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Understand and Pray · Book 1 · Lesson 1

Definite and indefinite articles

Ⲛⲓⲉⲛϫⲁⲓ ⲛ̀ⲥⲱⲟⲩⲛ ⲟⲩⲟϩ ⲛ̀ⲁⲧⲥⲱⲟⲩⲛ

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Coptic has definite and indefinite articles, written in front of the word. The common definite articles are ⲡⲓ (masculine singular), ϯ (feminine singular) and ⲛⲓ (plural): ⲡⲓϫⲱⲙ "the book", ϯϣⲟⲩⲣⲏ "the censer".

The special definite articles are ⲡ̀ (masculine) and ⲧ̀ (feminine). The book says they are used to single out a word and stress it; before a word that starts with ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ they become ⲫ̀ and ⲑ̀ (ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ, ⲑ̀ⲙⲁⲩ). ⲛⲉⲛ is a special definite article for the plural, used only for "of" (the genitive).

The indefinite articles are ⲟⲩ (singular, "a") and ϩⲁⲛ (plural, "some"). In the texts below the articles are printed in hollow letters, as in the book: find them and see what they become in the translation.

The texts

Prayer of ReconciliationLesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. Ⲫ̀ (Ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲛⲟⲩϯGod
  2. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲛⲓϣϯthe great
  3. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ϣⲁⲉ̀ⲛⲉϩ:the eternal
  4. ⲫⲏⲉⲧⲁϥⲕⲱⲧbuilt who
  5. ⲙ̀ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲣⲱⲙⲓthe man
  6. ⲉ̀ϩⲣⲏⲓ(direction word)* (meaning from the teacher)
  7. ⲉϫⲉⲛon
  8. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲙⲉⲧⲁⲧⲧⲁⲕⲟ.the non corrupted

O Almighty and Eternal God, Who created man on no corruption.

The book’s Arabic: يا الله العظيم الأبدي الذي بنى الإنسان على غير فساد.

  1. Ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  2. ⲫ̀ (ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲟⲩthe death
  3. ⲉⲧⲁϥⲓ̀which came
  4. ⲉ̀ϧⲟⲩⲛcame in
  5. ⲉ̀ (ⲉ̀: ⲉ̀ before the word: "to")ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲕⲟⲥⲙⲟⲥ:to the world
  6. ϩⲓⲧⲉⲛthrough
  7. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲫⲑⲟⲛⲟⲥthe envy
  8. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  9. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲇⲓⲁ̀ⲃⲟⲗⲟⲥ.the devil

And death that transgressed into the world through the envy of the devil.

The book’s Arabic: والموت الذي دخل إلى العالم بحسد إبليس.

  1. Ⲁⲕ (Ⲁⲕ: ⲁ = past, ⲕ = "you" (a man) → "you …ed")ϣⲉⲣϣⲱⲣϥ (ϥ: ϥ at the end: the object "him/it")you destroyed it
  2. ϩⲓⲧⲉⲛthrough
  3. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲟⲩⲱⲛϩ ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗthe appearance
  4. ⲛ̀ⲣⲉϥⲧⲁⲛϧⲟ:of life giving
  5. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  6. Ⲡⲉⲕ (Ⲡⲉⲕ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲕ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲕ → "your" (to a man))ⲙⲟⲛⲟⲅⲉⲛⲏⲥyour only begotten
  7. ⲛ̀ϣⲏⲣⲓSon
  8. Ⲡⲉⲛ (Ⲡⲉⲛ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲛ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲛ → "our")ϭ̅ⲥ̅our Lord
  9. ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  10. Ⲡⲉⲛ (Ⲡⲉⲛ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲛ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲛ → "our")ⲛⲟⲩϯour God
  11. ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  12. Ⲡⲉⲛ (Ⲡⲉⲛ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲛ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲛ → "our")ⲥⲱⲧⲏⲣour saviour
  13. ⲒⲏⲥⲟⲩⲥJesus
  14. Ⲡⲓⲭ̀ⲣⲓⲥⲧⲟⲥ.Christ

You have conquered through the life giving manifestation of Your only begotten Son Our Lord, Our God, and Our Saviour Jesus Christ.

The book’s Arabic: هدمته بالظهور المحيي الذي لابنك الوحيد ربنا وإلهنا ومخلصنا يسوع المسيح.

