ghirsh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C2/Domain-specific)Formal/Technical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “ghirsh” mean?
A monetary unit and coin used in Saudi Arabia, equal to one-twentieth of a riyal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A monetary unit and coin used in Saudi Arabia, equal to one-twentieth of a riyal.
A small, low-value unit of currency, often used metaphorically to denote something of little worth or a trifling amount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare in both variants, encountered primarily in financial, historical, or travel-related texts concerning the Middle East.
Connotations
Neutral and specific; denotes a precise unit of foreign currency. In a metaphorical sense, might carry a slightly antiquated or exotic tone.
Frequency
Extremely low in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in British English due to historical colonial and economic ties to the region.
Grammar
How to Use “ghirsh” in a Sentence
[Subject] is not worth a ghirsh.The cost was [Number] ghirsh.He paid me in Saudi ghirsh.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ghirsh” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The old ghirsh coins were displayed in the museum.
American English
- He found a ghirsh piece in his collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in international finance or trade documentation referencing historical Saudi Arabian transactions.
Academic
Appears in economic history, numismatics, or Middle Eastern studies papers.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. Might be used by expatriates or travelers with experience in Saudi Arabia.
Technical
A precise term in numismatics (coin collecting) and certain historical financial records.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ghirsh”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ghirsh”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ghirsh”
- Misspelling as 'girsh' or 'gursh'.
- Incorrect pluralization (e.g., 'ghirshs').
- Assuming it is a current, widely used term outside specific contexts.
- Confusing it with the Turkish 'kuruş' or Egyptian 'piastre'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As an official term, it has been largely replaced by 'halala' (100 halala = 1 riyal), with 5 halala equalling one ghirsh. You may encounter it in historical contexts or on older coins.
In British English, it is pronounced /ɡɪəʃ/ (like 'gear' with 'sh'). In American English, it is /ɡɪrʃ/ (like 'girl' without the 'l', plus 'sh'). The 'gh' is a hard 'g' sound.
This is not standard. Its metaphorical use ('not worth a ghirsh') is understood but rare. For general use, terms like 'penny', 'cent', or 'small change' are more appropriate.
Both 'ghirsh' (invariant plural) and 'ghirushes' are acceptable, though the former is more common in financial texts.
A monetary unit and coin used in Saudi Arabia, equal to one-twentieth of a riyal.
Ghirsh is usually formal/technical/historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a ghirsh”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GHIRSH' sounds like 'GEAR' + 'SH' for cash. It's the GEAR (coin) for small CASH in Saudi.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A MEASURE OF WORTH → A ghirsh is a very small unit, hence 'not worth a ghirsh' metaphorically means completely worthless.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'ghirsh' primarily?