بدي
baddī
The phrase "I want" in Arabic is expressed as بدي (baddī).
This phrase is used to express a desire or a need for something.
Which one should you use?
While بدي is used in daily conversation, the formal version أريد (urīdu) is used in Modern Standard Arabic, writing and news broadcasting. The term عاوز is an informal expression specifically for Egyptian Arabic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
بدي is an informal form used in spoken dialects rather than in Modern Standard Arabic. For formal situations, you can use أرغب or أود to express your desires.
Is it said differently in some regions?
بدي is used in Levantine Arabic, particularly in Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian and Palestinian dialects. In Egypt, the informal expression عاوز is used instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I want to [do something]", use بدي followed by a present tense verb, such as بدي آكل (baddī ākul) for "I want to eat".
How do you pronounce it?
baddī
Did you know?
- In Levantine dialects, the word بدي (baddī) actually originates from the phrase meaning 'it is necessary for me'.
- The word بدي can also be used to express a future intention, similar to how English speakers use 'I am going to'.
- While أريد (urīdu) is the standard way to write 'I want' in a book, using it in a casual cafe might make you sound like a news anchor.
Examples in context
- أرغب في حضور الاجتماع القادم.I want to attend the upcoming meeting.
- أود أن أتحدث مع المدير.I would like to speak with the manager.
- عاوز أشتري هدية لأختي.I want to buy a gift for my sister.
- بدي قهوة.baddi qahwa.I want coffee.
- بدي أروح عالبيت.baddi arouh al-bayt.I want to go home.
- بدي مساعدة شوي.baddi musa'ada shway.I want a little help.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Layla and Ziad are deciding what to order.
- ليلى Laylaبدي أطلب شاي.baddi atlub shay.I want to order tea.
- زياد Ziadوأنا بدي عصير برتقال.wa ana baddi aseer burtuqal.And I want orange juice.
- ليلى Laylaهل بدك حليب كمان؟hal biddak haleeb kaman?Do you want milk too?
- زياد Ziadلا، شكراً.la, shukran.No, thank you.
