Arabic → English
عَلَى in English
on
عَلَى
- Pronunciation
- ʿalā
- Arabizi
3ala- Type
- preposition
How to use it
‘ʿAlā’ is a very common preposition meaning ‘on’, ‘upon’, or ‘over’. It is used with the accusative case and often indicates location or contact.
Example sentences
-
الكتابُ على الطاولةِ.
al-kitābu ʿalā al-ṭāwilati.
The book is on the table.
-
جلستُ على الكرسيِّ.
jalastu ʿalā al-kursī.
I sat on the chair.
-
المطرُ سقطَ على المدينةِ.
al-maṭaru saqaṭa ʿalā al-madīnati.
The rain fell on the city.
Questions and answers
Can ‘ʿalā’ be used with abstract nouns?
Yes, it can indicate a figurative relationship, e.g., ‘على فكرة’ (by the way).
Is there a difference between ‘ʿalā’ and ‘fawqa’?
‘Fawqa’ also means ‘above’, but ‘ʿalā’ often implies direct contact, while ‘fawqa’ suggests a higher position without contact.
Related words and expressions
Updated