أعدك
a‘iduka
In Arabic, "I promise" is expressed as أعدك (a‘iduka).
The phrase أعدك is used to give a formal or heartfelt assurance that you will definitely do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word أعدك consists of the verb "to promise" in the first person singular combined with the suffix for "you" in the masculine form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, the phrase بوعدك (booʿudak) is used to say "I promise."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing: use أعدكِ (a‘iduki) when promising a female, and use أعدكم (a‘idukum) when promising a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
a‘iduka
Did you know?
- In some dialects, instead of using a verb, people might simply say على راسي (ala rasi), which means 'On my head', to signal they accept a request or promise to fulfill it.
- The root of أعدك is 'a-'-d', which also relates to the concept of 'preparing' or 'counting', suggesting that a promise is a form of preparing a future result.
- Arabic distinguishes between a simple promise وعد (wa'd) and a formal covenant عهد ('ahd), the latter implying a sacred or lifelong bond.
Examples in context
- أعدك أنّني لن أخذلك.I promise I won't let you down.This sentence shows how to use أعدك to express a promise not to let someone down.Tatoeba #6374143 by OsoHombre, translation #6365831 by OsoHombre
- أعدك أنّي سأتكلّم معه.I promise I'll talk to him.This sentence demonstrates using أعدك to promise that you will talk to someone.Tatoeba #6984492 by OsoHombre, translation #6311300 by OsoHombre
- أعدك أنك لن تندم عليه.I promise you won't live to regret it.This sentence illustrates using أعدك to assure someone they will not regret something.Tatoeba #11996719 by dididodo, translation #9506020 by Amastan
- أنا أعدك مهما كانI promise, no matter what.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryam and Ziad are talking about a borrowed book.
- مريم Maryamهل ستعيدين الكتاب غداً يا مريم؟Hal suta'ideen al-kitab ghadan ya Maryam?Will you return the book tomorrow, Maryam?
- زياد Ziadنعم، أعدك أنني سأحضره معي.Na'am, a'iduka annani sa'uhdiruhu ma'i.Yes, I promise you that I will bring it with me.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لكِ، أنا أحتاجه بشدة.Shukran laki, ana ahtajuhu bishiddah.Thank you, I need it badly.
- زياد Ziadلا تقلق يا زياد، سأفعل ذلك.La taqlaq ya Ziyad, sa'af'alu dhalik.Don't worry Ziad, I will do it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
