ارفع يديك
irfa' yadayk
The English phrase 'hands up' is translated into Arabic as ارفع يديك (irfa' yadayk).
This phrase is used as an interjection to command someone to surrender.
Meaning: surrender! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb ارفع (raise) and the dual form of 'hands' (the suffix in يديك).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ارفع يديك is specifically directed at a male subject. To address a female, the verb changes to ارفعي يديكِ. To address a group of people, use the plural imperative ارفعوا أيديكم.
How do you pronounce it?
irfa' yadayk
Did you know?
- While ارفع يديك means 'hands up' in a surrender context, the root word رفع is also used for 'uploading' files to the internet in modern Arabic.
- In Arabic, the word for 'hand' يد is grammatically feminine, even though it refers to a body part that is not female.
- While ارفع يديك is grammatically correct, in a high-pressure situation like a police standoff, many speakers would actually shout ايديك فوق (your hands up) to be faster.
Examples in context
- ارفع يديك!Hands up!This sentence is useful for seeing the command ارفع يديك in context.Tatoeba #13166936 by atitarev, translation #325641 by Liface
- يرجى رفع الأيديHands up
- ارفع يديك الآن!irfa' yadayka al-an!Hands up now!
- ارفع يديك ولا تتحرك!irfa' yadayka wa la tataharrak!Hands up and do not move!
Example conversation
A training exercise in a police academy.
- يوسف Youssefارفع يديك!irfa' yadayka!Hands up!
- ليلى Laylaأنا أستسلم، يوسف.ana astaslim, Yusuf.I surrender, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefأنتِ قمتِ بعمل جيد يا ليلى.anti qumti bi-'amal jayyid ya Layla.You did a good job, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً لك.shukran lak.Thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
