فطور وغداء وعشاء
futur waghadha' wa'asha'
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Arabic is فطور وغداء وعشاء (futur waghadha' wa'asha').
What does it mean word for word?
فطور means breakfast, غداء lunch and عشاء dinner. The word و, and, is attached to the front of both the second and third words.
Which one should you use?
إفطار (ifṭār) is a common alternative for breakfast, giving إفطار وغداء وعشاء.
Is it said differently in some regions?
فطار is the usual word for breakfast in Egypt.
When do people say it?
إفطار is also the name of the meal that breaks the fast at sunset during Ramadan.
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, the meal called غداء ('lunch') is not just a midday snack but is traditionally the largest and most prestigious meal of the entire day.
- The word for breakfast, فطور (futūr), is derived from a root meaning 'to break', referring to the act of breaking one's overnight fast.
- The word for lunch, غداء (ghadā'), has a linguistic root relating to 'midday' or 'noon', reflecting a tradition of resting during peak heat.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are planning their daily meals.
- أحمد Ahmedسارة، هل جهزتِ فطور وغداء وعشاء اليوم؟Sarah, hal jahazti futoor wa ghada wa 'asha al-yawm?Sarah, did you prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner today?
- سارة Saraنعم يا أحمد، كل شيء جاهز.Na'am ya Ahmad, kullu shay'in jahiz.Yes Ahmed, everything is ready.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا رائع، شكراً جزيلاً لكِ.Hadha ra'i', shukran jazilan laki.That's great, thank you very much.
- سارة Saraعلى الرحب والسعة!Ala al-rahbi wa al-si'ah!You are very welcome!
