حزر فزر
ḥazzir fazzir
The Arabic phrase حزر فزر (ḥazzir fazzir) is used to say "guess what".
حزر فزر is used to dramatize information that is actually unsurprising.
Meaning: used to dramatize the unsurprising (phrase)
How do you pronounce it?
ḥazzir fazzir
Did you know?
- The word حزر is linked to the ancient concept of 'computing by conjecture', originally used to estimate the number of fruits left on a palm tree.
- The phrase حزر فزر relies on a rhythmic, rhyming structure known as 'saj', which is a traditional feature of Arabic belletristic prose.
- In some dialects, a similar guessing game is played with children using these words as a rhythmic chant before revealing a secret.
Examples in context
- شوف شو صار؟Guess what happened?
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are talking at home.
- أحمد Ahmedحزر فزر، لقد انتهيت من العمل!hazzer fazzer, laqad intahaytu min al-amal!Guess what, I've finished work!
- سارة Saraحقاً؟ هذا رائع يا أحمد.haqqan? hadha ra'i' ya Ahmed.Really? That's great, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedيمكننا الآن الذهاب إلى السينما.yumkinuna al-an al-dhahab ila al-sinima.We can go to the cinema now.
- سارة Saraأنا موافقة، هيا بنا!ana muwafika, haya bina!I agree, let's go!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries حزر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
