Passport
#8
جواز السفر (jawāz al-safar) is the Arabic term for a passport, the official travel document issued by a government that identifies a citizen and permits them to travel internationally. This compound noun combines 'جواز' (permit/license) and 'السفر' (travel), literally meaning 'travel permit.' It is an essential document for international travel throughout the Arab world and beyond.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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يجب أن أجدد جواز سفري قبل رحلتي إلى الخارج.
Yajib an ajaddid jawāz safari qabl riḥlati ila al-khārij.
I need to renew my passport before my trip abroad.
فقدت جواز سفري في المطار، لذلك اتصلت بالسفارة.
Faqadtu jawāz safari fi al-maṭār, lidhālik itṣaltu bi-al-safārah.
I lost my passport at the airport, so I contacted the embassy.
جواز السفر الإماراتي معترف به في معظم دول العالم.
Jawāz al-safar al-imārāti mu'taraf bihi fi mu'ẓam duwal al-'ālam.
The UAE passport is recognized in most countries of the world.
تحقق من صلاحية جواز سفرك قبل حجز التذاكر.
Taḥaqqaq min ṣalāḥiyyat jawāz safarik qabl ḥajz al-tadhākir.
Check the validity of your passport before booking tickets.
عند الدخول إلى البلد، يجب إظهار جواز السفر للموظف.
'Ind al-dukhūl ila al-balad, yajib iẓhār jawāz al-safar li-al-muwazzaf.
When entering the country, you must show your passport to the official.
The passport is a critical document throughout the Arab world, reflecting the importance placed on official documentation and government procedures. In many Arab countries, there are strict regulations regarding passport validity, and officials at borders, airports, and government offices take passport verification very seriously. The passport also serves as a symbol of citizenship and national identity, making it culturally significant beyond its practical function.
Remember that جواز السفر is a masculine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree with this gender. When discussing passports in Arabic, you'll frequently encounter the phrase 'جواز سفري/سفرك/سفره' (my/your/his passport). Be aware that each Arab country has its own passport issuing procedures, and staying current with validity dates is crucial for avoiding travel complications.
جواز السفر (jawāz al-safar) is the Arabic term for passport, an essential travel document that identifies the holder as a citizen of a particular country and permits international travel. The term is composed of two Arabic words: جواز (jawāz), meaning 'permit' or 'license,' and السفر (al-safar), meaning 'travel.' Together, they literally translate to 'travel permit,' which accurately reflects the document's primary function.
جواز السفر is a masculine noun in Arabic, and it follows standard masculine noun patterns. When using possessive pronouns, the word takes the appropriate endings:
The word is frequently used with adjectives such as صالح (valid), منتهي الصلاحية (expired), أو جديد (new), which must agree in gender with the noun.
Several common phrases are used in everyday Arabic when discussing passports:
تجديد جواز السفر (Renewal of passport): This phrase is used when someone needs to renew an expired or soon-to-expire passport. Renewal procedures vary by country but typically require visiting the appropriate government office or embassy.
فقدان جواز السفر (Loss of passport): A critical situation that requires immediate action, including contacting the embassy or consulate and filing a report.
صلاحية جواز السفر (Passport validity): Refers to the expiration date and remaining validity period of a passport. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended return date.
In Arab culture and society, the passport holds significant importance beyond its practical function. It represents citizenship, nationality, and the right to travel. Government offices responsible for issuing passports are formal institutions where proper documentation and procedures must be followed meticulously. The process of obtaining or renewing a passport is considered an important administrative responsibility for all citizens.
Passport regulations differ across Arab countries. Some nations have bilateral agreements that affect visa requirements and travel procedures. The strength and recognition of a passport internationally can vary significantly depending on the issuing country, which can affect travel opportunities for citizens.
When learning this vocabulary, remember that جواز السفر is always referred to in the masculine form, even when discussing a woman's passport. This is a standard grammatical convention in Arabic. Additionally, related vocabulary you should know includes:
Understanding these related terms will help you navigate conversations about international travel and documentation in Arabic-speaking contexts.
When traveling to Arab countries or discussing travel plans with Arabic speakers, you'll encounter جواز السفر frequently. Airport staff, customs officials, and hotel personnel will refer to your passport using this term. Being familiar with how to discuss passport-related matters in Arabic is practical for anyone planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa.
جواز السفر is an essential vocabulary word for Arabic learners interested in travel and international communication. It represents a fundamental document in modern society and carries cultural significance in Arab countries. Understanding how to use this word correctly, along with related travel terminology, will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Arabic-speaking environments.