قمر
ʾamareveryday
In Egyptian Arabic the moon is قمر (ʾamar). The crescent moon is هلال (hilāl).
Meaning: celestial body (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| قمر | ʾamar | everyday |
| هلال | hilāl | crescent |
قمر also works as a compliment. Egyptians say يا قمر (ya ʾamar) to someone who looks beautiful.
How do you pronounce it?
The ق is a short glottal stop in Egyptian speech, so you hear "ʾAH-mar".
When do people say it?
The sighting of the crescent هلال marks the start and end of Ramadan, and the Egyptian authorities announce it each year.
Did you know?
- بدر (badr) is the full moon, and it is also a common Arabic boy's name.
Examples in context
- القمر منور النهارده.el-ʾamar minawwar en-nahardah.The moon is bright today.
- شفت هلال رمضان.šuft hilāl ramaḍān.I saw the Ramadan crescent.
- إنتي قمر!inti ʾamar!You look beautiful!
Example conversation
On a summer night, Yehia and Farida sit on a balcony in Cairo.
- Faridaبص على القمر.buṣṣ ʿala l-ʾamar.Look at the moon.
- Yehiaالنهارده بدر.en-nahardah badr.It is a full moon today.
- Faridaمنور أوي.minawwar awi.So bright.
- Yehiaزيك.zayyik.Like you.
