ممكن
mumkin
The English phrase "may I" can be translated into Arabic as ممكن (mumkin).
ممكن is used as a polite way to ask for permission to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ممكن literally means "possible".
Which one should you use?
While ممكن is common in everyday speech, the more formal way to say "may I" in Modern Standard Arabic is هل يمكنني.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ممكن is a colloquial term widely used in spoken Arabic dialects to ask for permission in a polite but informal way.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use ممكن to mean "may I" or "is it possible to", it is typically followed directly by a verb or a noun phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
mumkin
Did you know?
- The word ممكن shares a root with the word for 'place' or 'position' مكان, suggesting a conceptual link between what is possible and what has a place to exist.
- If you use ممكن to ask for something in a very formal setting, a host might respond with تفضل, which means 'please come in' or 'go ahead' rather than just saying 'yes'.
- If you are in a crowded market and want to pass through, you can simply say ممكن to mean 'Excuse me, may I pass?' without adding a verb.
Examples in context
- انا حساس جدا من البرد. ممكن اعطائي بطانية أخرىI'm very sensitive to cold. May I have another blanket?This sentence is useful for requesting an item like a blanket using ممكن.Tatoeba #7782594 by aljilani, translation #21146 by CK
- ممكن أدخل؟mumkin adkhul?May I come in?
- ممكن أسأل سؤال؟mumkin as'al su'al?May I ask a question?
Example conversation
Ziad is asking Laila for permission to use her phone.
- زياد Ziadممكن أستخدم هاتفك؟mumkin astakhdim hatifik?May I use your phone?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، طبعاً.na'am, tab'an.Yes, of course.
- زياد Ziadشكراً جزيلاً يا ليلى.shukran jazilan ya Layla.Thank you very much, Laila.
- ليلى Laylaالعفو يا زياد.al-'afw ya Ziad.You're welcome, Ziad.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
