أعطني ماء
a'tini ma'
The English phrase "give me water" is أعطني ماء (a'tini ma') in Arabic.
This phrase is used to request that someone provide the speaker with water.
What does it mean word for word?
The word أعطني (a'tini) is composed of the imperative verb أعط (a'ti), meaning "give" and the suffix ني (-ni), meaning "me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase أعطني ماء can sound like a blunt command.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form أعطني is used when addressing a single male. To address a group of people, the form changes to أعطوني (a'tuni).
How do you pronounce it?
a'tini ma'
Did you know?
- The word ماء (water) is believed to be onomatopoeic, meaning it was originally created to mimic the actual sound of flowing or splashing water.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, requesting water is often accompanied by the phrase باسم الله (In the name of God) before drinking to show gratitude.
- While أعطني ماء is grammatically correct, speakers often add لو سمحت (if you please) to avoid sounding like they are giving a harsh order.
Examples in context
- هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تُحْضِرَ لِي كَأْسَ مَاءٍCan you bring me a glass of water?
Example conversation
Yousef and Sarah are in the kitchen.
- يوسف Youssefيا سارة، أعطني ماء.ya Sarah, a'tini ma'Sarah, give me water.
- سارة Saraتفضل يا يوسف، ها هو الماء.tafadal ya Yousef, ha huwa al-ma'Here you go Yousef, here is the water.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً جزيلاً لكِ.shukran jazilan lakiThank you very much.
- سارة Saraعفواً، لا شكر على واجب.afwan, la shukr ala wajibYou're welcome, it's no problem.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ماء, CC BY-SA 4.0.
