حقاً
haqqan
In Arabic, 'really' is expressed by حقاً (haqqan).
As an adverb, حقاً means 'actually' and is used to emphasize a statement. It can also be used as an interjection to express surprise at new information or to request confirmation of a statement, much like saying 'Really?' in English.
Meaning: actually (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from a root meaning 'truth' or 'right', so it literally translates to 'truthfully' or 'in truth'.
Which one should you use?
When used as an adverb, حقاً emphasizes a verb or adjective. However, when used as a standalone question (حقاً؟), it specifically signals disbelief or surprise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word صج is used colloquially in many regions, including the Gulf states. It is a shortened form of صحيح, which means 'true'. In Egyptian Arabic, the word قوي is used informally to mean 'strong' or 'very', which can express the sense of 'really'. In the Levant region, والله is a common informal way to express 'really' or 'I swear'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
haqqan
Did you know?
- While حقاً is the standard way to say 'really', many speakers use the word والله to mean 'really' or 'I swear' in everyday conversation.
- In Egypt, if you want to say something is 'really' great, you might use the word قوي, which literally translates to 'strong'.
- The formal adverb حقاً carries a much heavier philosophical weight than the English 'really', as it is built upon a root meaning 'truth' and 'justice'.
Examples in context
- هو اغضبني حقاً.He really ticked me off.This sentence shows how to use حقاً to emphasize an emotion.Tatoeba #4114943 by fadi, translation #453402 by FeuDRenais
- هذا يغضبني حقاً!This really ticks me off!This sentence uses حقاً for emphasis in an exclamation.Tatoeba #4114947 by fadi, translation #3674940 by karloelkebekio
- إن ذلك يغيظني حقاً.It really gets on my nerves.This sentence demonstrates emphasis using حقاً regarding an irritation.Tatoeba #478555 by saeb, translation #322159 by CK
- أنت حقاً مبدع!You are really creative!
- هذا الامتحان صعب فعلاً!This exam is really difficult!
- هذا الفيلم فعلاً مؤثر.This movie is really impactful.
- والله ما عرفت!I really didn't know!
- والله أنت صادقة جداً!Really, you are very sincere!
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Noor are discussing a surprising piece of news.
- عمر Omarلقد فزت بالجائزة الأولى!Laqad fuztu bil-ja'izati al-ula!I won the first prize!
- نور Nourهل حدث هذا حقاً يا عمر؟Hal hadatha hadha haqqan ya Omar?Did this really happen, Omar?
- عمر Omarنعم، لقد استلمت الرسالة اليوم.Na'am, laqad istalamtu ar-risalata al-yawm.Yes, I received the letter today.
- نور Nourأنا سعيدة جداً من أجلك!Ana sa'idatun jiddan min ajlika!I am very happy for you!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
