Paint
#13
الطلاء (al-tilā') is an Arabic noun meaning 'paint' or 'coating,' referring to a liquid substance applied to surfaces for protection or decoration. It can also mean the act of painting or coating something. This word is commonly used in construction, art, and everyday contexts when discussing painting projects or paint products.
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اشتريت علبة من الطلاء الأحمر لتطبيق غرفة النوم.
Ishtarayt 'ulbat min al-tilā' al-aḥmar li-tatabyīn ghurfat al-nawm.
I bought a can of red paint to paint the bedroom.
الطلاء الجديد يعطي المنزل مظهراً أفضل.
Al-tilā' al-jadīd yu'ṭī al-manzil maẓharan afḍal.
The new paint gives the house a better appearance.
هذا الطلاء مقاوم للماء والرطوبة.
Hādhā al-tilā' muqāwim li-al-mā' wa-al-ruṭūbah.
This paint is resistant to water and moisture.
يحتاج الفنان إلى طلاء عالي الجودة لعمله الفني.
Yaḥtāj al-fannān ilā tilā' 'ālī al-jawdah li-'amalih al-fannī.
The artist needs high-quality paint for his artistic work.
رائحة الطلاء الطازج قوية جداً.
Rā'iḥat al-tilā' al-ṭāzaj qawīyah jiddan.
The smell of fresh paint is very strong.
In Arab countries, painting and home decoration are important cultural practices, particularly before major celebrations and holidays. The quality and color of paint reflect personal taste and social status in some contexts. Paint-related crafts and decorative painting are also significant in traditional Arab art and architecture, where intricate painted patterns adorn mosques, palaces, and historic buildings.
Remember that الطلاء (al-tilā') is a masculine noun in Arabic, so it takes masculine adjectives and verbs. When discussing paint colors, you'll use 'al-tilā' followed by the color adjective (e.g., 'al-tilā' al-aḥmar' for red paint). For purchasing paint, you might hear 'علبة طلاء' (paint can) or 'صفيح طلاء' (paint drum) for larger quantities.
The Arabic word الطلاء (al-tilā') is a masculine noun that translates to 'paint' in English. It refers to both the liquid substance used to coat and color surfaces and the action of applying such coating. This is one of the most commonly used words in Arabic for discussing home renovation, construction, and artistic endeavors.
الطلاء is a masculine singular noun derived from the verb طلى (tallā), meaning 'to paint' or 'to coat.' When using this word, it follows masculine grammatical rules in Arabic. For example:
You'll encounter الطلاء in various contexts throughout Arabic-speaking regions. In construction and home improvement, it's essential vocabulary. Contractors and workers frequently discuss different types of paint—such as طلاء زيتي (oil-based paint) or طلاء مائي (water-based paint). Artists and decorators also use this term when discussing their materials and projects.
Arab markets offer numerous paint varieties, each with specific characteristics:
Home decoration and maintenance hold significant cultural importance in Arab societies. Painting is often performed before major celebrations, weddings, and the start of the Islamic new year. The choice of paint colors can reflect personal preferences and cultural traditions. In traditional Arab architecture, decorative painting has been a fine art for centuries, visible in the intricate patterns adorning mosques and historical buildings.
When discussing painting projects, you'll need related vocabulary:
When shopping for paint in an Arab market or speaking to contractors, remember to specify what you need. You might say 'أريد طلاء أحمر عالي الجودة' (I want high-quality red paint). Understanding paint-related vocabulary enhances your ability to communicate about home improvement and artistic projects in Arabic.
While الطلاء is the most common term, you might also encounter صبغة (sabghah), which can mean dye or paint, though it's more commonly used for dyes. The word لون (lawn) means color and is sometimes used in paint contexts, but الطلاء remains the standard term for the substance itself.