اللعنة
al-la'nah
The English word 'damn' is translated into Arabic as اللعنة (al-la'nah).
اللعنة is a non-vulgar expression of contempt etc.
Meaning: non-vulgar expression of contempt etc. (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 'اللعنة' is a noun meaning 'the curse', consisting of the definite article 'ال' (the) and 'لعنة' (curse).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While used as an exclamation, 'اللعنة' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) way to express this sentiment, often appearing in dubbed media or literature. The phrase يا خسارة (Ya Khasara) can be used to convey disappointment or regret, somewhat similar to "damn." The phrase لعنهم الله (La'nhum Allah) translates to "may God curse them" and is used to express frustration or negative feelings towards a specific group of people.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form 'لَعَنَ' (la'ana) is the root verb used to express the action of cursing or condemning.
How do you pronounce it?
al-la'nah
Did you know?
- To express a similar level of frustration without using 'curse' words, many Arabic speakers use the phrase لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله, which attributes all power to God.
- The root of 'اللعنة' is tied to the idea of being 'distanced' or 'cast away' from divine mercy, making it a much heavier theological concept than the English 'damn'.
- While 'اللعنة' is the literal translation for 'the curse', using it in casual conversation can sound strangely theatrical, as if you are a character in a dubbed Hollywood movie.
Examples in context
- اللعنةDamn it.This sentence shows how to use اللعنة to say 'Damn it.'Tatoeba #7482156 by AbdMMansour, translation #6099180 by mailohilohi
- اللعنة.Damn.This sentence shows the use of اللعنة to express 'Damn.'Tatoeba #6009425 by damascene, translation #1078143 by keira_n
- اللعنة! لقد نسيتُ كلمة المرور!Damn it! I forgot my password!This sentence uses اللعنة to express frustration over a forgotten password.Tatoeba #13960195 by rul, translation #4657435 by Lazovic
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yusuf and Sarah are looking for their car keys.
- يوسف Youssefاللعنة، لا أجد المفاتيح!Al-la'nah, la ajidu al-mafatih!Damn, I can't find the keys!
- سارة Saraهل بحثت في حقيبتك يا يوسف؟Hal bahathta fi haqibatika ya Yusuf?Did you look in your bag, Yusuf?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، ولكنها ليست هنا.Na'am, walakinaha laysat huna.Yes, but they aren't here.
- سارة Saraلقد وجدتها على الطاولة!Laqad wajadtuha 'ala al-tawila!I found them on the table!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
