قرة عيني
qurrat 'ayni
The Arabic phrase for 'apple of my eye' is قرة عيني (qurrat 'ayni).
This expression is used to express deep affection and is most commonly used by parents toward their children or between spouses.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'the coolness of my eye'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase قرة عيني is grammatically fixed. It remains the same regardless of whether you are addressing a male, a female or a group, because the noun قرة is feminine and the possessive 'my eye' is attached to it.
How do you pronounce it?
qurrat 'ayni
When do people say it?
Rooted in classical Arabic and religious texts, this expression often carries a poetic or spiritual sense, describing something that brings peace to the soul.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'coolness' in قرة عيني refers to the ancient belief that tears of joy are cool, whereas tears of sadness or the heat of a fever are warm.
- The root of the word عين (ayn) used in the phrase can also mean a 'spy', showing the linguistic breadth of a single word.
- In classical Arabic poetry, the 'coolness' in قرة عيني is linked to the relief of a traveler returning from the scorching desert heat to the sight of their home.
Examples in context
- أنتَ قرة عيني.You're the apple of my eye.This sentence shows how to use قرة عيني to tell someone they are the apple of your eye.Tatoeba #1389353 by alanood, translation #321414 by CM
- ابنتي هي قرة عيني.ibnatī hiya qurratu 'aynī.My daughter is the apple of my eye.
- أنتِ يا ليلى قرة عيني.anti yā Laylā qurratu 'aynī.You, Layla, are the apple of my eye.
Example conversation
Yousef is expressing his deep affection for his wife, Layla.
- يوسف Youssefأحبكِ جداً يا ليلى.uḥibbuki jiddan yā Laylā.I love you so much, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaوأنا أيضاً أحبك يا يوسف.wa ana ayḍan uḥibbuka yā Yūsuf.And I love you too, Yousef.
- يوسف Youssefأنتِ حقاً قرة عيني.anti ḥaqqan qurratu 'aynī.You truly are the apple of my eye.
- ليلى Laylaهذا كلام جميل جداً.hādhā kalām jamīl jiddan.That is very beautiful words.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