  1. Ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  2. ⲁⲕ (ⲁⲕ: ⲁ = past, ⲕ = "you" (a man) → "you …ed")ⲙⲟϩyou filled
  3. ⲙ̀ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲕⲁϩⲓthe earth
  4. ⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛfrom
  5. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏthe peace
  6. ϯⲉ̀ⲃⲟⲗϧⲉⲛwhich is from
  7. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲫⲏⲟⲩⲓ̀.the heaven

You have filled the earth with peace that is from heaven.

The book’s Arabic: وملأت الأرض من السلامة التي من السموات.

  1. Ⲑⲁⲓthis
  2. ⲉⲧⲉⲣⲉwhich
  3. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲥ̀ⲧⲣⲁⲧⲓⲁ̀the army
  4. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  5. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗⲟⲥthe angels
  6. ϯⲱⲟⲩglorify
  7. ⲛⲁⲕ (ⲕ: ⲕ at the end: "you" (a man))You* (meaning from the teacher)
  8. ⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧⲥ (ⲥ: ⲥ at the end: "her/it")with it
  9. ⲉⲩϫⲱ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟⲥ:saying

with which Your angels glorify You saying:

The book’s Arabic: هذه التي عساكر الملائكة يمجدونك بها قائلين:

  1. ϫⲉ(introduces the quotation)* (meaning from the teacher)
  2. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ⲱ̀ⲟⲩa glory
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲫϯto God
  4. ϧⲉⲛin
  5. ⲛⲏⲉⲧϭⲟⲥⲓ:the highest
  6. ⲛⲉⲙand
  7. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏa peace
  8. ϩⲓϫⲉⲛon
  9. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲕⲁϩⲓ:the earth
  10. ⲛⲉⲙand
  11. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ϯⲙⲁϯa good will
  12. ϧⲉⲛtowards
  13. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲣⲱⲙⲓ.the men

Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, and good will toward men.

The book’s Arabic: المجد لله في الأعالي وعلى الأرض السلام وفي الناس المسرة.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Dashed line: a part of the word that becomes a word of its own in the translation (my, your, you, it …).
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.
  • * Meaning from the teacher; the book has none here.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 1–3.

From the Sunday TheotokiaLesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. ⲬⲉⲣⲉHail
  2. ⲛⲉto you
  3. Ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ̀:Mary
  4. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲥⲱϯthe salvation
  5. ⲛ̀Ⲁ̀ⲇⲁⲙof Adam
  6. ⲡⲉⲛ (ⲡⲉⲛ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲛ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲛ → "our")ⲓⲱⲧ:our father

Hail Mary rescuer of our father Adam.

The book’s Arabic: السلام لك يا مريم خلاص أبينا آدم.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩthe mother
  3. ⲙ̀ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲙⲁⲛ̀ⲫⲱⲧ:of the rescue

hail ... mother of the rescue:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم الملجأ.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲑⲉⲗⲏⲗthe joy
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲉⲩⲁ̀:of Eve

hail .. joy of Eve:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... تهليل حواء.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲟⲩⲛⲟϥthe gladness
  3. ⲛ̀ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲅⲉⲛⲉⲁ̀.of the generations

hail…gladness of generations.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... فرح الأجيال.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲫ̀ (ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲣⲁϣⲓthe delight
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲁ̀ⲃⲉⲗof Abel
  4. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲑ̀ⲙⲏⲓ:the righteous

Hail ... joy of just Abel:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... فرح هابيل البار.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥthe virgin
  3. ⲛ̀ⲧⲁⲫ̀ⲙⲏⲓ:true

hail ... virgin most true:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... العذراء الحقيقية.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲫ̀ (ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲛⲟϩⲉⲙthe deliverance
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲛⲱⲉ̀:of Noe

hail ... safety of Noe:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... خلاص نوح.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲁⲧⲑⲱⲗⲉⲃthe undefiled
  3. ⲛ̀ⲥⲉⲙⲛⲉ.the meek

hail ... spotless and meek.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... غير الدنسة الهادئة.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ϩⲙⲟⲧthe grace
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲁⲃⲣⲁⲁⲙ:of Abraham

