وسيم
wasīm
The English phrase "good looking" is translated into Arabic as وسيم (wasīm), which is used to describe a man who is physically attractive.
The term is specifically used to describe the physical attractiveness of a man.
Which one should you use?
While وسيم specifically denotes being handsome or good looking for men, the word جميل is a more general term meaning "beautiful" that can apply to people, objects or concepts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, you can say شكله/شكلها حلو to mean "he/she looks nice". In Levantine Arabic, the phrase شي حلو means "something nice" and is used to compliment someone's appearance. In Gulf Arabic, the phrase خوش مظهر means "pleasant appearance" and is used to express that someone has good looks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective وسيم changes based on gender and number: use وسيمة for the feminine singular, وسيمون for the masculine plural and وسيمات for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
wasīm
Did you know?
- In some Arabic cultures, people may follow a compliment like وسيم with the phrase ما شاء الله to protect the person from the 'evil eye' or jealousy.
- The word وسيم is derived from a root meaning 'to mark' or 'to brand'. It implies that a man's handsomeness is a visible, distinctive mark upon his face.
- While وسيم is a high-register adjective, in many Arabic dialects, people prefer using the word 'sweet' or 'honey' to describe someone attractive. For example, calling someone حلو (sweet) is much more common in casual conversation than the formal وسيم.
Examples in context
- عيونك حلوينYour eyes are beautiful
- هو رجل وسيم جداً.huwa rajul wasim jiddan.He is a very good looking man.
- أخي وسيم مثل أبي.akhi wasim mithl abi.My brother is good looking like my father.
- هل تعتقدين أنه وسيم؟hal ta'taqidina annahu wasim?Do you think he is good looking?
Example conversation
Ziad and Sarah are talking about an actor on TV.
- زياد Ziadانظر إلى هذا الممثل.unzur ila hadha al-mumathil.Look at this actor.
- سارة Saraنعم، هو وسيم حقاً.na'am, huwa wasim haqqan.Yes, he is really good looking.
- زياد Ziadإنه وسيم جداً يا سارة.innahu wasim jiddan ya Sarah.He is very good looking, Sarah.
- سارة Saraأوافقك الرأي.uwafiquka al-ra'y.I agree with you.
