The Word Hayawan Meaning in Arabic With Examples

The Arabic word “hayawan” (حَيَوَان) holds significance in both everyday language and religious texts. It appears in the Quran and is commonly used in modern Arabic. This article explains the meaning of “hayawan,” its linguistic roots, usage in sentences, and cultural importance.
The Meaning of “Hayawan” in Arabic
“Hayawan” translates to “animal” or “living creature” in English. It refers to any living being, including humans, animals, and other creatures. The pronunciation is “ha-ya-waan” (حَيَوَان).
Linguistic Root and Grammatical Usage
The word “hayawan” comes from the root “ḥ-y-w” (ح-ي-و), which relates to life and living things. The root forms words like “hayat” (life) and “yahya” (he lives).
Grammatically, “hayawan” is a noun and can take different forms based on gender and number:
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Singular: حَيَوَان (hayawan) – “animal”
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Plural: حَيَوَانَات (hayawanat) – “animals”
Examples of “Hayawan” in Arabic Sentences
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الكلب حيوان أليف.
Al-kalb hayawan aleef.
“The dog is a pet animal.” -
رأيت حيوانات كثيرة في الغابة.
Ra’aytu hayawanat katheera fil ghaba.
“I saw many animals in the forest.” -
الإنسان هو أيضا حيوان لكنه عاقل.
Al-insan huwa aydan hayawan lakinahu ‘aqil.
“A human is also an animal, but a rational one.”
Cultural or Quranic Significance of “Hayawan”
The word “hayawan” appears in the Quran, emphasizing the diversity of life created by Allah. For example:
“وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا طَائِرٍ يَطِيرُ بِجَنَاحَيْهِ إِلَّا أُمَمٌ أَمْثَالُكُم”
*(Surah Al-An’am 6:38)*
“There is no creature on earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you.”
This verse highlights that all living beings, including animals, form communities, much like humans.
Common Misunderstandings or Mistakes
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Some learners confuse “hayawan” with “ḥayāh” (حياة), which means “life.”
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The plural “hayawanat” is often mispronounced as “hayawānīn.”
Why You Should Learn “Hayawan”
Understanding “hayawan” helps in:
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Daily conversations about animals or nature.
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Studying the Quran, where the term describes living creatures.
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Expanding vocabulary for Arabic learners.
Conclusion
The Arabic word “hayawan” means “animal” or “living creature.” It has a strong linguistic root and appears in the Quran. Knowing this word improves Arabic comprehension and helps in religious studies. Use the examples provided to practice and deepen your understanding.
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