POST 4: Hawdah, the Silversmith

How Do You Say “Silversmith” in Arabic?

Quick answer: A silversmith is صائغ فضة (ṣāʾigh fiḍḍa) for a man and صائغة فضة (ṣāʾigha fiḍḍa) for a woman. Ṣāʾigh means jeweller or metalsmith, and fiḍḍa means silver.

Meet Hawdah, the Silversmith from Southern Saudi Arabia

The south of Saudi Arabia is known for traditional silver jewellery, especially in Asir and Najran. Hawdah works the metal as one of the [Southern Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link].

How Do You Pronounce Ṣāʾigha Fiḍḍa?

Say SAA-i-gha FID-da. The ṣ is a heavier, deeper “s,” the ʾ is a tiny catch in the throat, and the gh is a gargled sound like the French “r.”

Where Do the Words Come From?

Ṣāʾigh comes from the root ص-و-غ (to shape or mould). Ṣiyāgha (صياغة) is jewellery-making, and the same root gives ṣīgha (صيغة), a “form” or “wording.” Fiḍḍa (فضة) is silver.

How Do You Say “She Is a Silversmith” in Arabic?

هي صائغة فضة (Hiya ṣāʾigha fiḍḍa).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for silver? فضة (fiḍḍa).
• What is the Arabic word for gold? ذهب (dhahab).
• What is the Arabic word for ring? خاتم (khātim).
• What is the Arabic word for jewellery? مجوهرات (mujawharāt).

Take Hawdah home: [Mug] Next: [Meet Na’if the Handyman →]