أقدرك
uqaddiruka
The English phrase "I appreciate you" is translated into Arabic as أقدرك (uqaddiruka).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you value them or are grateful for who they are. You may also use شكرًا to say "thank you", which is the most common term for expressing appreciation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the French-borrowed word ميرسي is used casually to mean "thank you". In Levantine Arabic, the phrase كتير بتساعد is used to show appreciation specifically for someone who helps a lot. In Gulf Arabic, the expression الله يعطيك العافية is a common way to indicate gratitude, meaning "may God give you good health".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on who you are addressing: use uqaddiruki (أقدركِ) when addressing a female, and use uqaddirukum (أقدركم) when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
uqaddiruka
Did you know?
- In formal contexts, expressing appreciation often involves using 'hyperbolic' honorifics that would sound exaggerated in English, such as calling the person a 'crown on my head'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a verbal expression of appreciation is often accompanied by placing the right hand over the heart to signal sincerity.
- The root of أقدرك is connected to 'power' or 'capability', meaning that when you tell someone you appreciate them, you are literally saying you acknowledge their 'capacity' or 'worth'.
Examples in context
- أقدرك كثيراً.uqaddiruka kathiran.I appreciate you a lot.
- أنا أقدرك كصديق.ana uqaddiruka ka sadiq.I appreciate you as a friend.
- أقدرك على صدقك.uqaddiruka 'ala sidqika.I appreciate you for your honesty.
Example conversation
Layla and Ziad are talking after Ziad helped her with a project.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً جزيلاً لمساعدتك لي.shukran jazilan li musa'adatika li.Thank you very much for helping me.
- زياد Ziadلا شكر على واجب.la shukra 'ala wajib.You're welcome, it's my duty.
- ليلى Laylaأنا أقدرك حقاً.ana uqaddiruka haqqan.I really appreciate you.
- زياد Ziadهذا من لطفك يا ليلى.hadha min lutfiki ya Layla.That is kind of you, Layla.
