خمسة وخميسة
khamsa w khmisa
The phrase 'evil eyes off' in Arabic is expressed as خمسة وخميسة (khamsa w khmisa).
خمسة وخميسة is used as a verbal charm or incantation to protect a person or an object from envy, bad luck or the curse of the evil eye.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'five and five'.
How do you pronounce it?
khamsa w khmisa
When do people say it?
The phrase refers to the number five, which serves as a protective symbol against the evil eye in many Middle Eastern cultures.
Did you know?
- If someone receives a compliment that feels too strong, an Arabic speaker might use a variation of this phrase to ensure the praise does not accidentally bring bad luck.
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, you might see the number five or a hand symbol painted on the side of a new car or a new house to ward off envy.
- The number five is considered a shield because it represents the five fingers of the hand, which can be used in a gesture to block the 'eye' of the envious person.
Examples in context
- خمسة وخميسة عشان تبعد الحسد.khamsa wa khamisa ashan teb'ad el hasad.Five and five to ward off envy.
- خمسة وخميسة، مبروك على العربية الجديدة.khamsa wa khamisa, mabrouk 'ala el 'arabeya el gedida.Evil eyes off, congratulations on the new car.
Example conversation
Layla shows Ahmed her new jewelry.
- ليلى Laylaانظر يا أحمد، هذه القلادة جميلة جداً.Unzur ya Ahmed, hadhihi al-qilada jamila jiddan.Look Ahmed, this necklace is very beautiful.
- أحمد Ahmedفعلاً، شكلها رائع عليكِ يا ليلى.Fe'lan, shaklaha ra'ie alayki ya Layla.Indeed, it looks wonderful on you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaخمسة وخميسة، أخاف من العين!Khamsa wa khamisa, akhaf min al-ayn!Evil eyes off, I'm afraid of the evil eye!
- أحمد Ahmedما شاء الله، لا تقلقي أبداً.Ma sha' Allah, la taqlaqi abadan.God willed it, don't worry at all.
