خالة
khala
The English phrase "maternal aunt" is translated into Arabic as خالة (khala).
The word خالة is used specifically to refer to a sister of one's mother.
Meaning: one's mother's sister (noun)
Which one should you use?
While خالة refers to a maternal aunt, the word ammah is used to refer to a paternal aunt.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express plurality, the form خالات is used for "maternal aunts". To indicate possession, you can add the suffix -i to the end of the word to create خالتي, which means "my maternal aunt".
How do you pronounce it?
khala
Did you know?
- Calling a stranger خالتي or 'my maternal aunt' is a common way to show politeness and warmth, effectively treating a woman as part of one's extended family.
- The concept of the 'maternal aunt' in Arabic culture often carries a connotation of being a 'second mother' or a source of emotional tenderness, distinct from the more formal or authoritative role of the paternal aunt.
- The Arabic language utilizes separate words for maternal and paternal aunts, but it also does this for uncles, with خال for the mother's brother and عم for the father's brother.
Example conversation
Maryam is showing Omar a family photo.
- مريم Maryamمن هذه المرأة في الصورة يا عمر؟Man hādhihi al-mar'a fī al-sūra yā Omar?Who is this woman in the photo, Omar?
- عمر Omarهذه خالة والدي.Hādhihi khālat wālidī.This is my father's maternal aunt.
- مريم Maryamتبدو خالة طيبة جداً.Tabdū khāla tayyiba jiddan.She looks like a very kind maternal aunt.
- عمر Omarنعم، هي تحب الجميع.Na'am, hiya tuhibbu al-jamīa.Yes, she loves everyone.
