أريدك
uriduk
The English phrase "I want you" can be translated into Arabic as أريدك (uriduk).
This phrase is used to express a romantic or physical desire for another person. However, it is also used neutrally to mean "I want you to [do something]" when the phrase is followed by a verb.
What does it mean word for word?
The word أريدك is composed of the verb uridu (I want) and the suffix -ka or -ki (you).
Which one should you use?
While the phrase can express romantic desire, it is also used neutrally to mean 'I want you to [do something]' when followed by a verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix of the word changes depending on who you are addressing. To direct the phrase toward a female, use the form أريدكِ (uriduki). To address a group of people (plural), use the form أريدكم (uridukum).
How do you pronounce it?
uriduk
Did you know?
- The root of the verb أريد (uridu) is related to the concept of 'direction' or 'aiming' toward a goal. When you say you want someone, you are linguistically expressing that your intentions are directed toward them.
- The suffix -ka for males and -ki for females is often indistinguishable in spoken conversation because the short vowel at the end is dropped. Listeners rely entirely on the context of who is being spoken to.
- If you use أريدك in a strictly formal or professional setting without a verb following it, it can be misinterpreted as an inappropriate romantic advance. To avoid this, speakers often add a specific purpose or use more polite phrasing like أحتاج إليك (I need you).
Examples in context
- أريدك أن تخبرني الحقيقة.I want you to tell me the truth.This example shows how to use أريدك to request that someone tell the truth.Tatoeba #608057 by Samer, translation #2429 by CK
- أريدكم أن تذهبوا جميعا إلى مؤخّرة الحافلة.I want you all in the back of the bus.This example shows how أريدك can be used to address a group.Tatoeba #6547788 by OsoHombre, translation #6088303 by OsoHombre
- أريدكم أن تذهبوا إلى غرفكم وتغلقوا الأبواب.I want you to go to your rooms and lock the doors.This example shows how أريدك can be used to give instructions to a group.Tatoeba #7344698 by alhamdi, translation #2694317 by raggione
- أنا أرغب بك، يا حبيبي/حبيبتي.I want you, my beloved (male/female).
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet evening at a cafe.
- زياد Ziadأريدكِ يا ليلى.Ariduki ya Layla.I want you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaحقاً؟Haqqan?Really?
- زياد Ziadنعم، أنا أحبكِ.Na'am, ana uhibuki.Yes, I love you.
- ليلى Laylaوأنا أيضاً أريدك.Wa ana aydan uriduka.And I want you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
