اسمعني
isma'ni
The English phrase 'listen to me' is translated into Arabic as اسمعني (isma'ni).
اسمعني is used as a request or a command for someone to pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Depending on the speaker's tone of voice and the context, it can function as either a direct command or a simple request.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the imperative verb اسمع (listen) and the object suffix ني (me).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
اسمعني is used in informal settings. For a more formal and polite way to say 'listen to me', you should use استمع إليّ.
How does it change in a sentence?
While اسمعني is used for a single person, you can address a group of people by using the suffix '-uni' to form اسمعوني.
How do you pronounce it?
isma'ni
Did you know?
- Arabic has multiple verbs for listening that change based on the intensity of the focus. Using اسمع is a general request, whereas انصت is a specific command to be completely silent and attentive, often used in religious contexts.
- While اسمعني is the standard for 'listen to me', a speaker might use the word اسمع (listen) alone as a filler word, similar to how English speakers use 'look' or 'listen' to introduce a point.
- Depending on the region, saying اسمعني with a specific rising intonation can turn the command into a question asking if the speaker is being understood or believed, rather than just heard.
Examples in context
- اسمعني جيداً.Listen to me carefully.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 'Listen to me carefully' using the form اسمعني.Tatoeba #394236 by saeb, translation #250799 by CK
- اسكت و اسمعني.Stop talking and listen to me.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say 'Stop talking and listen to me' using the form اسمعني.Tatoeba #411507 by saeb, translation #65046 by CK
- اسمعني، لدي فكرة ممتازة.Isma'ni, ladayya fikra mumtaza.Listen to me, I have an excellent idea.
Example conversation
Yousef is trying to explain a plan to Leila.
- يوسف Youssefاسمعني يا ليلى، لدي فكرة.Isma'ni ya Layla, ladayya fikra.Listen to me, Leila, I have an idea.
- ليلى Laylaأنا أسمعك، تفضل.Ana asma'uka, tafaddal.I am listening, go ahead.
- يوسف Youssefيمكننا الذهاب إلى الحديقة الآن.Yumkinuna al-dhahab ila al-hadiqa al-aan.We can go to the park now.
- ليلى Laylaهذه فكرة رائعة يا يوسف.Hadhihi fikra ra'i'a ya Yousef.That is a great idea, Yousef.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
