قلبي
qalbi
The English phrase "my heart" is translated into Arabic as قلبي (qalbi).
While قلبي can refer to the physical organ of the body, it is very commonly used as a term of endearment for a loved one, similar to saying "sweetheart" or "darling" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun qalb (heart) and the first-person singular possessive suffix -i (my).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the possessive suffix -i is already attached to the noun, you do not need to use a separate possessive pronoun like li (for me) to indicate ownership.
How do you pronounce it?
qalbi
Did you know?
- The root of قلبي is based on the verb 'to flip' or 'to turn over'. This reflects an ancient belief that the heart is the most unstable organ because its emotions change and flip constantly.
- In Arabic, the 'heart' قلب is traditionally seen as the center of intelligence and decision making, rather than just the seat of emotion.
- In some dialects, saying يا قلبي (oh my heart) can be used sarcastically to express patronizing pity or mock affection toward someone.
Examples in context
- أقول ذلك من قلبي.I say this from my heart.This sentence is useful for showing how to use قلبي when speaking sincerely.Tatoeba #376398 by saeb, translation #33525 by AlanF_US
- كان قلبي يخفق بسرعة.My heart was beating so fast.This sentence demonstrates the use of قلبي when describing physical sensations.Tatoeba #11896637 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #3001103 by Hybrid
- أنا، مثليٌّ، انظر قلبيI, gay, view my heart.This sentence shows the use of قلبي in a personal context.Tatoeba #6076082 by Yacine, translation #801201 by BraveSentry
- قلبي مليء بالحبMy heart is filled with love
- قلبي ما يقدر ينساكMy heart can't forget you
- يا حبيب قلبي، أنت كل شيء بالنسبة ليOh, my beloved, you mean everything to me
- قلبي كالبحر الهائجMy heart is like a stormy sea
- روحي تشتاق لك وقلبي يعشقكMy soul longs for you, and my heart adores you
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A husband and wife are having a quiet moment at home.
- ليلى Laylaكيف حالك يا قلبي؟Kayfa haluka ya qalbi?How are you, my heart?
- أحمد Ahmedأنا بخير، يا ليلى.Ana bikhayr, ya Layla.I am fine, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaأحبك كثيراً يا أحمد.Uhibbuka kathiran ya Ahmad.I love you so much, Ahmad.
- أحمد Ahmedوأنا أيضاً أحبكِ.Wa ana aydan uhibbuki.And I love you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
