árabe
“árabe” means “Arab” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
Arab
Also: Arabic
📝 In Action
El café árabe es muy fuerte y dulce.
A1Arabic coffee is very strong and sweet.
España tiene una gran influencia árabe en su arquitectura.
A2Spain has a great Arab influence on its architecture.
Arab (person)
Also: Arabian
📝 In Action
Conocí a un árabe que hablaba cuatro idiomas.
A2I met an Arab who spoke four languages.
Ella es árabe y vive en París.
A2She is Arab and lives in Paris.
Arabic (language)
📝 In Action
Estudiar árabe es muy desafiante.
A2Studying Arabic is very challenging.
El árabe se escribe de derecha a izquierda.
B1Arabic is written from right to left.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: árabe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'árabe' as a noun referring to the language?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'Arabs,' which itself came from the Greek word 'Árabas,' referring to the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. The word has been used in Spanish since ancient times, reflecting the long historical connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the Arab world.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'árabe' refer to religion or ethnicity?
'Árabe' refers to a person's cultural and linguistic heritage, usually associated with the Arab world. It is not a religion. An Arab person can be Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or non-religious.
How do I know if 'árabe' is being used as an adjective or a noun?
If it describes a thing (like 'comida árabe'), it's an adjective. If it replaces a person ('el árabe') or names the language ('el árabe es difícil'), it's a noun.