Hail... grace of Abraham:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... نعمة إبراهيم.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲭ̀ⲗⲟⲙthe crown
  3. ⲛ̀ⲁⲑⲗⲱⲙ:unfaded

hail...crown incorruptible:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... الإكليل غير المضمحل.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲥⲱϯ·
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓ̀ⲥⲁⲁⲕof Isaac
  4. ⲡⲉⲑⲟⲩⲁⲃ:the saint

hail ... salvation of holy Isaac

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... خلاص إسحق القديس.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩthe mother
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲫⲏⲉⲑ̅ⲟ̅ⲩ̅.of the Holy

hail … mother of the Holy One.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم القدوس.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲑⲉⲗⲏⲗthe joy
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲁⲕⲱⲃ:of Jacob

Hail ... joy of Jacob:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... تهليل يعقوب.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϩⲁⲛ (ϩⲁⲛ: indefinite article, plural (ϩⲁⲛ) → "some", or no word)ⲑ̀ⲃⲁthousands
  3. ⲛ̀ⲕⲱⲃ:of times

hail ... thousand times:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... ربوات مضاعفة.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ϣⲟⲩϣⲟⲩthe pride
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲟⲩⲇⲁ:of Judas

hail … the pride of Judas:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... فخر يهوذا.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ·
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓ (Ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲇⲉⲥⲡⲟⲧⲁ.of the Lord

hail... mother of the Master.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم السيد.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ϩⲓⲱⲓϣthe preach
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲙⲱⲩ̀ⲥⲏⲥ:of Moses

hail ... preaching of Moses:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... كرازة موسى.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ·
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓ (Ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲇⲉⲥⲡⲟⲧⲏⲥ:of the Lord

hail ... mother of the Master

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... والدة السيد.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲧⲁⲓⲟ̀the honor
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲥⲁⲙⲟⲩⲏⲗ:of Samuel

hail ... honor of Samuel:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... كرامة صموئيل.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ϣⲟⲩϣⲟⲩthe pride
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓ (Ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲥ̅ⲗ̅.of Israel

hail ... pride of Israel.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... فخر إسرائيل.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. Ⲡ (Ⲡ: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲧⲁϫⲣⲟthe stand firm
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲱⲃof Job
  4. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲑ̀ⲙⲏⲓ:the righteous

Hail ... fortress of just Job:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... ثبات أيوب البار.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲱ̀ⲛⲓthe stone
  3. ⲛ̀ⲁ̀ⲛⲁⲙⲏⲓ:precious

hail … precious stone:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... الحجر الكريم.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ·
  3. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓ (Ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲙⲉⲛⲣⲓⲧ:of the beloved

hail … mother of the Beloved:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم الحبيب.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ϣⲉⲣⲓthe daughter
  3. ⲙ̀ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲟⲩⲣⲟof the king
  4. Ⲇⲁⲩⲓⲇ.David

hail… daughter of king David.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... ابنة الملك داود.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ϣ̀ⲫⲉⲣⲓthe friend
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲥⲟⲗⲟⲙⲱⲛ:of Solomon

Hail... the friend of Solomon:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... صديقة سليمان.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ϭⲓⲥⲓthe exaltation
  3. ⲛ̀ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲇⲓⲕⲉⲟⲛ:of the righteous

hail .. exaltation of the righteous:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... رفعة الصديقين.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲟⲩϫⲁⲓthe salvation
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲏ̀ⲥⲁⲏ̀ⲁⲥ:of Isiah

hail ... salvation of Isiah:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... خلاص إشعياء.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲧⲁⲗϭⲟthe healing
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲉⲣⲉⲙⲓⲁⲥ.of Jeremieh

hail ... remedy of Jeremiah.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... شفاء إرميا.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡ̀ (ⲡ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲉ̀ⲙⲓthe knowledge
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲉⲍⲉⲕⲓⲏⲗ:of Ezekiel

Hail ... wisdom of Ezekiel

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... علم حزقيال.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲭⲁⲣⲓⲥgrace
  3. ⲧⲟⲩof* (meaning from the teacher)
  4. Ⲇⲁⲛⲓⲏⲗ:Daniel

hail ... grace of Daniel:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... نعمة دانيال.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ϫⲟⲙthe power
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲏ̀ⲗⲓⲁⲥ:of Elias

hail ... power of Elias:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... قوة إيليا.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ϩ̀ⲙⲟⲧthe grace
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲉ̀ⲗⲓⲥⲉⲟⲥ.of Eliseus

hail ... grace of Eliseus.

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... نعمة أليشع.

