Loading...
Socket
المقبس (al-muqbas) is an Arabic noun meaning 'socket' or 'outlet,' referring to a receptacle or opening where electrical plugs are inserted. It is commonly used in modern Arabic to describe electrical sockets found in homes, offices, and public spaces. The word is essential for everyday communication about electrical appliances and home infrastructure.
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.
أين المقبس الكهربائي؟
Ayna al-muqbas al-kahrabaa'i?
Where is the electrical socket?
ضعت الشاحن في المقبس.
Daa'tu ash-shahin fi al-muqbas.
I put the charger in the socket.
هناك عطل في المقبس الجداري.
Hunaka 'atl fi al-muqbas al-jidari.
There is a defect in the wall socket.
المقبس في الحائط مكسور.
Al-muqbas fi al-hait maksur.
The socket in the wall is broken.
احذر من المقبس الرطب.
Ihdhir min al-muqbas ar-ratb.
Be careful of the wet socket.
In Arabic-speaking countries, electrical sockets (مقابس) vary in design and voltage standards depending on the region, reflecting different colonial histories and electrical standards. Modern Arabic speakers use this term frequently in daily conversation when discussing home appliances, safety concerns, and electrical maintenance. The word reflects the integration of modern technology vocabulary into contemporary Arabic.
Remember that المقبس is a masculine noun (al-muqbas), so it takes masculine adjectives and verbs. Use the word when discussing practical electrical matters, home repairs, or safety. Note that the related word القابس (al-qaabis, meaning 'plug') is the counterpart—while المقبس is where you insert something, القابس is what you insert.
The Arabic word المقبس (al-muqbas) is a masculine noun that translates to 'socket' in English. This term is essential for modern Arabic speakers, particularly when discussing electrical appliances, home safety, and everyday household infrastructure.
المقبس breaks down into its components: ال (al-, meaning 'the') + مقبس (muqbas, the root form). The root derives from ق-ب-س (q-b-s), which relates to the concept of grasping or receiving. The word is masculine, so it requires masculine adjectives and verb agreements. For example: "المقبس الجديد" (al-muqbas al-jadid - the new socket).
In everyday Arabic conversation, المقبس is used when discussing electrical matters. You might hear it in various contexts:
When learning about المقبس, it's important to understand related terms:
Different Arabic-speaking countries use different electrical standards. The socket design, voltage (usually 110V or 220V), and number of pins vary by region. Understanding these differences is crucial for travelers and expatriates working in Middle Eastern and North African countries.
When using المقبس, safety is paramount. Common safety-related phrases include:
As technology evolves, new types of sockets have emerged in Arabic-speaking regions. Terms like مقبس USB (USB socket) are now commonly used. The word المقبس has proven adaptable to modern innovations, allowing Arabic to incorporate technological advancement while maintaining linguistic continuity.
English speakers learning Arabic should note that while 'socket' and 'outlet' are sometimes used interchangeably in English, in Arabic, المقبس typically refers to a single receptacle or hole, while المخرج might refer more broadly to the outlet or exit point. Practice using this word in context with other electrical vocabulary to build competence in discussing practical household matters in Arabic.