Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɪni] (IPA) 
The word "djinni" is often spelled as "genie," but the former is the more accurate transliteration of the Arabic word "jinn." The "d" in "djinni" represents the Arabic letter "jim," which is pronounced as a soft "j" sound, similar to the "j" in "jalapeno." The double "n" represents the Arabic letter "noon," which is pronounced like the English letter "n," but with more emphasis. The IPA transcription of "djinni" is /ˈdʒɪni/.
A djinni, also known as a genie, is a supernatural being in Islamic mythology and Middle Eastern folklore. Derived from Arabic, the term djinni comes from the word "jinn," meaning hidden or concealed.
According to tradition, djinnis are sentient creatures created by God from smokeless fire before humans were formed from clay. Djinnis are believed to inhabit a parallel world that coexists with ours, and they possess the ability to shape-shift, becoming invisible or appearing in various forms such as animals, humans, or objects. They are considered to have free will, possessing their own desires, motivations, and personalities.
Djinnis are often depicted as powerful, magical entities capable of granting wishes, but their motivations and actions can be unpredictable and often come at a great cost. While some djinnis are benevolent and may be protective, others may be mischievous or malevolent, causing harm or manipulating humans for their own benefit. Djinnis are said to dwell in remote places, abandoned structures, or unpopulated areas, and summoning them requires specific rituals, spells, or artifacts, as depicted in various legends and stories.
In popular culture, djinnis often appear in literature, films, and video games, where they are associated with enchantment, wish-fulfillment, or as powerful adversaries to protagonists. The concept of djinnis has enthralled audiences worldwide, adding to the rich tapestry of myth and fantasy.
The word "djinni" (also spelled "jinni" or "genie") is derived from the Arabic term "jinn" (جِنّ), which refers to a class of supernatural creatures in Islamic mythology. The origin of the word "jinn" is uncertain, but it is believed to have roots in ancient Semitic languages. In Arabic, "jinn" means "hidden" or "unseen", emphasizing their nature as invisible spirits. The concept of jinn predates Islamic mythology and can be found in various ancient cultures across the Middle East. Over time, the term "jinn" evolved to refer specifically to these supernatural beings, and "djinni" or "genie" became popularized in Western literature through translations of The Arabian Nights.
