لغتي العربية سيئة
lughatī al-'arabiyyah sayyi'ah
The English phrase "my arabic is bad" is expressed in Arabic as لغتي العربية سيئة (lughatī al-'arabiyyah sayyi'ah).
This phrase is used to admit that you do not speak the Arabic language well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lughatī (my language), al-'arabiyyah (the Arabic) and sayyi'ah (bad).
Which one should you use?
In Egyptian Arabic, a more natural, colloquial way to say 'my Arabic is bad' is arabiyyati mish kwayyisa.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sayyi'ah (bad) is in the feminine form to agree with the feminine noun lughah (language).
How do you pronounce it?
lughatī al-'arabiyyah sayyi'ah
Did you know?
- While the phrase uses لغة (language), the word can also mean 'tongue' or 'dialect'. In some contexts, admitting a 'bad language' could be misinterpreted as having poor manners rather than poor grammar.
- Arabic speakers often respond to لغتي العربية سيئة by insisting your language is actually ممتازة (excellent), even if you can only say a few words. This social grace is common across the Arab world to encourage learners.
- If you want to sound more polite when admitting your lack of proficiency, you can use the word qalīlah (little) instead of sayyi'ah (bad). Saying lughatī al-'arabiyyah qalīlah implies your knowledge is just limited rather than poor.
Examples in context
- عفوًا، لست جيدًا في العربيةExcuse me, I am not good in Arabic
- أعتذر عن سوء لغتي العربيةI apologize for my poor Arabic language skills
- أنا لست ماهرًا في العربيةI am not skilled in Arabic
- أعترف بأن لديّ لغة عربية سيئةI admit that I have a bad Arabic language
- أنا آسف، لغتي العربية سيئة.ana asif, lughati al-arabiyya sayyi'a.I am sorry, my Arabic is bad.
- لغتي العربية سيئة ولكنني أتعلم.lughati al-arabiyya sayyi'a walakinani ata'allam.My Arabic is bad but I am learning.
- هل يمكنك التحدث ببطء؟ لغتي العربية سيئة.hal yumkinuka al-tahadduth bi-but', lughati al-arabiyya sayyi'a.Can you speak slowly? My Arabic is bad.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam meet for the first time at a cafe.
- أحمد Ahmedمرحبًا يا مريم، كيف حالكِ؟Marhaban ya Maryam, kayfa haluki?Hello Maryam, how are you?
- مريم Maryamأنا بخير يا أحمد، ولكن لغتي العربية سيئة.Ana bikhayr ya Ahmad, walakin lughati al-arabiyyah sayyi'ah.I am fine Ahmed, but my Arabic is bad.
- أحمد Ahmedلا تقلقي، لغتكِ جيدة جدًا.La taqlaqi, lughatuki jayyidah jiddan.Don't worry, your language is very good.
- مريم Maryamشكرًا لك على لطفك.Shukran laka ala lutfik.Thank you for your kindness.
