يصافح
yusāfiḥ
To shake hands in Arabic is يصافح (yusāfiḥ).
The verb is used to describe the action of grasping another person's hands.
Meaning: grasp another person's hands (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb يصافح is derived from the root ص–ف–ح (ṣ-f-ḥ), which relates to the side or cheek, but in this specific morphological pattern, it denotes the act of greeting by hand.
Which one should you use?
You may encounter the verbal noun المصافحة (al-musāfaḥa), which refers to the act of shaking hands or the handshake itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the imperative form صافح (sāfiḥ) to command someone to shake hands.
How do you pronounce it?
yusāfiḥ
Did you know?
- The root ص–ف–ح is also used in the word for 'forgiveness' (صفح). This suggests a linguistic link between the act of shaking hands and the act of pardoning someone.
- When shaking hands with someone of high status or an elder, it is common to touch your own chest with your right hand after the handshake to show sincerity.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a handshake is often extended with the right hand only, as using the left hand for social contact is considered impolite.
Examples in context
- هو لا يصافح.He doesn't shake hands.This sentence is useful for practicing the negation of the verb يصافح.Tatoeba #12000458 by dididodo, translation #8173895 by Amastan
- يجب أن يصافح المدير الزوار.Yajibu an yusafih al-mudir al-zuwar.The manager must shake hands with the visitors.
- هو يصافح الجميع عند اللقاء.Huwa yusafih al-jami' 'inda al-liqa'.He shakes hands with everyone upon meeting.
Example conversation
Two colleagues meeting for the first time at the office.
- مريم Maryamأهلاً يا زياد، أنا مريم.Ahlan ya Ziyad, ana Maryam.Hello Ziyad, I am Maryam.
- زياد Ziadأهلاً مريم، هل يصافح الناس هنا؟Ahlan Maryam, hal yusafih al-nas huna?Hello Maryam, do people shake hands here?
- مريم Maryamنعم، هذا أمر طبيعي جداً.Na'am, hadha amrun tabi'iyyun jiddan.Yes, this is very normal.
- زياد Ziadتشرفت بلقائكِ إذاً.Tasharaftu bi-liqa'iki idhan.Nice to meet you then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