  1. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲑⲉⲟ̀ⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ:the mother of God

Hail ... mother of God:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... والدة الإله.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ·
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲓⲏ̅ⲥ̅·
  4. Ⲡ̅ⲭ̅ⲥ̅:Christ

hail ... mother of Jesus Christ:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم يسوع المسيح.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ϭ̀ⲣⲟⲙⲡⲓthe pigeon
  3. ⲉⲑⲛⲉⲥⲱⲥ:nice

hail ... nice pigeon:

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... الحمامة الحسنة.

  1. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅:·
  2. ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ·
  3. ⲛ̀Ⲩ̀ⲓⲟⲥof Son
  4. Ⲑⲉⲟⲥ.God

hail... mother of the Son of God

The book’s Arabic: السلام ... أم ابن الله.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Dashed line: a part of the word that becomes a word of its own in the translation (my, your, you, it …).
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.
  • * Meaning from the teacher; the book has none here.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 3–6.

From the Wednesday TheotokiaLesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. ⲬⲉⲣⲉHail
  2. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲃⲱⲕⲓthe maiden
  3. ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  4. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲙⲁⲩ:the mother
  5. ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥthe virgin
  6. ⲟⲩⲟϩand
  7. ⲧ̀ (ⲧ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲫⲉ:the heaven
  8. ⲑⲏⲉⲧⲁⲥϥⲁⲓwho bore
  9. ⲥⲱⲙⲁⲧⲓⲕⲱⲥ:bodily
  10. ϧⲁ·
  11. ⲫⲏⲉⲧϩⲓϫⲉⲛWho on
  12. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲭⲉⲣⲟⲩⲃⲓⲙ.the Cherubim

Hail maiden and mother, virgin and heaven who did bear in bodily from Him who is above the Cherubim.

The book’s Arabic: السلام للعبدة والأم العذراء والسماء التي حملت جسدياً الذي على الشاروبيم.

  1. ϧⲉⲛin
  2. ⲛⲁⲓthese
  3. ⲧⲉⲛ (ⲧⲉⲛ: ⲧⲉⲛ before the verb: "we")ⲣⲁϣⲓwe rejoice
  4. ⲧⲉⲛ (ⲧⲉⲛ: ⲧⲉⲛ before the verb: "we")ⲉⲣⲯⲁⲗⲓⲛ:we sing
  5. ⲛⲉⲙ·
  6. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲁⲅⲅⲉⲗⲟⲥthe angels
  7. ⲉⲑⲟⲩ:holy
  8. ϧⲉⲛin
  9. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ⲑⲉⲗⲏⲗa joy
  10. ⲉⲛϫⲱ ⲙ̀ⲙⲟⲥ:saying

In these things we rejoice and sing with the holy angels, in gladness we say:

The book’s Arabic: بهذا نفرح ونرتل مع الملائكة القديسين بتهليل قائلين:

Luke 2:14

  1. ϫⲉ(introduces the quotation)* (meaning from the teacher)
  2. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ⲱ̀ⲟⲩa glory
  3. ϧⲉⲛin
  4. ⲛⲏⲉⲧϭⲟⲥⲓthe highest
  5. ⲙ̀Ⲫϯ.to God

Glory to God in the highest.

The book’s Arabic: المجد لله في الأعالي.

Luke 2:14

  1. Ⲛⲉⲙand
  2. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ϩⲓⲣⲏⲛⲏa peace
  3. ϩⲓϫⲉⲛon
  4. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲕⲁϩⲓ:the earth
  5. ⲛⲉⲙand
  6. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ϯⲙⲁϯa good will
  7. ϧⲉⲛin
  8. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲣⲱⲙⲓ:the men

And peace upon earth and good will to men.

The book’s Arabic: وعلى الأرض السلام وفي الناس المسرة.

  1. ϫⲉfor
  2. ⲁϥ (ⲁϥ: ⲁ = past, ϥ = "he" → "he …ed")ϯⲙⲁϯwas pleased
  3. ⲅⲁⲣ·
  4. ⲛ̀ϧⲏϯin you
  5. ⲛ̀ϫⲉ·
  6. ⲫⲏⲉ̀ⲧⲉwho
  7. ⲫⲱϥto him
  8. ⲡⲉis
  9. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲱ̀ⲟⲩthe glory
  10. ϣⲁfor
  11. ⲉ̀ⲛⲉϩ.ever

for He was pleased in you to whom glory is due for ever.

The book’s Arabic: لأنه سُرّ بكِ الذي له المجد إلى الأبد.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Dashed line: a part of the word that becomes a word of its own in the translation (my, your, you, it …).
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.
  • * Meaning from the teacher; the book has none here.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 6–8.

