تأنق
ta'annaqa
The English phrase 'dress up' is translated into Arabic as تأنق (ta'annaqa).
This verb implies a sense of elegance, refinement or dressing with care, rather than just the physical act of putting on clothes.
Meaning: to put on special or fancy clothes (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb تأنق (ta'annaqa) is in the past tense. To use the present tense 'he dresses up', use يتأنق (yata'annaqa).
How do you pronounce it?
ta'annaqa
Did you know?
- The verb تأنق can be used metaphorically in Arabic literature to describe writing or speech. A writer who 'dresses up' their prose with overly ornate language is said to be practicing تأنق in their style.
- In some dialects, the concept of 'dressing up' is expressed by saying كشخ, which originates from the word for a fancy type of clothing or a 'shining' appearance. This is often used in Gulf countries as a more colloquial alternative to تأنق.
- While 'dress up' in English can sometimes imply wearing a costume, تأنق is strictly used for high fashion and elegant, high-status appearances.
Examples in context
- تأنق زياد للحفلة.Ta'annaqa Ziyad lil-hafla.Ziad dressed up for the party.
