انضم إلينا
indam ilayna
The English phrase 'join us' is translated into Arabic as انضم إلينا (indam ilayna).
What does it mean word for word?
The word إلينا (ilayna) means 'to us' and is a combination of the preposition إلى (to) and the suffix نا (us).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form انضم إلينا is the imperative command used when addressing a single male. To address a single female, use انضمي إلينا (indamī ilayna). To address a group of people, use انضموا إلينا (indammū ilayna).
How do you pronounce it?
indam ilayna
Did you know?
- The root of the verb انضم involves the letter ض (dad), which is a sound unique to Arabic and has no equivalent in English. This makes the pronunciation of the command feel distinctly 'Arabic' to a non-native ear.
- The grammar of انضموا إلينا (indammū ilayna) uses a plural imperative that is used not only for groups but also as a highly formal way to address a single person of high status.
- In many Arabic dialects, people rarely use the formal انضم إلينا for casual invitations. Instead, they use تعال معنا (ta'al ma'ana), which literally means 'come with us'.
Example conversation
Laila invites Yusuf to a coffee break at work.
- ليلى Laylaيوسف، انضم إلينا في استراحة القهوة.Yusuf, indam ilayna fi istirahat al-qahwa.Yusuf, join us for the coffee break.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً يا ليلى، سأكون هناك.Shukran ya Laila, sa-akunu hunak.Thanks Laila, I will be there.
- ليلى Laylaنحن ننتظرك.nahnu nantadhiruka.We are waiting for you.
- يوسف Youssefسأصل خلال خمس دقائق.sa-asil khilal khams daqa'iq.I will arrive within five minutes.
