ابني
ibni
The English phrase "my boy" is translated into Arabic as ابني (ibni).
The phrase is used by a parent to refer to their male child.
How do you pronounce it?
ibni
Did you know?
- If a parent is speaking very formally or poetically, they might use the word فلذة كبدي (filzat kabidi), which literally translates to 'the piece of my liver'.
- While ابني is the standard, some parents use the word ضناي, which refers to the hardship of childbirth and expresses a deeper, more visceral bond.
- While ابني literally means 'my son', it is common for older people to address any young man they feel affection for as ابني regardless of biological relation.
Examples in context
- يا ابني، أنا فخور بإنجازاتك.My boy, I am proud of your accomplishments.
- يا ولدي، إنت رائع حقا!My boy, you are truly amazing!
- ابني يحب كرة القدم.ibni yuhibbu kurat al-qadam.My boy loves football.
- ابني يدرس في الجامعة.ibni yadrusu fi al-jami'a.My boy studies at the university.
Example conversation
A mother and a friend are talking about their children at a park.
- مريم Maryamهل هذا هو ابنك يا يوسف؟hal hadha huwa ibnuka ya Yusuf?Is this your boy, Yusuf?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، ابني يلعب هناك.na'am, ibni yal'abu hunaka.Yes, my boy is playing there.
- مريم Maryamإنه ولد ذكي جداً.innahu walad dhaki jiddan.He is a very smart boy.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لكِ يا مريم.shukran laki ya Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
