كن لطيفا
kun latifan
The phrase "be kind" in Arabic is translated as كن لطيفا (kun latifan).
In professional or official settings, you might instead use the more formal phrase الرجاء أن تُظهِرَ اللَّطف, which translates to "please show kindness".
What does it mean word for word?
The word كن is the imperative form of the verb "to be" (kana), meaning "be".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form كن لطيفا is the masculine singular imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
kun latifan
Did you know?
- While كن لطيفا is grammatically correct, Arabic speakers often express the desire for kindness through the word ذوق (dhawq), which literally means 'taste'. Someone who is kind and polite is said to have 'taste' in their behavior.
- The word لطيف (latif) is so central to the concept of kindness that it is one of the 99 names of God in Islam, describing a divine quality of being subtle and graciously aware of the hidden needs of people.
- The root of لطيف (l-t-f) is tied to the concept of being 'small' or 'delicate', suggesting that kindness is a form of gentle delicacy.
Examples in context
- كن لطيفا مع جيرانك.kun latifan ma'a jiranika.Be kind to your neighbors.
- كن لطيفا في كلامك.kun latifan fi kalamika.Be kind in your speech.
Example conversation
A mother giving advice to her son about his behavior at school.
- ليلى Laylaيا عمر، كن لطيفا مع زملائك.Ya Omar, kun latifan ma'a zumala'ika.Omar, be kind to your classmates.
- عمر Omarحاضر يا أمي، سأفعل ذلك.Hadir ya ummi, sa'af'alu dhalika.Okay mother, I will do that.
- ليلى Laylaاللطف يجعل الجميع يحبونك.Al-lutf yaj'al al-jami' yuhibbunaka.Kindness makes everyone love you.
- عمر Omarشكرا لك على النصيحة.Shukran laki 'ala al-nasiha.Thank you for the advice.
