خالة وعم
Khala wa 'amm
The English phrase "aunt and uncle" can be translated into Arabic as خالة وعم (Khala wa 'amm).
This phrase is used to refer to a maternal aunt and a paternal uncle simultaneously.
What does it mean word for word?
The word عم literally means paternal uncle, referring specifically to the brother of one's father.
Which one should you use?
The phrase خالة وعم specifically refers to a maternal aunt and a paternal uncle, rather than a generic pair of aunt and uncle.
How do you pronounce it?
Khala wa 'amm
Did you know?
- If you call a stranger عمي, which means 'my uncle', it is a common sign of respect in many Arabic dialects. It is often used to address middle-aged men to show friendliness and politeness.
- The word عم is the root for the word عموم, which means 'generality' or 'public', reflecting the expansive nature of the paternal clan.
- In some Arabic cultures, the maternal aunt خالة is traditionally viewed as a 'second mother' and often holds a unique psychological role in a child's upbringing.
Example conversation
Maryam is telling Omar about her family members.
- مريم Maryamسأذهب لزيارة خالة وعم غداً.Sa-adhhab liziyaarat khala wa 'am ghadan.I am going to visit an aunt and uncle tomorrow.
- عمر Omarهل يسكنون في مدينة أخرى؟Hal yaskunoon fee madina ukhra?Do they live in another city?
- مريم Maryamنعم، هم يسكنون في القرية.Na'am, hum yaskunoon fee al-qarya.Yes, they live in the village.
- عمر Omarأتمنى لك رحلة سعيدة يا مريم.Atamanna laki rihla sa'ida ya Maryam.I wish you a happy trip, Maryam.
