Learn How to Pronounce khimar | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce khimar
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
A khimar is a traditional Islamic garment worn by women, serving as a headscarf or a cape-like cloak that extends to cover the hair, neck, shoulders, and chest, often reaching the waist or even the knees. Rooted in interpretations of modesty (hijab) derived from the Quran, the khimar is a cornerstone of Islamic modest fashion and cultural identity for Muslim women across diverse communities from Indonesia to Morocco. Unlike some shorter headscarves, its distinctive draping design provides comprehensive coverage while allowing for personal expression through a vast array of fabrics, colors, and embellishments. The wearing of the khimar represents both a spiritual commitment and a sartorial choice, deeply embedded in the practices of religious observance and the evolving landscape of global Muslim attire. Its significance extends beyond mere clothing, symbolizing faith, privacy, and cultural heritage within the framework of contemporary Islamic dress codes.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and most widely accepted transliteration from Arabic is "khimar" (خمار). Common alternative spellings arise from attempts to phonetically capture the guttural "kh" sound, which does not exist in English, leading to variations like "chimar" or "khemar." A frequent misspelling is "kimar," which replaces the "kh" with a simple "k," losing the intended phonetic quality. Another occasional error is the addition of an extra 'r' as in "khimarr." It is also sometimes incorrectly conflated with or spelled similarly to "kufi," which is a cap worn by men. In non-Arabic speaking regions, the term is often used interchangeably with "hijab," though hijab is a broader concept of modesty as well as the headscarf itself, while a khimar refers specifically to this longer, cape-like style of covering.
Example Sentences
She chose a flowing navy blue khimar made of jersey fabric for its comfort and elegant drape over her shoulders.
During the community event, the vibrant embroidery on her khimar reflected her Pakistani heritage.
Many online retailers now offer khimars in breathable materials perfect for summer wear.
When dressing for prayer, she ensured her khimar fully covered her chest as part of her observance.
The designer's new collection featured modern khimars with integrated under-scarves for a seamless look.
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