أخ
ʔaḵḵ/ʔax/Egyptian Arabic, masculine
The Arabic word for brother is أخ (ʔaḵḵ). Wiktionary also lists أَخ (ʔaḵ) and شَقِيق (šaqīq).
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| أخ | ʔaḵḵ | /ʔax/ | Egyptian Arabic, masculine |
| أَخ | ʔaḵ | masculine | |
| شَقِيق | šaqīq | masculine | |
| إخوات | ʔixwāt | Egyptian Arabic, plural | |
| أخو | ʔuḵu | Gulf Arabic, masculine | |
| خي | ḵayy | North Levantine Arabic, masculine |
The primary word for a male sibling is أخ.
Which one should you use?
While أخ is the general term for a brother, شَقِيق is used specifically to refer to a full brother who shares both parents.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the plural form is إخوات and the masculine singular is أخ. In Gulf Arabic, the masculine form is أخو. In North Levantine Arabic, the masculine form is خي.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'my brother' in Arabic, you add the suffix 'ī' to the end of the word أخ, resulting in أخي.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʔax/.
When do people say it?
The phrase يا أخي is often used as a friendly or informal way to address someone, even if they are not your actual brother.
Did you know?
- The word شقيق literally translates to 'one who shares a split' or 'parted from the same piece', referring to the biological bond of sharing the same parents.
- Using يا أخي with an exaggerated tone in Egyptian Arabic can be used sarcastically to signal that the speaker finds the other person's behavior ridiculous.
- In many Arabic dialects, using يا أخي to address a stranger is a way to signal peace and brotherhood, de-escalating potential tension in public spaces.
Examples in context
- جون في عمر أخي.John is as old as my brother.This sentence demonstrates the use of أخ.Tatoeba #370699 by saeb, translation #52583 by CN
- أخ زيري مع ريمة.Ziri's brother is with Rima.This sentence shows the use of أخ.Tatoeba #11499418 by Amastan, translation #11050379 by Amastan
- أخي صغير لكنه قوي.My brother is small but strong.This sentence shows how to say 'my brother' using أخ.Tatoeba #493404 by saeb, translation #278567 by CK
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Layla and Ziad are talking about their families.
- ليلى Laylaهل عندك أخ يا زياد؟Hal andak akh ya Ziad?Do you have a brother, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadنعم، عندي أخ واحد.Naam, andi akh wahid.Yes, I have one brother.
- ليلى Laylaهو أكبر منك ولا أصغر؟Huwa akbar minnak wala asghar?Is he older or younger than you?
- زياد Ziadأخويا أصغر مني بسنتين.Akhoya asghar minni bisantayn.My brother is two years younger than me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries أخ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
