شقي
shaqiyy
The English word "brat" can be translated into Arabic as شقي (shaqiyy).
The term is used to describe a selfish, spoiled or unruly child.
Meaning: a selfish, spoiled, or unruly child (noun)
Which one should you use?
While شقي describes a mischievous or naughty child, the form المشاغب is used to describe a person who is unruly or disobedient.
How do you pronounce it?
shaqiyy
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, a 'brat' might be called نمنم or عفريت. The latter literally means 'demon' or 'sprite', suggesting the child's mischief is supernatural.
- While شقي is used for children, the word مشاغب is often used in news reports to describe 'rioters' or 'troublemakers' in a political context.
- In classical Arabic literature, the root of شقي was used to describe those who were 'wretched' or 'doomed', long before it became a common way to describe a naughty child.
Examples in context
- الطفل كان شقيًّا جدًا اليوم.The child was very mischievous today.
- المشاغبون دائمًا يُسببون المشاكل في الصف.The brats always cause problems in class.
- هذا الطفل شقي جداً.hadha al-tifl shaqi jiddan.This child is a very naughty brat.
- ابن عمي شقي ولا يسمع الكلام.ibnu ammi shaqi wa la yasma' al-kalam.My cousin is a brat and doesn't listen.
Example conversation
A mother and father are talking about their son's behavior.
- سارة Saraلماذا هو شقي اليوم؟limadha huwa shaqi al-yawm?Why is he being such a brat today?
- زياد Ziadلا أعرف، ربما هو متعب.la a'rif, rubbama huwa mut'ab.I don't know, maybe he is tired.
- سارة Saraإنه يحتاج إلى قسط من الراحة.innahu yahtaj ila qist min al-raha.He needs some rest.
- زياد Ziadسأجعله ينام الآن.sa-aj'aluhu yanam al-an.I will make him sleep now.
