فتاة طيبة
fatat tayyiba
The English phrase "good girl" can be translated into Arabic as فتاة طيبة (fatat tayyiba).
فتاة طيبة is used as a descriptive noun phrase (e.g., 'She is a good girl') rather than a direct way to praise a child or a pet, which would typically use different words like شاطرة.
Which one should you use?
The phrase بنت طيبة means "Good daughter/girl" in an informal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase فتاة طيبة consists of a noun and an adjective, both of which are in the feminine singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
fatat tayyiba
Did you know?
- The word طيبة comes from the root 'T-Y-B', which relates to pleasant smells and tastes, meaning a 'good girl' is linguistically linked to the idea of 'fragrance'.
- In some social contexts, describing a woman as طيبة can be a double-edged compliment, sometimes implying she is perhaps too naive or easy to influence.
- While فتاة طيبة describes a girl's nature, the word شاطرة used for praise actually comes from a root meaning 'to be clever' or 'cunning'.
Examples in context
- هي فتاة طيبة جداً.hiya fata ṭayyiba jiddan.She is a very good girl.
- لقد كانت فتاة طيبة في مدرستها.laqad kānat fata ṭayyiba fī madrasatihā.She was a good girl in her school.
Example conversation
A conversation about a girl's character during a meeting.
- سارة Saraهل تعرف سارة؟hal ta'rifu Sarah?Do you know Sarah?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، هي فتاة طيبة حقاً.na'am, hiya fata ṭayyiba ḥaqqan.Yes, she is truly a good girl.
- سارة Saraهذا رائع، هل هي مجتهدة؟hādhā rā'i', hal hiya mujtahida?That is great, is she hardworking?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، سارة مجتهدة جداً.na'am, Sarah mujtahida jiddan.Yes, Sarah is very hardworking.
