غبي
ghabi
The English word "dumb" is translated into Arabic as غبي (ghabi).
The term is used as an adjective to describe someone or something as stupid.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a female, use the feminine form غبية. To describe a group, use the plural form أغبياء.
How do you pronounce it?
ghabi
Did you know?
- While غبي means 'stupid', the Arabic word for 'dumb' in the sense of being unable to speak is أبكم. Using غبي to mean 'mute' would be a major mistake.
- In some spoken dialects, people might use the phrase على نيات (on pure intentions) to euphemistically describe someone who is being 'dumb' or 'naive' without being outright insulting.
- The root of غبي refers to something that is 'obscure' or 'hidden' rather than a lack of intellect. In classical Arabic, it describes a person whose mind is clouded or obscured from grasping the truth.
Examples in context
- شعر زيري و كأنه غبي.Ziri felt dumb.This sentence is useful for describing a feeling of being غبي.Tatoeba #11615784 by dididodo, translation #11244962 by Amastan
- سامي غبيّ.Sami is dumb.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is غبي.Tatoeba #7198238 by OsoHombre, translation #7156568 by OsoHombre
- يجب أن أطرح لك سؤالًا غبيًّا.I need to ask you a dumb question.This sentence is useful for describing a question as غبي.Tatoeba #12170824 by aennes_dschielaehni, translation #12186760 by Miktsoanit
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are discussing a bad decision.
- ليلى Laylaهذا القرار غبي جداً.Hadha al-qarar ghabi jiddan.This decision is very dumb.
- عمر Omarلماذا تقولين ذلك يا ليلى؟Limadha taqulina dhalik ya Layla?Why are you saying that, Layla?
- ليلى Laylaلأنه تصرف غبي وغير منطقي.Li'annahu tasarruf ghabi wa ghayr mantiqi.Because it is a dumb and illogical action.
- عمر Omarأعتقد أنكِ مخطئة يا ليلى.A'taqidu annaki mukhti'a ya Layla.I think you are wrong, Layla.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries غبي, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
