Shaikh: Meaning and Translation in 50 Languages
Shaikh (شيخ) is an Arabic-origin word that means “elder,” “leader,” or “scholar,” often used as a title for respected Islamic scholars, tribal leaders, or community heads. It is also a common surname in many Muslim-majority regions.
Meaning of Shaikh in Different Contexts:
- Religious Meaning: Used as an honorific for Islamic scholars or spiritual guides.
- Tribal and Social Meaning: A leader of a tribe, clan, or community.
- Linguistic Meaning: Derived from the Arabic root meaning “elder” or “wise person.”
Translation of Shaikh in 50 Languages:
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Arabic | شيخ (Shaikh) |
| Bengali | শেখ (Sheikh) |
| Chinese | 长老 (Zhǎnglǎo) |
| Danish | Sheikh |
| Dutch | Sjeik |
| English | Sheikh / Elder |
| French | Cheikh |
| German | Scheich |
| Greek | Σεΐχης (Seïchis) |
| Gujarati | શેખ (Sheikh) |
| Hebrew | שייח’ (Sheikh) |
| Hindi | शेख़ (Sheikh) |
| Hungarian | Sejk |
| Indonesian | Syekh |
| Italian | Sceicco |
| Japanese | シェイク (Sheiku) |
| Kannada | ಶೇಖ್ (Sheikh) |
| Korean | 셰이크 (Sheikeu) |
| Latin | Sheikh |
| Malay | Sheikh |
| Malayalam | ഷെയ്ഖ് (Shaikh) |
| Marathi | शेख (Sheikh) |
| Nepali | शेख (Sheikh) |
| Norwegian | Sheikh |
| Pashto | شيخ (Shaikh) |
| Persian | شیخ (Sheikh) |
| Polish | Szejk |
| Portuguese | Xeque |
| Punjabi | ਸ਼ੇਖ਼ (Sheikh) |
| Romanian | Șeic |
| Russian | Шейх (Sheikh) |
| Serbian | Шеик (Sheikh) |
| Sinhala | ෂෙයික් (Sheikh) |
| Slovak | Šejk |
| Slovenian | Šejk |
| Spanish | Jeque |
| Swahili | Sheikh |
| Swedish | Sheikh |
| Tamil | ஷெய்க் (Shaikh) |
| Telugu | షేఖ్ (Sheikh) |
| Thai | ชีค (Chīk) |
| Turkish | Şeyh |
| Ukrainian | Шейх (Sheikh) |
| Urdu | شیخ (Shaikh) |
| Uzbek | Shayx |
| Vietnamese | Sheikh |
| Welsh | Sheikh |
| Yoruba | Sheikh |
| Zulu | Sheikh |
Shaikh in Literature and Daily Use:
The word Shaikh is widely used in religious texts, historical narratives, and everyday speech to denote wisdom, leadership, and scholarly respect.
Example in Islamic Context:
“Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani was a great Islamic scholar and spiritual leader whose teachings continue to inspire millions.”
Whether used as a title of respect, a mark of religious authority, or a symbol of wisdom, Shaikh remains a revered word in Islamic culture and beyond.
What does Shaikh mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!