كن لطيفا
kun lateefan
The English phrase 'be nice' is translated into Arabic as كن لطيفا (kun lateefan).
A request or command to behave in a friendly and considerate manner toward others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word كن (kun) means 'be' (imperative) and لطيفا (lateefan) means 'nice' or 'kind'.
Which one should you use?
The formal way to say 'be polite' is كُن مُهذبًا.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal way to say 'be nice' is كُن لطيفًا.
How do you pronounce it?
kun lateefan
Did you know?
- If you are telling a child to 'be nice' in a Levantine dialect, you might say خليك عاقل (khallik 'a'el), which literally means 'stay sane' or 'stay wise'.
- While لطيف (lateef) is 'nice', the word مُهذب (muhathab) for 'polite' literally means 'pruned' or 'refined', like a well-tended garden.
- The word لطيف (lateef) used in the phrase is also one of the 'Beautiful Names of God' in Islam. It implies a sense of subtle, divine kindness.
Examples in context
- يجب أن تكون لطيفًا مع الناس في جميع الأوقات.You should always be nice to people.
- يعد الأدب الجيد من أهم القيم الاجتماعية، فكُن مُهذبًا دائمًا.Good manners are one of the most important social values, so always be polite.
- كن لطيفا مع جيراننا.kun latifan ma'a jiranina.Be nice to our neighbors.
- كن لطيفا في كلامك.kun latifan fi kalamika.Be nice in your speech.
Example conversation
Yusuf is being grumpy while talking to Layla.
- يوسف Youssefلا أريد التحدث مع أحد الآن.La uridu al-tahadduth ma'a ahad al-an.I don't want to talk to anyone right now.
- ليلى Laylaيوسف، كن لطيفا معي من فضلك.Yusuf, kun latifan ma'i min fadlak.Yusuf, be nice to me please.
- يوسف Youssefأنا فقط متعب جداً.Ana faqat mut'ab jiddan.I am just very tired.
- ليلى Laylaأفهم ذلك، ولكن لا تكن غاضبا.Afham dhalik, walakin la takun ghadiban.I understand, but don't be angry.
