كن جيدا
kun jayyidan
The English phrase "be good" is translated into Arabic as كن جيدا (kun jayyidan).
This phrase is an instruction to behave well or to act in a morally correct manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the word كن, which is the imperative form of the verb 'to be' (kana).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on the gender of the person you are addressing. The default form كن جيدا is the masculine singular imperative. When addressing a female, use the feminine form كن جيدة.
How do you pronounce it?
kun jayyidan
Did you know?
- In some Levantine dialects, rather than saying 'be good', one might say خليك عاقل, which literally means 'stay sane' or 'stay wise' to imply behaving well.
- Because the word كن is the same imperative used in the Quranic phrase 'Be, and it is', using this exact verb form can sound unintentionally profound or divine in certain contexts.
- In many Middle Eastern cultures, telling someone to 'be good' is often implicitly linked to the concept of 'Adab', which refers to a sophisticated blend of etiquette, manners, and refinement.
Example conversation
A mother talking to her son before he goes to a party.
- سارة Saraسأذهب الآن يا أمي.Sa-adhhab al-an ya ummi.I am leaving now, Mom.
- أحمد Ahmedحسناً يا أحمد، كن جيداً هناك.Hasanan ya Ahmad, kun jayyidan hunak.Okay Ahmad, be good there.
- سارة Saraسأفعل ذلك بالتأكيد.Sa-af'alu dhalika bi-ta'kid.I will certainly do that.
- أحمد Ahmedأتمنى لك وقتاً ممتعاً.Atamanna laka waqtan mumti'an.I wish you a fun time.