From the Thursday TheotokiaLesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. Ⲁϥ (Ⲁϥ: ⲁ = past, ϥ = "he" → "he …ed")ⲣⲉⲕHe bent
  2. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲫⲏⲟⲩⲓ̀the heavens
  3. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  4. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲫⲏⲟⲩⲓ̀:the heavens
  5. ⲁϥ (ⲁϥ: ⲁ = past, ϥ = "he" → "he …ed")ⲓ̀he came
  6. ⲉ̀ (ⲉ̀: ⲉ̀ before the word: "to")ⲑ̀ (ⲑ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲙⲏⲧⲣⲁto the womb
  7. ⲛ̀ϯ (ϯ: definite article, feminine singular → "the")ⲡⲁⲣⲑⲉⲛⲟⲥ:of the virgin
  8. ⲁϥ (ⲁϥ: ⲁ = past, ϥ = "he" → "he …ed")ⲉⲣⲣⲱⲙⲓHe became man
  9. ⲙ̀ⲡⲉⲛⲣⲏϯ:like us
  10. ϣⲁⲧⲉⲛexcept
  11. ⲫ̀ (ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲛⲟⲃⲓthe sin
  12. ⲙ̀ⲙⲁⲩⲁⲧϥ.alone

He bent the heaven of heavens, He came to the womb of the virgin, he became man similar to us except regards the sin only.

The book’s Arabic: طأطأ سموات السموات وأتى إلى بطن العذراء وصار إنساناً مثلنا ما خلا الخطيئة وحدها.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Dashed line: a part of the word that becomes a word of its own in the translation (my, your, you, it …).
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.
  • * Meaning from the teacher; the book has none here.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 8.

From the Prime Doxology (Adam)Lesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. ϧⲉⲛby
  2. ϩⲁⲛ (ϩⲁⲛ: indefinite article, plural (ϩⲁⲛ) → "some", or no word)ⲯⲁⲗⲙⲟⲥpsalms
  3. ⲛⲉⲙand
  4. ϩⲁⲛ (ϩⲁⲛ: indefinite article, plural (ϩⲁⲛ) → "some", or no word)ϩⲱⲥ:praises
  5. ⲛⲉⲙand
  6. ϩⲁⲛ (ϩⲁⲛ: indefinite article, plural (ϩⲁⲛ) → "some", or no word)ϩⲱⲇⲏhymns
  7. ⲙ̀ⲡⲛⲉⲩⲙⲁⲧⲓⲕⲟⲛ:spiritual
  8. ⲙ̀ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲉ̀ϩⲟⲟⲩthe day
  9. ⲛⲉⲙand
  10. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲉ̀ϫⲱⲣϩ:the night
  11. ϧⲉⲛwith
  12. ⲟⲩ (ⲟⲩ: indefinite article, singular → "a/an")ϩⲏⲧa heart
  13. ⲛ̀ⲁⲧϫⲁⲣⲱϥ.without lassitude

By psalms, praises and spiritual hymns day and night with a heart without lassitude.

The book’s Arabic: بمزامير وتسابيح وترانيم روحية النهار والليل بقلب لا يفتر.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 8–9.

Litany of OfferingsLesson 1: Definite and indefinite articles
  1. ⲦⲱⲃϩAsk
  2. ⲉ̀ϫⲉⲛfor
  3. ⲛⲏⲉⲧϥⲓthose who
  4. ⲙ̀ⲫ̀ (ⲫ̀: special definite article, masculine singular (ⲡ̀, or ⲫ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲣⲱⲟⲩϣtake care of
  5. ⲛ̀ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲑⲩⲥⲓⲁ̀of the sacrifices
  6. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲡ̀ⲣⲟⲥⲫⲟⲣⲁthe oblations
  7. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲁ̀ⲡⲁⲣⲭⲏthe first fruits
  8. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲛⲉϩthe oil
  9. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲥ̀ⲑⲟⲓⲛⲟⲩϥⲓthe incense
  10. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲥ̀ⲕⲉⲡⲁⲥⲙⲁthe coverings of the altar
  11. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ϫⲱⲙthe books
  12. ⲛ̀ⲱϣof reading
  13. ⲛⲓ (ⲛⲓ: definite article, plural → "the")ⲕⲩⲙⲓⲗⲗⲓⲟⲛthe vessels
  14. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  15. ⲡⲓ (ⲡⲓ: definite article, masculine singular → "the")ⲙⲁⲛⲉⲣϣⲱⲟⲩϣⲓ:the altar

pray for those who have charge of the sacrifices, the oblations, the first fruits, the oils, the incense, the coverings of the altar, the books of the readings, and vessels of the altar:

The book’s Arabic: اطلبوا عن المهتمين بالصعائد والقرابين والبكور والزيت والبخور والستور وكتب القراءة وأواني المذبح.

