أخ كبير
'akh kabir/ʔax ka.biːr/word by word
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Arabic as أخ كبير ('akh kabir).
This phrase refers to a brother who is older than another sibling.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of أخ (brother) and كبير (big/large).
Which one should you use?
While أخ كبير means "big brother", you can specify "the big brother" by adding the definite article ال to both the noun and the adjective, forming الأخ الكبير.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Arabic, the adjective كبير (big) follows the noun أخ (brother) to modify it.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʔax ka.biːr/. It is composed of two syllables: 'akh kabir.
Did you know?
- In many Arabic cultures, the 'big brother' is often expected to act as a second father figure, a role that carries specific social responsibilities and expectations.
- The word أخ is inherited from the Proto-Semitic word *ʔaḫw-, showing a linguistic link to other ancient Near Eastern languages.
- In many Arabic dialects, a person might address a stranger as أخي (my brother) or even use terms for 'big brother' as a sign of warmth and respect, even without a blood relation.
Examples in context
- أخي الكبير، هل يمكنك تعليمي كيفية القيادة؟My big brother, can you teach me how to drive?
- عندي أخ كبير.indi akh kabir.I have a big brother.
Example conversation
Nour and Omar are talking about their families.
- نور Nourهل عندك أخ كبير يا عمر؟hal 'indaka akh kabir ya Omar?Do you have a big brother, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، لدي أخ كبير واحد.na'am, ladayya akh kabir wahid.Yes, I have one big brother.
- نور Nourماذا يعمل أخوك الكبير؟madha ya'mal akhuka al-kabir?What does your big brother do for work?
- عمر Omarهو مهندس في الشركة.huwa muhandis fi al-sharika.He is an engineer at the company.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (أخ, كبير) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أخ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
