أعدك
a'iduka
In Arabic, "I promise you" is expressed as أعدك (a'iduka).
This phrase is used to provide a formal or heartfelt assurance that you will definitely perform a specific action.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb أعد (I promise) and the suffix ك (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix changes depending on whom you are addressing: use أعدكِ (a'iduki) to address a female, and use أعدكم (a'idukum) to address a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
a'iduka
Did you know?
- While أعدك is used in formal writing, in casual spoken Arabic, people often use the phrase على عيني (ala 'ayni), which literally translates to 'on my eye' to signify a promise to serve someone.
- In some Arabic cultures, a promise is not just a statement but a 'debt' called دَيْن (dayn). Breaking a promise can be described as failing to pay a debt to the other person.
- The root of أعدك is linked to the concept of 'preparing' or 'making ready'. To promise someone in Arabic is linguistically similar to 'preparing' a certain outcome for them.
Examples in context
- أعدك أنك لن تندم عليه.I promise you won't live to regret it.This sentence is useful for showing how to use أعدك to express that someone won't regret an action.Tatoeba #11996719 by dididodo, translation #9506020 by Amastan
- أعدك بهذا.I promise you this.This sentence shows how to use أعدك to promise a specific thing.Tatoeba #11985244 by dididodo, translation #8332692 by Amastan
- أعدك أنني سأكون هناك في الموعد.A'iduka annani sa'akunu hunaka fil-maw'id.I promise you that I will be there on time.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sara is reassuring Youssef about a secret.
- سارة Saraأعدك أنني لن أخبر أحداً بالسر.A'iduka annani lan ukhbira ahadan bil-sirr.I promise you that I won't tell anyone the secret.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ يا سارة، أنا أثق بكِ.Shukran laki ya Sara, ana athiqu biki.Thank you, Sara, I trust you.
- سارة Saraلا تقلق أبداً يا يوسف.La taqlaq abadan ya Youssef.Do not worry at all, Youssef.
- يوسف Youssefأنا مرتاح الآن.Ana murtah al-an.I am relieved now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