  1. ϩⲓⲛⲁthat
  2. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉ·
  3. Ⲡⲭ̅ⲥ̅Christ
  4. Ⲡⲉⲛ (Ⲡⲉⲛ: possessive prefix ⲡⲉⲛ: ⲡ (article) + ⲉⲛ → "our")ⲛⲟⲩϯOur God
  5. ϯϣⲉⲃⲓⲱ̀recompense
  6. ⲛⲱⲟⲩthem
  7. ϧⲉⲛin
  8. Ⲓⲗ̅ⲏ̅ⲙ̅Jerusalem
  9. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉof* (meaning from the teacher)
  10. ⲧ̀ (ⲧ̀: special definite article, feminine singular (ⲧ̀, or ⲑ̀ before ⲃ ⲓ ⲗ ⲙ ⲛ ⲟ ⲣ) → "the")ⲫⲉ:the heaven
  11. ⲛ̀ⲧⲉϥ…·

that Christ Our God may recompense them in the heavenly Jerusalem: that He may forgive us our sins.

The book’s Arabic: لكي المسيح إلهنا يجازيهم في أورشليم السمائية ويغفر لنا خطايانا.

How to read the analysis

  • Hollow letters: the part this lesson is about, marked as in the book.
  • Solid line: the article.
  • Dashed line: a part of the word that becomes a word of its own in the translation (my, your, you, it …).
  • Under each word: its meaning. Under the line: the whole sentence.
  • The button numbers each marked part and colours it, its meaning and its part of the translation the same way.
  • * Meaning from the teacher; the book has none here.

Source: Understand and Pray (افهم وصلِّ), book 1, Anba Demetrius, Bishop of Mallawi, p. 9–10.

Exercises

The exercises are made from the texts above: find the marked part, say what it means and what it becomes in the translation, then translate whole sentences.

ActivityEasy

Find the article

Each word comes from the text above. Which part of the word is the article?

  1. "God": which part is the article?

    Ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ

  2. "the earth": which part is the article?

    ⲙ̀ⲡⲓⲕⲁϩⲓ

  3. "the salvation": which part is the article?

    ⲡ̀ⲥⲱϯ

  4. "the undefiled": which part is the article?

    ϯⲁⲧⲑⲱⲗⲉⲃ

  5. "the stand firm": which part is the article?

    Ⲡⲧⲁϫⲣⲟ

  6. "the knowledge": which part is the article?

    ⲡ̀ⲉ̀ⲙⲓ

  7. "the glory": which part is the article?

    ⲡⲓⲱ̀ⲟⲩ

  8. "take care of": which part is the article?

    ⲙ̀ⲫ̀ⲣⲱⲟⲩϣ

ActivityEasy

Definite or indefinite?

Look at the article in the word. Is it definite (the) or indefinite (a)?

  1. Ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ

  2. ⲟⲩⲱ̀ⲟⲩ

  3. ⲟⲩϯⲙⲁϯ

  4. ⲡ̀ⲥⲱϯ

  5. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓⲥ̅ⲗ̅.

  6. ⲧ̀ⲫⲉ:

  7. ⲟⲩⲑⲉⲗⲏⲗ

  8. ϩⲁⲛϩⲱⲥ:

ActivityMedium

Which article?

Name the article: definite or indefinite, masculine, feminine or plural.

  1. The article in this word is …

    Ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ

  2. The article in this word is …

    ϯⲥ̀ⲧⲣⲁⲧⲓⲁ̀

  3. The article in this word is …

    ⲫ̀ⲣⲁϣⲓ

  4. The article in this word is …

    Ⲡⲧⲁϫⲣⲟ

  5. The article in this word is …

    ϯⲑⲉⲟ̀ⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ:

  6. The article in this word is …

    ϩⲁⲛϩⲱⲇⲏ

ActivityMedium

What does it become?

