أخت صغرى
ukht sughrā
The English phrase "little sister" is translated into Arabic as أخت صغرى (ukht sughrā).
This phrase is used to refer to a sister who is younger than the speaker or another person.
How do you pronounce it?
ukht sughrā
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'sister' is a general term, Arabic has distinct words to specify if a sister is a full sister, a half-sister from the father, or a half-sister from the mother.
- In some Middle Eastern cultures, a 'little sister' is not just a relative but a term of endearment used by older men to show protective respect toward younger women in the community.
- The word أخت can be used metaphorically in Arabic to describe a female companion or a fellow member of a religious or political group, regardless of biological relation.
Examples in context
- أُخْتِي الصَّغِيرَةُ تُحِبُّ اللَّعِبَ خَارِجَ الْبَيْتِMy little sister loves playing outdoors
- لدي أخت صغرى.Ladayya ukht sughra.I have a little sister.
Example conversation
Mariam and Ziad are talking about their family members at a cafe.
- مريم Maryamهل لديك أخت صغرى؟Hal ladayka ukht sughra?Do you have a little sister?
- زياد Ziadنعم، لدي أخت صغرى واحدة.Na'am, ladayya ukht sughra wahida.Yes, I have one little sister.
- مريم Maryamكم عمر أختك الصغرى؟Kam 'umru ukhtika al-sughra?How old is your little sister?
- زياد Ziadهي في الخامسة من عمرها.Hiya fi al-khamisa min 'umriha.She is five years old.
