Ways to say it
| Palestinian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| كذاب | kaddab | masculine |
| كذابة | kaddabe | feminine |
For a woman, it becomes كذابة (kaddabe). The word comes directly from كذب, 'to lie', and is used the same way across Arabic dialects.
What does it mean word for word?
كذاب is built from the verb كذب, 'to lie', with an ending that turns it into 'one who lies habitually', stronger than a one-time lie.
Which one should you use?
كذاب marks someone as a habitual liar, not just someone who told one lie. For a single lie, Palestinians would instead say هاد كذب, 'this is a lie'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word is blunt and informal, usually said in anger, frustration or joking accusation among close friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
كذاب is shared across the whole Arabic-speaking world with the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
كذاب is masculine, كذابة is feminine. The plural is كذابين (kaddabin).
How do you pronounce it?
The stress falls on the first syllable: 'KA-dab'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Calling someone كذاب is a real accusation, not a light tease, so it is best used only when truly meant.
When do people say it?
In arguments, repeating كذاب، كذاب twice adds emphasis, a common way Palestinians intensify an accusation in heated speech.
Did you know?
- كذاب specifically marks a habitual liar, while a single false statement is simply called كذب, the act of lying.
- The feminine كذابة and the plural كذابين follow a common Arabic pattern for turning verbs of behaviour into personal labels.
Examples in context
- ما تصدقه، هو كذاب.ma tsaddiqo, huwwe kaddab.Do not believe him, he is a liar.
- انتي كذابة، هذا مش صحيح.inti kaddabe, hada mish sahih.You are a liar, this is not true.
- كلهم كذابين هناك.killhom kaddabin hunak.They are all liars there.
Example conversation
Hani argues with his friend Suhail, who denied breaking a promise.
- Haniقلت رح تيجي، وما جيت!qolt rah tiji, w ma jit!You said you would come, and you did not!
- Suhailكان في ظروف، سامحني.kan fi zuruf, samihni.There were circumstances, forgive me.
- Haniلا، انت كذاب والله.la, inta kaddab wallah.No, you are a liar, I swear.
- Suhailطيب، بعتذر منك.tayyeb, ba3tazer minnak.Okay, I apologize to you.
