أحضان وقبلات
aḥḍān wa-qubulāt
The Arabic phrase for "hugs and kisses" is أحضان وقبلات (aḥḍān wa-qubulāt).
This phrase is an affectionate expression used to show love or warmth toward someone.
How do you pronounce it?
aḥḍān wa-qubulāt
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common for men to greet other men with several kisses on the cheeks, though this is a gesture of friendship and respect rather than romantic love.
- The word for 'kisses', قبلات (qubulāt), is also the root for the word 'acceptance' (qabul), creating a linguistic connection between the act of kissing and the act of receiving or accepting something.
- Depending on the country, the number of kisses exchanged during a greeting can vary from two to four, and doing the wrong number can sometimes feel awkward.
Examples in context
- أهديك من قلبي أحضانًا وبوساتٍI offer you hugs and kisses from my heart.
- صَباحُك عَنَاقٌ وَبُوْسَةٌGood morning with a hug and a kiss.
Example conversation
Layla is saying goodbye to Yusuf over the phone.
- ليلى Laylaيجب أن أذهب الآن يا يوسف.Yajib an adhab al-an ya Yusuf.I have to go now, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefسأشتاق إليك كثيراً.Sa-ashtaq ilayki kathiran.I will miss you very much.
- ليلى Laylaأرسل لك أحضان وقبلات!Arsil laka ahdan wa qubulat!Sending you hugs and kisses!
- يوسف Youssefوأنا أيضاً، إلى اللقاء.Wa ana aydan, ila al-liqa.Me too, goodbye.
