In English, we use "each other" or "one another" to describe a mutual action within a group. In Arabic, you express this reciprocal relationship by repeating the word بعض (some).
The Reciprocal Structure
The Arabic phrase for "each other" is built in two parts:
- The word بعض attached to a pronoun that matches the subject (such as "us" or "them").
- The word بعضا, which follows immediately after and stays fixed in the accusative case.
Literally, this translates to saying that "some" of the group performed the action to "some" (the rest) of the group.
Using "Each Other" with "We"
When the subject is "we" (نحن) or when you are part of the group performing the action, you attach the pronoun نا to the first word. This gives you the phrase بعضنا بعضا.
| In this partnership, we help each other. | في هذه الشراكة، نحن نساعد بعضنا بعضا.fî hâdhihi ash-sharâkati, naĥnu nusâ'idu ba'đunâ ba'đan. |
| We advised each other before we traveled. | نصحنا بعضنا بعضا قبل أن نسافر.nasahnâ ba'dunâ ba'dan qabla an nusâfira. |
Using "Each Other" with "They"
When the subject is "they" (هم) or a plural noun like "the players", you attach the pronoun هم to the first word. The phrase becomes بعضهم بعضا.
| The players always encourage each other. | اللاعبون يشجعون بعضهم بعضا دائما.allâ'ibûna yushajji'ûna ba'duhum ba'dan dâ'iman |
| The players shook hands with each other after the match. | صافح اللاعبون بعضهم بعضا بعد المباراة.sâfaha l-lâ'ibûna ba'duhum ba'dan ba'da l-mubârâti |
Group Dynamics and Mutual Actions
This reciprocal phrasing pairs perfectly with verbs describing collaboration, conflict, or social interactions—such as competing, hugging, or praising. Notice how the structure remains exactly the same, regardless of the verb being used:
| We do not compete with each other because we are in a partnership. | نحن لا ننافس بعضنا بعضا لأننا في شراكة.nahnu la nunafisu baduna badan li'annana fi shiraka. |
| The friends hugged each other with affection. | عانق الأصدقاء بعضهم بعضا بمحبة.'aanaqa al-asdiqaa'u ba'duhum ba'dan bimahabbah |