ابن حرام
ibn haram
The English word 'bastard' translates to Arabic as ابن حرام (ibn haram).
This phrase is used to describe a contemptible person. It can be used as a direct insult to someone's character, or it can be used to literally imply that a person was born out of wedlock.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'son of forbidden' or 'son of sin'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the phrase is ابنة حرام.
How do you pronounce it?
ibn haram
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, the word حرام can also be used as an exclamation of pity, similar to saying 'what a shame'.
- In certain contexts, the word حرام functions as an adjective for things that are 'sacred' or 'inviolable', which is the conceptual opposite of the 'sinful' connotation in this insult.
- The word حرام in this phrase shares an ancient root with the Hebrew word חֵרֶם, which referred to things that were 'taboo' or 'consecrated'.
Examples in context
- هو ابن حرام، لا تثق به.Huwa ibn haram, la tathiq bih.He is a bastard, do not trust him.
- لا تكن ابن حرام وتكذب علي.La takun ibn haram wa takdhib 'alay.Don't be a bastard and lie to me.
- ذلك الرجل ابن حرام حقيقي.Dhalika al-rajul ibn haram haqiqi.That man is a real bastard.
Example conversation
A woman is warning her brother about a dishonest man.
- نور Nourاحذر من هذا الرجل، إنه ابن حرام.Ihdhar min hadha al-rajul, innahu ibn haram.Beware of that man, he is a bastard.
- أحمد Ahmedهل فعل شيئاً سيئاً يا نور؟Hal fa'ala shay'an sayyi'an ya Nur?Did he do something bad, Nur?
- نور Nourلقد سرق أموالنا جميعاً.Laqad saraqa amwalana jami'an.He stole all of our money.
- أحمد Ahmedحقاً؟ يا له من شخص حقير!Haqqan? Ya lahu min shakhs haqir!Really? What a contemptible person!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ابن, حرام, CC BY-SA 4.0.
