بدون سكر
bidūn sukkar
The Arabic phrase for "no sugar" is بدون سكر (bidūn sukkar).
بدون سكر is commonly used when ordering coffee, tea or juice in restaurants and cafes to indicate you want the drink prepared without adding sugar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition bidūn (without) and the noun sukkar (sugar).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sukkar (sugar) is a masculine noun. If you were to use an adjective to describe it, the adjective would take the masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
bidūn sukkar
Did you know?
- The Arabic word سكر for 'sugar' actually comes from an ancient word for 'gravel'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, tea is traditionally served very sweet, making the request بدون سكر essential for those avoiding sugar.
- The word بدون is a clever linguistic construction combining the preposition بِـ meaning 'with' and the preposition دونَ meaning 'beyond' or 'apart from'.
Examples in context
- أريد القهوة بدون سكر.urīdu al-qahwa bidūn sukkar.I want the coffee without sugar.
- هل يمكنني الحصول على الشاي بدون سكر؟hal yumkinunī al-huṣūlu ‘alā al-shāy bidūn sukkar?Can I have the tea without sugar?
- أنا أشرب العصير بدون سكر.anā ashrabu al-‘aṣīr bidūn sukkar.I drink the juice without sugar.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are at a cafe.
- عمر Omarمريم، هل تريدين شايًا؟Maryam, hal turīdīna shāyan?Maryam, do you want some tea?
- مريم Maryamنعم، ولكن بدون سكر من فضلك.Na‘am, walākin bidūn sukkar min faḍlik.Yes, but without sugar please.
- عمر Omarحاضر، سأطلبه بدون سكر.Ḥāḍir, sa-aṭlubuhu bidūn sukkar.Alright, I will order it without sugar.
- مريم Maryamشكرًا لك يا عمر.Shukran laka yā ‘Umar.Thank you, Omar.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بدون, سكر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
