أعطني
'a'tini
The English phrase "give me" is translated into Arabic as أعطني ('a'tini).
The phrase is used to express a preference.
Meaning: expression of preference (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word أعطني is composed of the verb أعطِ (give) and the suffix ني (me).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form أعطني is the imperative command used when addressing a single male. To address a group of people, the imperative changes to أعطوني.
How do you pronounce it?
'a'tini
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, speakers rarely use أعطني for casual requests, preferring the word هات (hat) instead.
- Using أعطني to ask for a favor or a piece of information is common, but it is often preceded by a phrase that essentially translates to 'May God give you…', to soften the request.
- The suffix ني used in أعطني is a 'bound pronoun' that attaches to the end of the verb, a common feature in Semitic languages.
Examples in context
- أعطني أي قلم رصاصGive me any pencil.This example shows how to request an object using أعطني.Tatoeba #7528841 by Rose_qudairi, translation #7528189 by JudithKiwi18
- أعطني يدك يا جمال.Give me your hand, Jamal.This sentence uses أعطني to request physical contact.Tatoeba #6129439 by OsoHombre, translation #5828509 by OsoHombre
- أعطني رأيك من فضلك.Give me your opinion, please.This example demonstrates a polite request for an opinion using أعطني.Tatoeba #398458 by saeb, translation #38486 by CK
- فيمكن أن تستخدم هذه العبارة في المحلات التجارية. أعطني قلمًا، من فضلك.You can use this phrase in stores. Give me a pen, please.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youssef and Nour are at a cafe ordering drinks.
- يوسف Youssefأعطني قائمة المشروبات من فضلك.A'tini qa'imat al-mashrubat min fadlak.Give me the drinks menu, please.
- نور Nourتفضل يا يوسف، هذه هي القائمة.Tafaddal ya Youssef, hadhihi hiya al-qa'ima.Here you go, Youssef, this is the menu.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ يا نور.Shukran laki ya Nour.Thank you, Nour.
- نور Nourعفواً، ماذا ستطلب؟Afwan, madha satautlub?You're welcome, what will you order?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
