in spelling, such as المقشة (without the emphasis mark), but the meaning remains the same.
As a feminine noun in Arabic, المقشّة must be paired with feminine adjectives and verbs. For example:
When using verbs with this noun, they must also reflect feminine gender agreement. The most common verb used with المقشّة is استخدم (istakhdama - to use) or كنس (kanasa - to sweep).
Several verbs are commonly associated with brooms:
While المقشّة is the most common term, Arabic speakers may also use:
Both refer to the same object, though المقشّة is more widely used in modern standard Arabic and most dialects.
In Arab culture, cleanliness is highly valued, both in homes and in public spaces. The act of sweeping, referred to as كنس (kansu), is an important daily household chore. Sweeping is often performed multiple times a day, reflecting cultural standards of hospitality and respect for one's home. In many Arab households, sweeping is traditionally one of the first cleaning tasks completed in the morning and is typically done before prayer times, emphasizing the connection between physical cleanliness and spiritual preparation.
The broom is stored in households alongside other cleaning tools like the dustpan (المجرفة - al-majrafat), cleaning cloths, and mops. In traditional Arab homes, the broom is kept in accessible locations such as near the entrance, in a storage closet, or in the corner of the kitchen. The phrase "المقشّة والمجرفة" (al-muqashshat wa-al-majrafat - 'broom and dustpan') is commonly used together as these two tools are typically used in pairs for efficient floor cleaning.
While modern brooms in Arab countries often resemble those in Western countries, with plastic bristles and synthetic handles, traditional brooms were made from natural materials such as palm fronds, reeds, or bundled twigs. Even today, some regions maintain traditional broom-making practices, and these handmade brooms are valued for their durability and eco-friendly qualities.
When learning this word, remember the feminine gender is essential. Practice forming sentences using feminine adjectives and verb conjugations. Additionally, learning this word alongside related vocabulary such as التنظيف (cleaning), الأرضية (floor), and أدوات التنظيف (cleaning tools) will enhance your ability to discuss household activities in Arabic. Using المقشّة in context sentences will help reinforce its proper grammatical usage and cultural relevance.
Understanding and correctly using the word المقشّة is essential for Arabic learners interested in discussing everyday household activities. This common noun appears frequently in daily conversations, household instructions, and cleaning-related contexts across all Arabic-speaking regions. By mastering its pronunciation, grammar, and cultural usage, learners can better integrate into Arabic-speaking communities and engage more naturally in discussions about domestic life.