روق
rawwiq
In Arabic, the phrase for chill is روق (rawwiq).
The word is used to tell someone to calm down or to describe a state of being relaxed and easygoing. You can add يا عم to the end of the command to say something like "chill out, man" or "chill out, dude".
Meaning: calm, relaxed, easygoing (adj)
Which one should you use?
The word روق is a command, whereas the adjective used to describe a person who is in a chill or relaxed state is رايق.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Various regional expressions exist: in Levantine Arabic, you can use ريّح راسك (literally "relax your head"). In Egyptian Arabic, طول بالك means to chill or take it easy. And in Tunisian Arabic, هدّي conveys the idea of chill.
How does it change in a sentence?
روق is the imperative or command form used to tell someone to "chill out" or "calm down". To describe a person's personality or current state as being chill or relaxed, use the adjective رايق.
How do you pronounce it?
rawwiq
Did you know?
- The adjective رايق can also be used to describe a drink or food that is perfectly 'smooth' or 'balanced' in flavor.
- Adding يا عم to روق uses a term meaning 'uncle', but it is used as a generic slang term regardless of family relation.
- While روق is a common command to chill, in some contexts, it can also mean to 'clear up' or 'become transparent' like a liquid.
Example conversation
Layla and Ahmed are discussing a stressful project.
- ليلى Laylaأنا متوترة جداً من العمل.ana mutawattira jiddan min al-amal.I am very stressed about work.
- أحمد Ahmedيا ليلى، كوني روق وكل شيء سيكون بخير.ya Layla, kooni rawq wa kull shay' sayakoon bikhayr.Layla, be chill and everything will be fine.
- ليلى Laylaكيف أكون هادئة الآن؟kayfa akoun hadia al-aan?How can I be calm right now?
- أحمد Ahmedخذي نفساً عميقاً واسترخي.khudhi nafasan amiqan wa istarikhee.Take a deep breath and relax.
