شامي
shāmī
The English adjective "levantine" is translated into Arabic as شامي (shāmī).
The term شامي is used to describe anything originating from the Levant, including cuisine, dialects and people.
Meaning: of the Levant, the Eastern Mediterranean (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective is derived from the word for Damascus (Shām), meaning 'of Damascus' or 'Damascene', but is used broadly to refer to the Levant region.
How do you pronounce it?
shāmī
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, calling someone a شامي can be a way of complimenting their refined manners or elegant way of speaking. This is because the dialect of the region is often perceived as particularly soft and polite.
- Although شامي is used for the Levant, the Arabic word for 'the Levant' itself, الشام, is often used in poetry to evoke a nostalgic sense of a lost paradise or ancestral home.
- While شامي is a general regional term, it is frequently used in the Middle East as a synonym for 'Syrian' specifically when discussing food and cuisine.
Examples in context
- أنا من الشامI am from the Levant.
- هذا الأكل شامي أصيل.hadha al-akl shami aseel.This food is authentic Levantine.
