What does it mean word for word?
The phrase كم عمرك؟ is composed of كم (how much), عمر (age) and the suffix -uk (your).
Which one should you use?
The different forms serve different levels of formality and regional dialects. كم عمرك؟ is the standard formal version, while سنك كم؟ and عمرك كام؟ are informal ways to ask the question. In many Levantine dialects, the word قديش is used instead of كم to mean "how much".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
كم عمرك؟ is the formal, standard way to ask the question and is appropriate for any setting. In contrast, سنك كم؟ and عمرك كام؟ are informal expressions. قديش عمرك؟ is a colloquial form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
عمرك كام؟ is used in Egypt.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the question changes based on who you are addressing. To address a female, use كم عمركِ؟ by changing the suffix to -uki. When addressing a group of people, use the plural form كم عمركم؟.
How do you pronounce it?
kam ‘umruk?
Did you know?
- The word سن (year/age) used in سنك كم؟ is also the word for 'tooth' in Arabic, reflecting the way age is sometimes tied to physical development.
- In many Arabic dialects, asking someone their age directly can be seen as impolite or intrusive, especially with strangers or elders.
- The word عمر (age) shares a root with the common Arabic name 'Omar', which is often associated with 'life' or 'longevity'.
Examples in context
- عفوا، كم عمرك؟Excuse me, how old are you?
- سنك كم؟How old are you?
- عشرين سنةI am twenty years old.
- أريد أن أعرف كم عمرك؟uridu an a'rifa kam 'umruk?I want to know how old you are.
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time at school.
- أحمد Ahmedأهلاً سارة، كم عمرك؟Ahlan Sarah, kam 'umruki?Hi Sarah, how old are you?
- سارة Saraأهلاً أحمد، عمري عشر سنوات.Ahlan Ahmad, 'umrī 'ashru sanawāt.Hi Ahmad, I am ten years old.
- أحمد Ahmedأنا أيضاً عمري عشر سنوات.Anā ayḍan 'umrī 'ashru sanawāt.I am ten years old too.
- سارة Saraهذا رائع جداً!Hādhā rā'i' jiddan!That is very great!
