كل أكلك
kul aklak
To say "eat your food" in Arabic, use كل أكلك (kul aklak).
This phrase is a command telling someone to consume the meal they have been given.
What does it mean word for word?
The word كل is the imperative form of the verb "to eat".
How do you pronounce it?
kul aklak
Did you know?
- The verb كل shares a common ancestor with the Akkadian word kalûm, which also relates to the concept of consuming or being complete.
- Depending on the region, a person might be told to صحتين after eating, which literally means 'two healths' and functions like 'bon appétit'.
- While كل is a direct command, using it with a stranger or an elder without adding a title like 'ya sidi' could be perceived as rudely abrupt.
Examples in context
- كُل طَعامَكEat your food
- كل أكلك بسرعة.kul aklak bi sur'a.Eat your food quickly.
- يا بني، كل أكلك.ya bunayya, kul aklak.My son, eat your food.
- كل أكلك ولا تترك شيئاً.kul aklak wa la tatruk shay'an.Eat your food and don't leave anything.
Example conversation
Yousef is telling Nour to finish her meal.
- يوسف Youssefنور، كل أكلك بسرعة.Nour, kul akalak bisur'a.Nour, eat your food quickly.
- نور Nourأنا لست جائعة الآن.Ana lastu ja'i'a al-an.I am not hungry right now.
- يوسف Youssefيجب أن تأكلي لكي تكبري.Yajib an ta'kuli likay takburi.You must eat so you can grow.
- نور Nourحسناً، سآكله الآن.Hasanan, sa'akuluhu al-an.Okay, I will eat it now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries كل, CC BY-SA 4.0.
