What does it mean word for word?
The verb أودّ is derived from the root meaning to love, wish or desire, conveying a sense of preference or inclination.
Which one should you use?
While أود is a polite way to say "I would like", the word أريد (urīd) is a more direct and common way to say "I want". Additionally, أرغب في is a formal expression that translates to "I desire" or "I want".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
أودُّ is a formal term used in MSA to express "I would like".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the colloquial term عاوز is used to mean "I want" or "I would like". In Levantine Arabic, the informal expression بدي is common for "I want" or "I would like". In the dialect spoken in Jordan, the variation بدي اطلب is used to convey "I would like" by saying "I want to order".
How does it change in a sentence?
When followed by a verb, the phrase أود is typically followed by the particle أن (an) before the verb. When followed by a noun, the phrase أود is used directly without the particle أن.
How do you pronounce it?
awadd
Did you know?
- In highly formal settings, speakers may avoid both أود and أريد entirely, instead using indirect phrases that attribute the desire to God.
- The Egyptian word عاوز originates from a root meaning 'to be in need' or 'to lack'.
- If you use the formal أود in a casual street market in Cairo, you might sound like a character from a historical drama or a news broadcast rather than a local.
Examples in context
- أود أن أعرف اسمها.I would like to know her name.This sentence shows how to use أود when expressing a desire to know something.Tatoeba #489127 by saeb, translation #309801 by CK
- أودّ سماع صوتك أيضاً.I would like to hear your voice, too.This sentence demonstrates using أود to express a desire to hear something.Tatoeba #372689 by saeb, translation #70501 by CK
- أود الاستماع إلى رأيك.I would like to hear your opinion.This sentence illustrates using أود to express a desire to hear an opinion.Tatoeba #832722 by Samer, translation #681642 by Source_VOA
- أودُّ حجز تذكرة طائرة، من فضلك.I would like to book a flight ticket, please.
- أرغب في زيارة المتحف غدًا، هل يمكنني الحصول على تذكرة؟I would like to visit the museum tomorrow, can I get a ticket?
- عاوز أشتري تذكرة سفر للشاطئ.I would like to buy a travel ticket to the beach.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Yusuf are at a cafe.
- سارة Saraأود طلب قهوة باردة من فضلك.Awaddu talaba qahwatin baridatan min fadlik.I would like to order a cold coffee, please.
- يوسف Youssefبالطبع يا سارة، هل تريدين السكر؟Bil-tab' ya Sarah, hal turidina al-sukkar?Of course Sarah, do you want sugar?
- سارة Saraلا، أودها بدون سكر.La, awadduha biduna sukkar.No, I would like it without sugar.
- يوسف Youssefحسناً يا سارة، سأحضرها لكِ الآن.Hasanan ya Sarah, sa-uhdiruha laki al-aan.Alright Sarah, I will get it for you now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
