Fare
#11
الأجرة (al-ujrah) is an Arabic noun meaning "fare" or "fee," referring to the payment charged for transportation services such as taxis, buses, or other public transit. It can also mean "wages" or "compensation" more broadly. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations about transportation costs in Arab-speaking regions.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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كم الأجرة من المطار إلى الفندق؟
Kam al-ujrah min al-matar ila al-funduq?
How much is the fare from the airport to the hotel?
الأجرة غالية جداً في هذه المدينة.
Al-ujrah ghaliyan jiddan fi hadhi al-madinah.
The fare is very expensive in this city.
هل تشمل الأجرة الحقيبة الإضافية؟
Hal tashmalu al-ujrah al-haqibah al-idafiyah?
Does the fare include the extra luggage?
دفعت أجرة التاكسي بالكامل.
Dafatu ujrat al-taksi bi-al-kamil.
I paid the full taxi fare.
ارتفعت أجرة المواصلات العامة هذا الشهر.
Irtafaat ujrat al-mawasalat al-ammah hadha al-shahr.
The public transportation fare increased this month.
In Arab countries, bargaining over fares is a common practice, especially with unofficial taxis or private drivers. Meter-based fares exist in major cities but are sometimes negotiated beforehand. Understanding fare structures is essential for travelers, as they vary significantly between countries and cities in the Arab world.
Remember that الأجرة is specifically for transportation fees. Use the singular form أجرة for a single fare and الأجرة for the general concept. When asking about fares, use 'كم الأجرة' (kam al-ujrah) - a common and polite way to inquire about the cost. Note that some regions may use different terms or variations.
The Arabic word الأجرة (al-ujrah) is one of the most practical vocabulary terms you'll encounter when traveling or living in Arab-speaking countries. Whether you're hailing a taxi in Cairo, taking a bus in Beirut, or negotiating with a driver in Amman, understanding and using this word correctly is essential for daily life.
الأجرة literally translates to "fare" or "fee" and specifically refers to the payment charged for transportation services. It encompasses taxi fares, bus fares, train fares, and any other public or private transit costs. The word can also extend to mean "wages" or "compensation" for work, though in transportation contexts it maintains its primary meaning of fare.
As a feminine noun in Arabic, الأجرة follows standard feminine patterns. The word has a root related to compensation and payment (ا-ج-ر). When using this word, remember it's typically used in the singular (أجرة) when referring to one fare or the concept generally (الأجرة when definite with the article). For example: "أجرة عالية" (a high fare) or "الأجرة رخيصة" (the fare is cheap).
Travelers and residents alike use الأجرة in various contexts. When boarding a taxi, the classic phrase "كم الأجرة؟" (How much is the fare?) is universally understood. In modern cities with ride-sharing applications, you'll see fares calculated and displayed, with natives referring to them as الأجرة. Public announcements about fare increases or decreases specifically use this terminology.
While الأجرة is understood across the Arab world, some regions may have preferences for related terms. In Gulf countries, you might encounter الأجرة alongside modern terminology. In some contexts, الرسم (fee) or الثمن (price) might be used interchangeably, though الأجرة remains the most common for transportation.
When learning to use الأجرة, practice common phrases like "أجرة ثابتة" (fixed fare), "أجرة مقطوعة" (flat rate), and "هل الأجرة تشمل..." (Does the fare include...). Combine it with numbers when asking: "الأجرة كام؟" or "كم الأجرة؟" Notice how locals discuss fares and try to integrate this vocabulary into your travel conversations.
In many Arab countries, especially outside major cities, negotiating fares is part of the culture. Taxi drivers may offer an agreed-upon fare before traveling, sometimes stating "الأجرة عشرين ريال" (the fare is twenty riyals). Understanding this practice helps you navigate transportation costs effectively and respectfully.
To use الأجرة effectively, familiarize yourself with related terms: التاكسي (taxi), الباص (bus), المواصلات (transportation), النقل (transport), and الدفع (payment). These words work together to help you have complete conversations about transportation costs and methods.
With the rise of ride-sharing apps in Arab countries, الأجرة remains relevant and commonly discussed. App notifications display "الأجرة المقدرة" (estimated fare) and users discuss pricing in terms of الأجرة, showing that this classical Arabic vocabulary adapts well to modern contexts.