أخ أكبر
'akh 'akbar
The English phrase "older brother" is translated into Arabic as أخ أكبر ('akh 'akbar).
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of أخ, which means brother and أكبر, which means bigger or older.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective أكبر follows the noun أخ to modify it.
How do you pronounce it?
'akh 'akbar
Did you know?
- The word أخ is a Proto-Semitic root, meaning it is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'brother' through an ancient common ancestor.
- The term كبير ('big') used in أخ أكبر is the root for the word تكبير ('Takbir'), the famous phrase 'Allahu Akbar' used in prayer and calls to worship.
- In many Middle Eastern cultures, an older brother is often treated as a second father figure, and addressing him with high levels of respect is a social requirement.
Examples in context
- عندي أخ أكبر مني.ʿindī akh akbar minnī.I have an older brother.
- هل لديك أخ أكبر؟hal ladayka akh akbar?Do you have an older brother?
Example conversation
Nour and Omar are discussing their families at a cafe.
- نور Nourهل عندك أخ أكبر يا عمر؟hal ʿindaka akh akbar yā ʿUmar?Do you have an older brother, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، لدي أخ أكبر.naʿam, ladayya akh akbar.Yes, I have an older brother.
- نور Nourهل هو طالب أم يعمل؟hal huwa ṭālib am yaʿmal?Is he a student or does he work?
- عمر Omarهو يعمل الآن.huwa yaʿmal al-ān.He is working now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أخ, أكبر, CC BY-SA 4.0.
