Days of the Week in Arabic

Introduction

Embark on a linguistic journey as we explore the days of the week in Arabic, each carrying its unique significance and cultural context.

In this post, we are going to learn the Arabic days of the week. In the table below, all rows are comprised of four columns: 1) Day in English; 3) Arabic Equivalents; 3) 1st Used Translations; 4) 2nd Used Translations.

Table of contents

Days of the Week in Arabic with Translations and Pronunciations

Days of the week ايام الاسبوع

	English	Arabic Equivaltent(s)		Simple Arabic Translation		Complex Arabic Translation
1	Sunday	Aḥad	أَحَد	Al-Aḥad	الأَحَد	Yawm Al-Aḥad	يَوْمُ الأَحَدْ
2	Monday	Ithnayn	إِثْنَيْنْ	Al-Ithnayn	الإِثْنَيْنْ	Yawm Al-Ithnayn	يَوْمُ الإِثْنَيْنْ
3	Tuesday	Thulaathaaʼ	ثُلاَثَاءْ	Ath-Thulaathaaʼ	الثُّلاَثَاءْ	Yawm Ath-Thulaathaaʼ	يَوْمُ الثُّلاَثَاءْ
4	Wednesday	Arba’aa’	أَرْبِعَاء	Al-Arba’aa’	الأَرْبِعَاء	Yawm Al-Arba’aa’	يَوْمُ الأَرْبِعَاءْ
5	Thursday	Khamīs	خَمِيْسْ	Al-Khamīs	الْخَمِيْسْ	Yawm Al-Khamīs	يَوْمُ الْخَمِيْسْ
6	Friday	Jumu’ah	جُمْعَة	Al-Jumu’ah	الْجُمْعَة	Yawm Al-Jumu’ah	يَوْمُ الْجُمْعَة
7	Saturday	Sabt	سَبْتْ	As-Sabt	السَّبْتْ	Yawm As-Sabt	يَوْمُ السَّبْتْ

The first form is rarely used in Arabic. The 2^nd form is the definite version of the day(s) and it is the appropriate form to be used. However, sometimes It’s more convenient to use the 3^rd form which is a combination of the word “Yawm” and the second form which translates in English as “day of …..”

Sample: “I’m going back to school next week, starting Tuesday”

أنا عائِدٌ ﺇلى المدرسة الأُسبُوع المُقبِل٬ ابتداءا مِن الثُلاثاء

Days of the week: a cultural exploration

1. Sunday | الأحد (Al-Ahad): اليوم الأول (The First Day)

Begin the week with “الأحد” in Arabic, the equivalent of Sunday. It signifies the start of the week, translating to “اليوم الأول” or “The First Day.”

2. Monday | الاثنين (Al-Ithnayn): اليوم الثاني (The Second Day)

Transition into “الاثنين” in Arabic, corresponding to Monday. This day is known as “اليوم الثاني” or “The Second Day” in the weekly cycle.

3. Tuesday | الثلاثاء (Al-Thulatha): اليوم الثالث (The Third Day)

Continue your week with “الثلاثاء” in Arabic, which aligns with Tuesday. It’s recognized as “اليوم الثالث” or “The Third Day.”

4. Wednesday | الأربعاء (Al-Arba’a): اليوم الرابع (The Fourth Day)

Midweek arrives with “الأربعاء” in Arabic, corresponding to Wednesday. This day is referred to as “اليوم الرابع” or “The Fourth Day.”

5. Thursday | الخميس (Al-Khamis): اليوم الخامس (The Fifth Day)

Approach the end of the workweek with “الخميس” in Arabic, which represents Thursday. It’s denoted as “اليوم الخامس” or “The Fifth Day.”

6. Friday | الجمعة (Al-Jum’a): يوم الجمعة (Friday Day)

Enter the sacred day of “الجمعة” in Arabic, corresponding to Friday. It’s often referred to as “يوم الجمعة” or “Friday Day,” a special day for congregational prayers.

