هل يمكنك
hal yumkinuka
In Arabic, هل يمكنك (hal yumkinuka) is the phrase used to say "can you".
This phrase is used to ask if someone is able or willing to do something.
Which one should you use?
While هل يمكنك translates to 'is it possible for you', هل تستطيع is a more direct way to ask about physical or mental ability.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes its ending to target a female listener (هل يمكنكِ) or a group of people (هل يمكنكم). When followed by a verb, the phrase هل يمكنك is typically followed by the particle أن (that) before the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
hal yumkinuka
Did you know?
- The beginning of the phrase, هل, contains a historical trace of an ancient affirmative particle, making the question itself contain a tiny piece of 'truth' or 'certainty'.
- In many Arabic dialects, instead of using the formal هل يمكنك, people simply use a change in tone or a single word like تقدر (teqdar) to turn a statement into a question.
- When using this phrase to ask for a favor, it can function as a polite way to soften a command, turning a direct request into a question of possibility.
Examples in context
- هل يمكنك أن تلومهم؟Can you blame them?This sentence is useful for seeing how to ask about blaming someone using هل يمكنك.Tatoeba #8833212 by km7561f, translation #3327416 by CK
- هل يمكنك طلب واحد لي؟Can you order one for me?This sentence is useful for seeing how to ask someone to order something using هل يمكنك.Tatoeba #5173899 by damascene, translation #53199 by CK
- هل يمكنك أن تسبح حقاً؟Can you really swim?This sentence is useful for seeing how to ask about a physical ability using هل يمكنك.Tatoeba #489188 by saeb, translation #488046 by CK
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the kitchen, Omar is asking Layla for help.
- عمر Omarهل يمكنك مساعدتي في المطبخ؟hal yumkinuki musa'adati fil-matbakh?Can you help me in the kitchen?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، بالطبع يا عمر.na'am, bil-tab' ya 'Omar.Yes, of course, Omar.
- عمر Omarشكراً جزيلاً لكِ.shukran jazilan laki.Thank you very much.
- ليلى Laylaلا شكر على واجب.la shukra 'ala wajib.You are welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries هل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
