تبدو رائعا
tabdu ra'i'an
The English phrase "looking good" can be translated into Arabic as تبدو رائعا (tabdu ra'i'an).
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that they look attractive or well-dressed.
Which one should you use?
You can also use شيك! to specifically convey that someone looks stylish or fashionable.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In colloquial spoken dialects, such as Egyptian or Levantine, it is more common to use the phrase شكلك حلو.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase شكلك حلو is commonly used in spoken dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on whom you are addressing: use the feminine form تبدو رائعة when speaking to a woman, and use the plural form تبدون رائعين when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
tabdu ra'i'an
Did you know?
- In Egyptian colloquial, the phrase قمر is often used to tell someone they look great, which literally translates to 'moon'.
- In some dialects, the phrase منور is used instead of 'looking good', which literally translates to 'you are radiating light' or 'you are illuminating'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common to follow a compliment like تبدو رائعا with a phrase invoking God's protection, such as ما شاء الله, to avoid the 'evil eye'.
Examples in context
- محمد، ملابسك شيك اليوم!Mohammed, you look stylish today!
- تبدو رائعا في هذه البدلة.tabdu ra'i'an fi hadhihi al-badla.You look good in this suit.
- أنت تبدو رائعا اليوم.anta tabdu ra'i'an al-yawm.You look good today.
- لماذا تبدو رائعا هكذا؟limadha tabdu ra'i'an hakadha?Why do you look so good?
Example conversation
Sara is complimenting Omar on his appearance before a party.
- عمر Omarهل أنا جاهز للذهاب؟Hal ana jahiz lil-dhahab?Am I ready to go?
- سارة Saraنعم، تبدو رائعا يا عمر!Na'am, tabdu ra'i'an ya Omar!Yes, you're looking good, Omar!
- عمر Omarشكرا لك يا سارة.Shukran laki ya Sara.Thank you, Sara.
- سارة Saraلنذهب الآن إذاً.Lanadhhab al-an idhan.Let's go now then.