7. Saturday | السبت (Al-Sabt): اليوم السابع (The Seventh Day)

Conclude the week with “السبت” in Arabic, which aligns with Saturday. It holds the significance of “اليوم السابع” or “The Seventh Day,” often a day of rest and leisure.

The significance of the word day in Arabic

In Arabic, the word for “day” is “يوم” (yawm). Beyond its literal meaning, the term “yawm” holds significant cultural, religious, and linguistic importance in the Arabic-speaking world.

1. Cultural Significance:

• Expressions of Time: “Yawm” is extensively used in expressions of time. Arabic speakers refer to specific days, such as birthdays or holidays, using this term.

2. Religious Significance:

• Islamic Context: In Islam, the concept of “yawm” is profoundly significant. The Quran frequently uses the term, especially in phrases like “Yawm al-Qiyamah” (Day of Judgment) and “Yawm al-Jumu’ah” (Friday, a sacred day for congregational prayers).

3. Linguistic Significance:

• Root for Other Words: The root of “yawm” (ي-و-م) is integral in forming words related to time. For instance, “أمس” (ams) means yesterday, and “غداً” (ghadan) means tomorrow, both derived from the same root.

4. Symbolic Significance:

• Unity of Time: “Yawm” symbolizes the unity of time—a continuous cycle that influences human life. It’s a reminder of the transient nature of days and the importance of making the most of each moment.

In essence, the term “yawm” in Arabic transcends its basic meaning of a 24-hour period. It weaves into the cultural fabric, religious beliefs, linguistic expressions, and even philosophical reflections, making it a fundamental element in Arabic language and thought. Understanding its significance enhances one’s grasp of the rich tapestry of Arabic culture and communication.

Common Arabic Phrases Related to Days

Navigating conversations about days in Arabic involves using specific phrases that capture the essence of time and daily routines. Here are some common phrases related to days:

1. “What day is it today?”

   • Arabic: “ما هو اليوم اليوم؟” (Ma huwa al-yawm al-yawm?)

   “Today is…”

   • Arabic: “اليوم هو…” (Al-yawm huwa…)

   “Yesterday was…”

   • Arabic: “أمس كان…” (Ams kan…)

   “Tomorrow will be…”

   • Arabic: “غدا سيكون…” (Ghadan sayakun…)

   “I have a meeting on Monday.”

   • Arabic: “لدي اجتماع يوم الاثنين.” (Laday ejtima’ yawm al-ithnayn.)

   “Let’s meet on Wednesday.”

   • Arabic: “لنلتقي يوم الأربعاء.” (Lanaltaqi yawm al-arba’a.)

   “The weekend is coming.”

   • Arabic: “نهاية الاسبوع قادمة.” (Nihayatu ‘al ‘usbou’i qadima.)

   “I love Sunday; it’s a relaxing day.”

   • Arabic: “أحب الأحد؛ إنه يومٌ مريح.” (Uhibb al-ahad; inhu yawmun mareeh.)

   “Do you work on Fridays?”

   • Arabic: “هل تعمل يوم الجمعة؟” (Hal ta’mal yawm al-jum’ah?)

   “I usually go shopping on Saturdays.”

   • Arabic: “عادةً ما أذهب للتسوق يوم السبت.” (‘Adatan ma adhabu lil-tasawwq yawm as-sabt.)

   “The day after tomorrow is a holiday.”

   • Arabic: “بعد غد عطلة.” (Ba’d ghadin ‘atlah.)

   “I take a walk every Thursday evening.”

   • Arabic: “أقوم بالتنزه كل مساء خميس.” (Aqu’mu biltanazuh kulla masaa’ khamis.)

Conclusion

As you navigate the days of the week in Arabic, may each day bring purpose and fulfillment to your week. Feel free to share your reflections on these days or let us know if there’s a specific aspect of Arabic language and culture you’d like to explore further.

Wishing you a well-guided journey through the days ahead! 🌞🗓️