عَيْب عَلَيْكَ
ʕayb ʕalayka
The English phrase "shame on you" can be translated into Arabic as عَيْب عَلَيْكَ (ʕayb ʕalayka). Wiktionary also lists عَارٌ عَلَيْكَ (ʕārun ʕalayka).
Meaning: expression of disapproval (intj)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| عَيْب عَلَيْكَ | ʕayb ʕalayka |
| عَارٌ عَلَيْكَ | ʕārun ʕalayka |
What does it mean word for word?
The word عَيْب literally refers to a defect, a fault or something that is socially unacceptable.
Which one should you use?
The form عَيْب عَلَيْكَ is typically used for social impropriety or minor lapses in etiquette. In contrast, عَارٌ عَلَيْكَ implies a much deeper, more profound disgrace or dishonor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, a common expression for "shame on you" is يا حرام عليك.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female, the suffix changes from -ka to -ki, such as in عَيْب عَلَيْكِ.
How do you pronounce it?
ʕayb ʕalayka
Did you know?
- Arabic has several distinct words for 'shame', separating the feeling of modesty and shyness, خجل, from the social disgrace of عَيْب.
- The word عَيْب is also used to describe a physical defect in a product, such as a 'factory defect' which is عَيْب مصنعي.
- The root of the word عَار is connected to concepts of visibility and exposure, implying that a true disgrace is something that is seen by all.
Examples in context
- عَيْب عَلَيْكَ أَنْ تَكْذِبَ.ʿayb ʿalayka an takdhiba.Shame on you for lying.
- عَيْب عَلَيْكَ، هَذَا لَيْسَ لائِقًا.ʿayb ʿalayka, hadha laysa lā'iqan.Shame on you, this is not appropriate.
- عَيْب عَلَيْكَ أَنْ تُهْمِلَ صَدِيقَكَ.ʿayb ʿalayka an tuhmila ṣadīqaka.Shame on you for neglecting your friend.
Example conversation
Ziad admits he forgot Laila's birthday.
- زياد Ziadآسف يا ليلى، لقد نسيت عيد ميلادك.asif ya layla, laqad nasitu id miladiki.I'm sorry Laila, I forgot your birthday.
- ليلى Laylaعَيْب عَلَيْكَ يا زياد! كنت أعرف ذلك.ayb alayka ya ziyad! kuntu araf dhalik.Shame on you Ziad! I knew it.
- زياد Ziadسأشتري لكِ هدية رائعة الآن.sa-ashtari laki hadiya ra'i'a al-an.I will buy you a wonderful gift now.
- ليلى Laylaحسناً، أقبل اعتذارك هذه المرة.hasanan, aqbalu i'tidharaka hadhihi al-marra.Fine, I accept your apology this time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame on you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
