يلا
yalla
The English phrase "come on" can be translated into Arabic as يلا (yalla).
يلا is used to encourage someone to start an action or to urge someone to hurry up.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word يلا is a contraction of ya Allah, which literally means "O God". In this context, it functions as an exclamation to urge movement or action.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
يلا is a colloquial expression used in almost all Arabic dialects. It is not used in formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) writing or formal speeches.
How do you pronounce it?
yalla
Did you know?
- The word يلا has become so globally recognized that it is frequently used by non-Arabic speakers in multicultural cities like Berlin, Paris and London.
- Despite its religious origin from يا الله, يلا is used by people of all faiths, including Christians and atheists, as a secular everyday expression.
- While يلا encourages action, adding the word خلاص creates the phrase يلا خلاص, which can be used to tell someone to stop talking or to drop a subject.
Examples in context
- يلا، لنبدأ الآن.yalla, linabda' al-an.Come on, let's start now.
- يلا، أنت تستطيع فعل ذلك!yalla, anta tastati' fi'l dhalik!Come on, you can do it!
- يلا، الوقت يتأخر.yalla, al-waqt yata'akh-khar.Come on, it's getting late.
Example conversation
Ziad is trying to encourage Nour to finish her workout.
- زياد Ziadيلا، بقي القليل فقط!yalla, baqiya al-qalil faqat!Come on, there is only a little left!
- نور Nourأنا متعبة جداً يا زياد.ana mut'aba jiddan ya Ziad.I am very tired, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadيلا، ستشعرين بتحسن لاحقاً.yalla, satash'urin bi-tahassun lahiqan.Come on, you will feel better later.
- نور Nourحسناً، سأحاول إنهاء التمرين.hasanan, sa-uhawil inha' al-tamrin.Fine, I will try to finish the workout.
