Are you looking to learn how to say “go back” in Arabic? Whether you need to know the formal or informal ways to express this phrase, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will provide you with various ways to convey the meaning of “go back” in Arabic, along with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations (if necessary). Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Go Back” in Arabic
When speaking in formal settings or with people you hold high respect for, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express “go back” in Arabic:
- 1. اعُدْ (i’ud)
This is the most common way to say “go back” in formal Arabic. It can be used in various situations, such as telling someone to return to their previous location or asking them to revisit a particular topic.
Example: قَدْ انْتَهَيْتَ مِنْ مَهْمَتِكَ، يُرَجَّى أَنْ تَعُودَ إِلَى مَكَتَبِكَ. (Qad intahayta min mahmatika, yurajja an ta’uda ila maktabik.) – “Since you have finished your task, please go back to your office.”
- 2. رَجِع(raji’)
Another formal way to say “go back” is by using the word “رَجِع” (raji’). It is commonly used when referring to returning to a specific place, such as going back home or returning to work.
Example: الرَّجُلُ يُجِبُ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ إِلَى وَظِيفَتِهِ. (Arrajulu yujibu an yarji’a ila wazifatihi.) – “The man should go back to his job.”
- 3. عُدْ (ud)
“عُدْ” (ud) is commonly used in formal Arabic to express the idea of “go back” or “return” in a respectful manner.
Example: قَدْ نَسِيْتُ الشَّيْءَ الهام. يُرَجَّى أَنْ تَعُودَ وَتُحْضَرَهُ لِي. (Qad nasaitu as-shay’ al-ham. Yurajja an ta’uda wa tuhdarahu li.) – “I forgot the important thing. Please go back and bring it to me.”
Informal Ways to Say “Go Back” in Arabic
When speaking informally with friends, family, or acquaintances, you can use a more casual tone. Here are a few informal ways to say “go back” in Arabic:
- 1. روّح (roohh)
The word “روّح” (roohh) is often used in informal conversations to mean “go back” or “get lost.” It can be considered slightly impolite depending on the context, so use it with caution.
Example: رَوِّحْ عَنِّي وَلا تُزْعِجْنِي. (Roohh ‘anni wala tuz’ijni.) – “Go away and don’t bother me.”
- 2. اعْتَدِل (aitadil)
Another informal way to say “go back” is to use the word “اعْتَدِل” (aitadil), which can be translated as “back off.” It is commonly used to ask someone to give you some space or to stop interfering.
Example: اعْتَدِل وَدَعْنِي أَفْعَلُ مَا أَرِيدُ. (Aitadil wada’ni afa’al ma aridu.) – “Back off and let me do what I want.”
Regional Variations
Arabic is a rich language with various regional variations. Although the above phrases are widely understood throughout most Arabic-speaking regions, it’s essential to note that there might be slight variations in certain dialects. Here are a few regional variations for saying “go back” in Arabic:
- Gulf Arabic: In Gulf Arabic, you can use the phrase “ارْجِع” (irji’) or “ارْجَعْ حَقْك” (irja’ haqqak) to mean “go back” in a formal context. In an informal setting, the phrase “خَلَّصْ” (khallash) can be used to convey the meaning of “go away.”
- Levantine Arabic: In Levantine Arabic, you can use the phrase “رَوِّح” (rawweh) or “روح عَاللَعْنَة” (rooḥ ‘all’ana) to convey the idea of “go back” in an informal context.
Learning to say “go back” in Arabic can be a valuable addition to your language skills. Whether you need to express it formally or informally, the phrases and variations mentioned above will help you navigate various situations. Remember to consider the context and the relationship with the person you are speaking to when choosing the appropriate phrase. Practice using these expressions with native Arabic speakers to improve your fluency.