Which part of the translation does the marked part of the word become?

  1. ⲡⲓⲛⲓϣϯ = "the great". What does ⲡⲓ become?

    ⲡⲓⲛⲓϣϯ

  2. Ⲁⲕϣⲉⲣϣⲱⲣϥ = "you destroyed it". What does Ⲁⲕ become?

    Ⲁⲕϣⲉⲣϣⲱⲣϥ

  3. ⲙ̀ⲡⲓⲕⲁϩⲓ = "the earth". What does ⲡⲓ become?

    ⲙ̀ⲡⲓⲕⲁϩⲓ

  4. ⲛⲓⲣⲱⲙⲓ = "the men". What does ⲛⲓ become?

    ⲛⲓⲣⲱⲙⲓ.

  5. ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓⲇⲉⲥⲡⲟⲧⲁ = "of the Lord". What does Ⲡⲓ become?

    ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓⲇⲉⲥⲡⲟⲧⲁ.

  6. ϯⲃⲱⲕⲓ = "the maiden". What does ϯ become?

    ϯⲃⲱⲕⲓ

  7. ⲡⲓⲱ̀ⲟⲩ = "the glory". What does ⲡⲓ become?

    ⲡⲓⲱ̀ⲟⲩ

  8. ⲛⲓⲁ̀ⲡⲁⲣⲭⲏ = "the first fruits". What does ⲛⲓ become?

    ⲛⲓⲁ̀ⲡⲁⲣⲭⲏ

ActivityMedium

Which part becomes a word?

Some parts of a Coptic word become words of their own in the translation, like "my", "your" or "you". Find them.

  1. "to the world": which part becomes "to"?

    ⲉ̀ⲡⲓⲕⲟⲥⲙⲟⲥ:

  2. "you destroyed it": which part becomes "it"?

    Ⲁⲕϣⲉⲣϣⲱⲣϥ

  3. "our Lord": which part becomes "our"?

    Ⲡⲉⲛϭ̅ⲥ̅

  4. "our saviour": which part becomes "our"?

    Ⲡⲉⲛⲥⲱⲧⲏⲣ

  5. "with it": which part becomes "it"?

    ⲛ̀ϧⲏⲧⲥ

  6. "we rejoice": which part becomes "we"?

    ⲧⲉⲛⲣⲁϣⲓ

  7. "was pleased": which part becomes "he (past)"?

    ⲁϥϯⲙⲁϯ

  8. "he came": which part becomes "he (past)"?

    ⲁϥⲓ̀

ActivityMedium

Words in the text

Match each Coptic word with its meaning in the text.

ActivityHard

Translate the sentence

Use the analysis: read the words, then choose the translation of the whole sentence.

  1. Ⲫ̀ⲛⲟⲩϯ ⲡⲓⲛⲓϣϯ ⲡⲓϣⲁⲉ̀ⲛⲉϩ: ⲫⲏⲉⲧⲁϥⲕⲱⲧ ⲙ̀ⲡⲓⲣⲱⲙⲓ ⲉ̀ϩⲣⲏⲓ ⲉϫⲉⲛ ϯⲙⲉⲧⲁⲧⲧⲁⲕⲟ.

  2. Ⲭⲉⲣⲉ ⲛⲉ Ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ̀: ⲡ̀ⲥⲱϯ ⲛ̀Ⲁ̀ⲇⲁⲙ ⲡⲉⲛⲓⲱⲧ:

  3. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅: ⲫ̀ⲛⲟϩⲉⲙ ⲛ̀Ⲛⲱⲉ̀:

  4. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅: ϩⲁⲛⲑ̀ⲃⲁ ⲛ̀ⲕⲱⲃ:

  5. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅: ⲡ̀ϣⲟⲩϣⲟⲩ ⲙ̀Ⲡⲓⲥ̅ⲗ̅.

  6. ⲭ̅ⲉ̅: ⲡ̀ϭⲓⲥⲓ ⲛ̀ⲛⲓⲇⲓⲕⲉⲟⲛ:

  7. Ⲭ̅ⲉ̅: ϯⲑⲉⲟ̀ⲧⲟⲕⲟⲥ:

  8. ϫⲉ ⲟⲩⲱ̀ⲟⲩ ϧⲉⲛ ⲛⲏⲉⲧϭⲟⲥⲓ ⲙ̀Ⲫϯ.

    Luke 2:14