أريد أن أقبلك
urīdu an uqabbilaka
In Arabic, 'I want to kiss you' is expressed as أريد أن أقبلك (urīdu an uqabbilaka).
The phrase is a direct expression of a desire to kiss someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase أريد أن أقبلك is composed of urīdu (I want), an (to/that) and uqabbilaka (I kiss you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt and parts of the Levant region, you might hear the informal عايز أقبّلك. In the Levant region (such as Syria, Lebanon and Jordan), the colloquial expression بدي أبوّسك is popular.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form أريد أن أقبلك (urīdu an uqabbilaka) is specifically directed toward a male listener. To direct the phrase toward a woman, change the final vowel of the verb from 'ka' to 'ki', resulting in أريد أن أقبلكِ (urīdu an uqabbilaki). You can also use the form أريد تقبيلك (urīdu taqbīlaka), which uses the verbal noun taqbīl (kissing) instead of the conjunction an plus a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
urīdu an uqabbilaka
Did you know?
- The word أن (an) is linguistically related to the ancient noun هَن (han), a term for 'thing' or 'self' that eventually became obsolete because it was used as slang for genitalia.
- While the phrase refers to a kiss, in some social contexts, a 'kiss' on the forehead or hand is used to show deep respect or protection rather than romantic desire.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a kiss on the cheek is often accompanied by a slight rubbing motion or a sound, rather than just a touch of the lips.
Example conversation
A romantic moment at sunset by the beach.
- عمر Omarأريد أن أقبلك يا نور.Urīdu an uqabilaki yā Nūr.I want to kiss you, Nour.
- نور Nourهل أنت جاد يا عمر؟Hal anta jād yā 'Umar?Are you serious, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، أنا أحبك كثيراً.Na'am, ana uhibbuki kathīran.Yes, I love you very much.
- نور Nourوأنا أيضاً أريد ذلك.Wa ana ayḍan urīdu dhālik.And I want that too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أن, CC BY-SA 4.0.
