أحب نفسك أولاً
ahibba nafsaka awwalan
The English phrase "love yourself first" is translated into Arabic as أحب نفسك أولاً (ahibba nafsaka awwalan).
This expression is used to advise someone to prioritize their own well-being and happiness before caring for others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word نفسك (nafsaka) is composed of nafs (self) and the suffix -ka (your). The word أولاً (awwalan) functions as an adverb meaning "firstly" or "first".
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female listener, the verb and the pronoun change to ahibbi nafsaki. Additionally, the informal way to say this to a female is أحبّي حالك أولاً.
How do you pronounce it?
ahibba nafsaka awwalan
Did you know?
- The word نفس (nafs) used for 'self' is the same word used for 'soul' and 'breath' in Arabic. This links the act of loving oneself to the very essence of one's biological and spiritual life.
- In many Arabic dialects, replacing نفس (nafs) with حال (hal) shifts the nuance from your spiritual essence to your current state of being or personhood.
- While the phrase uses 'first' to mean priority, using the word أولاً (awwalan) can sometimes sound more like a formal list or an academic ranking than a heartfelt piece of advice.
Examples in context
- عليك أن تحبّ نفسكَ أولاً.You should love yourself first.
- نحن بحاجة لنحبّ أنفسنا أولاً.We need to love ourselves first.
