احبس أنفاسك
ihbis anfasak
The English phrase 'hold your breath' is translated into Arabic as احبس أنفاسك (ihbis anfasak).
This phrase is used to instruct someone to stop breathing for a short period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb احبس, which means to hold or imprison and the plural noun أنفاسك, meaning 'your breaths'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. To address a female, use احبسي أنفاسك. To address a group of people, the verb becomes احبسوا and the possessive suffix changes to أنفاسكم, resulting in احبسوا أنفاسكم.
How do you pronounce it?
ihbis anfasak
Did you know?
- The verb احبس is the same word used for 'imprisoning' a person in a jail. When you hold your breath in Arabic, you are literally 'imprisoning' your air.
- The noun أنفاس is the plural of نفس, which in many contexts can also refer to a 'soul' or the 'essence' of a living being.
- The root letters H-B-S (ح ب س) are used to create words for everything from 'detention' to 'stopping the flow of water' in a dam.
Examples in context
- في الغوص العميق، من الأفضل أن تمسك أنفاسك لفترة طويلة.In deep diving, it is better to hold your breath for a long time.
- احبس أنفاسك تحت الماء.Ihbis anfasaka tahta al-ma'.Hold your breath underwater.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are at a swimming pool.
- سارة Saraزياد، حاول أن تغوص بعمق.Ziyad, hawil an taghusa bi-umq.Ziad, try to dive deep.
- زياد Ziadسأفعل، لكن الأمر صعب.Sa-af'al, lakin al-amr sa'b.I will, but it is difficult.
- سارة Saraفقط احبس أنفاسك واذهب للأسفل.Faqat ihbis anfasaka wa-idhab lil-asfal.Just hold your breath and go down.
- زياد Ziadحسناً، سأجرب ذلك الآن.Hasanan, sa-ujarrib dhalika al-an.Okay, I will try that now.
