قلبي
'albieveryday, endearment
In Lebanese Arabic "my heart" is قلبي ('albi) (2albi), with the first sound said as a glottal stop, so it sounds like albi. It is also called يا قلبي (ya 'albi).
Meaning: term of endearment and body part (noun)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| قلبي | 'albi | everyday, endearment |
| يا قلبي | ya 'albi | endearment |
Lebanese speakers use قلبي (2albi) as an endearment, as in يا قلبي (ya 2albi), "my dear". It is used for children, close friends and partners.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending ـي (i) means "my". Without it, the word for heart is قلب (2alb).
Did you know?
- In Lebanese Arabic the same word قلبي (2albi) works both for the organ and for a tender way to call someone.
Examples in context
- يا قلبي، تعا لهون.ya 'albi, ta3a lahon.My dear, come here.
- قلبي عم يوجعني.'albi 3am biwajje3ni.My heart hurts.
Example conversation
A grandmother talks to her grandson Elias in the garden.
- Tetaيا قلبي، شو عملت اليوم؟ya 'albi, shu 3melt el-yom?My dear, what did you do today?
- Eliasلعبت كرة.la3bet kra.I played football.
- Tetaيسلمو هالإيدين.yeslamo hal-idein.Bless those little hands.
