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Colleague
#5
الزميل (al-zamīl) is a masculine noun meaning 'colleague' or 'coworker,' referring to someone who works alongside you in a professional or academic setting. It emphasizes a peer-level relationship in a shared workplace or institution. The word can also be used more broadly to mean 'companion' or 'associate' in various contexts.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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زميلي في العمل ساعدني في إكمال المشروع.
Zamīlī fī al-'amal sā'adanī fī ikmāl al-mashrū'.
My colleague at work helped me complete the project.
التقيت بزميلتي من الجامعة أمس.
Al-taqaytu bi-zamīlatī min al-jāmi'ah ams.
I met my colleague from university yesterday.
يعتبر أحمد زميلي الأفضل في المكتب.
Yu'tabar Ahmad zamīlī al-afdal fī al-maktab.
Ahmed is considered my best colleague in the office.
نحتاج إلى التعاون مع زملائنا لنجاح الفريق.
Nahtāj ilā al-ta'āwun ma'a zumalā'inā li-najāh al-farīq.
We need to cooperate with our colleagues for the team's success.
كانت زميلتي في الدراسة تتمتع بموهبة الرياضيات.
Kānat zamīlatī fī al-dirāsah tatamatta' bi-mawhibat al-riyādiyyāt.
My study colleague had a talent for mathematics.
In Arabic-speaking workplaces and academic institutions, the term 'زميل' carries respect and implies equality between peers. It's commonly used in formal and informal settings to establish professional relationships. The word is gender-neutral in form but takes feminine endings (زميلة - zamīlah) when referring to female colleagues, reflecting the gendered nature of Arabic nouns.
Remember that الزميل applies specifically to workplace or academic peers rather than superiors or subordinates. Use the feminine form 'زميلة' (zamīlah) when referring to female colleagues. This word is appropriate for both formal and casual professional contexts and is commonly heard in business meetings, educational settings, and workplace conversations throughout the Arab world.
The Arabic word الزميل (al-zamīl) is a fundamental term in professional and academic Arabic vocabulary. It refers to a colleague, coworker, or peer—someone who shares the same professional or educational space as you. This word is essential for anyone studying Arabic and planning to work or study in Arabic-speaking environments.
الزميل literally translates to 'colleague' and specifically refers to someone at the same professional or academic level as you. Unlike words for 'boss' (مدير - mudīr) or 'subordinate,' الزميل emphasizes equality and peer relationships. The word can be used in various contexts including offices, schools, universities, and any shared workplace environment.
As a masculine noun in Arabic, الزميل follows standard masculine noun patterns. The feminine form is زميلة (zamīlah), used when referring to female colleagues. The plural forms are زملاء (zumalā') for mixed or all-male groups and زميلات (zamīlāt) for all-female groups.
When using the word with possessive pronouns, you'll say:
In Arabic-speaking workplaces, using الزميل appropriately demonstrates professional respect and cultural awareness. For example:
The concept of زملاء (colleagues) is deeply embedded in Arab workplace culture. Relationships with colleagues often extend beyond work, with social gatherings and interactions strengthening professional bonds. Understanding and properly using this term helps learners integrate more effectively into Arabic-speaking work environments.
To communicate effectively in Arabic workplaces, combine الزميل with related terms:
Learners should become familiar with these common phrases:
While الزميل refers to peers, other workplace terms serve different functions:
Practical application of الزميل will greatly enhance your ability to function professionally in Arabic-speaking environments. Master this essential vocabulary to navigate workplace communication with confidence and cultural appropriateness.