يحيي
yuhayyi'
The Arabic verb for greet is يحيي (yuhayyi').
The verb يحيي is an intransitive verb used to describe the act of meeting someone and providing salutations.
Meaning: intransitive: to meet and give salutations (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
yuhayyi'
Did you know?
- The verb يحيي shares the same root as the word for 'life'. In Arabic, to greet someone is linguistically linked to the act of giving life or bringing someone back to life.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a greeting is not just a polite verbal act but often involves a physical ritual, such as pressing one's hand to the heart after a handshake to show sincerity.
- Arabic has a 'response' culture where the greeting السلام عليكم must be answered with وعليكم السلام, which mirrors the original phrase almost perfectly to show mutual respect.
Examples in context
- يحيي يوسف الضيوف.Yuhayyi Yusuf al-duyuf.Yusuf greets the guests.
- يحيي الموظف زملائه كل صباح.Yuhayyi al-muwazaf zumala'ahu kull sabah.The employee greets his colleagues every morning.
- يجب أن يحيي الطفل الضيوف.Yajibu an yuhayyi al-tifl al-duyuf.The child must greet the guests.
Example conversation
Nour and Yusuf are arriving at a family gathering.
- نور Nourانظر، يحيي يوسف الجميع بحماس.Unzur, yuhayyi Yusuf al-jami' bi-hamaas.Look, Yusuf greets everyone with enthusiasm.
- يوسف Youssefنعم، هو شخص ودود جداً.Na'am, huwa shakhsun wadudun jiddan.Yes, he is a very friendly person.
- نور Nourهل سأذهب لأحيي عمتي الآن؟Hal sa-adhhabu li-uhayyi 'ammati al-aan?Shall I go greet my aunt now?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، هي تنتظر رؤيتك يا نور.Na'am, hiya tantadir ru'yatik ya Nour.Yes, she is waiting to see you, Nour.
