POST 4: Farid, the Builder 

How Do You Say “Builder” in Arabic?

Quick answer: A builder is بنّاء (bannāʾ), pronounced ban-NAAʾ. A construction worker is عامل بناء (ʿāmil bināʾ). Construction is بناء (bināʾ), and a building is مبنى (mabnā).

Meet Farid, the Builder from Western Saudi Arabia

Old Jeddah (Al-Balad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its coral-stone houses and carved wooden balconies. Farid builds as one of the [Western Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link]. [Personality line.]

How Do You Pronounce Bannāʾ?

Say ban-NAAʾ. The doubled n is held slightly longer, and the ʾ at the end is a tiny catch in the throat.

Where Does the Word Bannāʾ Come From?

It comes from the root ب-ن-ي (to build). Banā means “he built,” bināʾ is construction, and mabnā is a building. The doubled middle letter gives the familiar job-title pattern, like ḥaddād (blacksmith). → [Meet Ahmad the Blacksmith] ʿĀmil bināʾ, “construction worker,” uses the same ʿāmil as Na’if’s handyman. → [Meet Na’if the Handyman]

How Do You Say “Farid Is a Builder” in Arabic?

فريد بنّاء (Farīd bannāʾ).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for house? بيت (bayt).
• What is the Arabic word for stone? حجر (ḥajar).
• What is the Arabic word for brick? طوب (ṭūb) or لبنة (labina).
• What is the Arabic word for wall? جدار (jidār). → [Meet Sa’ad the Painter and Decorator]

Take Farid home: [Eid Cards] Next: [Meet Sa’id the Fisherman →]