POST 1: Shuaib, the Beekeeper

How Do You Say “Beekeeper” in Arabic?

Quick answer: A beekeeper is نحّال (naḥḥāl), pronounced nah-HAAL. It comes from naḥl (نحل), the Arabic word for bees. Another phrase is مربّي نحل (murabbī naḥl), “bee raiser.”

Meet Shuaib, the Beekeeper from Western Saudi Arabia

Arabian sidr honey (عسل السدر) is among the most prized honeys in the world, and Shuaib tends his hives as one of the [Western Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link].

How Do You Pronounce Naḥḥāl?

Say nah-HAAL. The ḥ is a soft, breathy “h” from the throat, like fogging a mirror, and the doubled ḥ is held slightly longer.

Where Does the Word Naḥḥāl Come From?

It comes from naḥl (نحل), bees, and one bee is naḥla (نحلة). The doubled middle letter gives the familiar job-title pattern, like ḥaddād (blacksmith). → [Meet Ahmad the Blacksmith]

How Do You Say “Shuaib Is a Beekeeper” in Arabic?

شعيب نحّال (Shuʿayb naḥḥāl).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for bee? نحلة (naḥla), and نحل (naḥl) for bees in general.
• What is the Arabic word for honey? عسل (ʿasal).
• What is the Arabic word for beehive? خلية نحل (khaliyyat naḥl). Khaliyya also means “cell.”
• What is the Arabic word for beeswax? شمع العسل (shamʿ al-ʿasal).

Take Shuaib home: [Teatowel] Next: [Meet Zainab the Rose Producer →]