اتركه
utruk-hu
The Arabic phrase for "leave it" is اتركه (utruk-hu).
اتركه is a command used to tell someone to stop touching or holding an object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of the imperative verb utruk (leave/abandon) and the suffix -hu (it/him).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In informal Levantine Arabic, you can say خلِّها (Khalleeha) to mean "leave it".
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -hu specifically refers to a masculine object. If the object being left is feminine, the suffix changes to -ha (e.g., utruk-ha). When addressing a group of people, the command becomes اتركوه (utruk-u-hu).
How do you pronounce it?
utruk-hu
Did you know?
- In many Middle Eastern cultures, if you are telling someone to 'leave it' in the sense of 'let it be' or 'don't worry about it', you might use a phrase related to 'fate' or 'God's will' instead of a direct command.
- Arabic differentiates between 'leaving' an object اتركه and 'leaving' a place, which usually uses the verb غادر (ghadara), a distinction not found in English.
- The suffix -hu in اتركه is identical to the pronoun for 'him', meaning the phrase used for 'leave it' is grammatically indistinguishable from 'leave him'.
Examples in context
- أرجوك، إتركه كما هوPlease leave it as it is.
- خلِّها كما هيLeave it as it is.
- اتركه في مكانه.itrukho fi makanihi.Leave it in its place.
- لا تلمسه، اتركه.la talmas-hu, itrukho.Don't touch it, leave it.
- هذا الكتاب ليس لك، اتركه.hadha al-kitab laysa lak, itrukho.This book is not yours, leave it.
Example conversation
Ahmed sees Sarah holding a fragile vase.
- أحمد Ahmedسارة، اتركه من فضلك.Sarah, utruk-hu min fadlik.Sarah, leave it please.
- سارة Saraلماذا؟ أنا فقط أنظفه.Limadha? Ana faqat unazzifuh.Why? I am just cleaning it.
- أحمد Ahmedإنه قديم جداً وقد ينكسر.Innahu qadeem jiddan wa qad yankasir.It is very old and might break.
- سارة Saraحسناً، سأتركه.Hasanan, sa-atrukuh.Okay, I will leave it.
