عيوني
'uyuni
In Arabic, عيوني ('uyuni) is the phrase used to express 'my eyes' as a term of endearment.
While it literally translates to 'my eyes', عيوني is used idiomatically as a term of endearment to express deep affection or to address someone beloved, similar to calling someone 'my dear' or 'my darling'.
Which one should you use?
عَيْنَيَّ is the formal way to say 'my eyes' in Arabic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form عيوني is the plural for 'eyes' with the first-person singular possessive suffix attached.
How do you pronounce it?
'uyuni
Did you know?
- In certain Levantine social contexts, responding to a request with من عيوني ('from my eyes') is a standard way to say 'with pleasure' or 'anything for you'.
- The Arabic root for 'eye', عين, is a highly polysemous term. It is also the same word used to describe a 'water spring' or the 'essence' of a thing.
- Using the formal version عَيْنَيَّ instead of the common عيوني in a casual conversation can make a speaker sound unintentionally sarcastic or like a character in a tragic play.
Examples in context
- أنت بطل في عيوني.You're a hero in my eyes.This sentence demonstrates the use of عيوني in a metaphorical sense regarding perception.Tatoeba #13920171 by rul, translation #13910868 by Nuel
- تفضل يا عيوني.Tafaddal ya 'uyuni.Please, go ahead, my dear.
- لا تقلق يا عيوني.La taqlaq ya 'uyuni.Don't worry, my darling.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A husband is offering his wife a gift at home.
- مريم Maryamأحمد، هل أحضرت لي شيئاً؟Ahmed, hal ahdarta li shay'an?Ahmed, did you bring me something?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم يا عيوني، هذه هدية لكِ.Na'am ya 'uyuni, hadhihi hadiyya laki.Yes, my dear, this is a gift for you.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك، أنت كريم جداً.Shukran lak, anta karim jiddan.Thank you, you are very kind.
- أحمد Ahmedأنتِ تستحقين كل شيء جميل.Anti tastahqina kulla shay'in jamil.You deserve everything beautiful.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
