تافه
tafiha
The Arabic word for petty is تافه (tafiha).
The adjective تافه describes persons or behavior that is marked by undesirably limited interests, sympathies or views. It is used for things that are preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and show a lack of mindfulness regarding broader concerns.
Meaning: of persons or their behaviour: marked by or reflective of undesirably limited interests, sympathies, or views, preoccupied with subjects having little or no importance and not mindful of broader concerns (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is تافهة (tafiha).
How do you pronounce it?
tafiha
Did you know?
- The word تافه shares a root with the verb for 'to be tasteless' or 'insipid'. To call a person 'petty' in Arabic is to metaphorically describe them as lacking flavor or substance.
- While تافه describes a petty person, Arabic has separate specialized words for 'petty' when referring to a 'petty crime' or 'petty cash', as these contexts require terms for 'small' or 'minor' instead of 'trivial'.
- In some Arabic dialects, calling a person تافه can be more insulting than 'petty' in English, as it implies they are 'worthless' or 'insignificant' rather than just small-minded.
Examples in context
- تشاجرت لسبب تافه.I was involved in a petty argument.This sentence is useful for showing how to use تافه in the context of an argument.Tatoeba #1575869 by Amastan, translation #253397 by CK
- كان نقاشهم تافه جداً.kana niqashuhum tafih jiddan.Their discussion was very petty.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a small disagreement.
- ليلى Laylaهل ما زلت غاضباً من أحمد؟hal ma zilt ghadiban min Ahmed?Are you still angry with Ahmed?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، لقد كان تصرفه تافهاً.na'am, laqad kana tasarrufuhu tafihan.Yes, his behavior was petty.
- ليلى Laylaليلى، الأمر لا يستحق كل هذا.Layla, al-amr la yastahiq kull hadha.Layla, it is not worth all this.
- أحمد Ahmedأعلم، لكنني منزعجة حقاً.a'lam, lakinani munza'ija haqqan.I know, but I am really upset.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
