أنا خجول
Ana khajool
The English phrase "I am shy" is translated into Arabic as أنا خجول (Ana khajool).
This phrase is used to describe oneself as feeling nervous or timid around other people.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of أنا (Ana) meaning "I" and خجول (khajool) meaning "shy".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word أنا (Ana) is used for both masculine and feminine subjects to mean "I". While أنا خجول is the masculine form, the feminine form of the phrase is أنا خجولة (Ana khajoola).
How do you pronounce it?
Ana khajool
Did you know?
- Arabic has a specific linguistic distinction between 'shyness' as a virtue حياء (hayaa) and 'shyness' as a weakness خجل (khajal).
- In some intense social situations, an Arabic speaker might say they are 'feeling shy' to politely decline a compliment or a gift.
- The word for 'I' أنا is a cognate with the Hebrew word אני (aní) and the Amharic word እኔ (enē).
Examples in context
- أنا خجول أمام الناس.ana khajool amama an-naas.I am shy in front of people.
- لا تقلق، أنا خجول فقط.la taqlaq, ana khajool faqat.Don't worry, I am just shy.
- أنا خجول في الاجتماعات الكبيرة.ana khajool fi al-ijtima'at al-kabira.I am shy in large meetings.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad are talking about a party.
- سارة Saraلماذا لا تذهب إلى الحفلة يا زياد؟Limadha la tadhhab ila al-hafla ya Ziad?Why aren't you going to the party, Ziad?
- زياد Ziadلا أريد الذهاب، أنا خجول.La urid al-dhahab, ana khajoul.I don't want to go, I am shy.
- سارة Saraالجميع سيكونون لطفاء معك.Al-jami' sayakununa lutafa' ma'ak.Everyone will be nice to you.
- زياد Ziadسأحاول الذهاب معكِ إذاً.Sa-uhawil al-dhahab ma'aki idhan.I will try to go with you then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أنا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
