يتباهى
yatabaha
The English phrase 'show off' is translated into Arabic as يتباهى (yatabaha).
يتباهى means to behave in a way that proudly displays one's abilities or possessions to receive attention or admiration. If you want to specify what is being shown off, the verb is typically followed by the preposition بـ (bi-).
Which one should you use?
The default form يتباهى is a verb, whereas متباهٍ is used as a noun to refer to a person who is a 'show-off'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form يتباهى is in the third-person masculine singular present tense, meaning 'he shows off'. To describe a person who acts as a show-off, you can use the active participle متباهٍ.
How do you pronounce it?
yatabaha
Did you know?
- While يتباهى is a standard way to say 'to show off', a common slang expression in some Levantine dialects to describe someone acting superior or showing off is بيعمل حاله (biya'mal halo), which literally means 'he makes himself'.
- In many Arab cultures, showing off possessions is often met with the phrase ما شاء الله (Ma sha' Allah) to protect the person or the object from the 'evil eye', even if the person is being a show-off.
- The root of يتباهى is linked to the word بهاء, which refers to a shimmering, radiant beauty or splendor. To 'show off' in Arabic is literally to act in a way that evokes this specific kind of brilliance.
Examples in context
- أوقف تباهيك وكن متواضعًاStop showing off and be humble
- استمتع بنجاحك دون الحاجة للتفاخر بهEnjoy your success without the need to show off
- قام بالمباهاة بهدف الظهور بشكل مميزHe showed off to appear distinctively
- هناك فرق بين التفاخر بالمال ومشاركته مع الآخرين لمساعدتهم.There is a difference between showing off money and sharing it with others to help them.
- لا يتباهى بسيارته الجديدة أمام الجميع.Lā yatabāhā bi-sayyāratihi al-jadīda amāma al-jamī'.He does not show off his new car to everyone.
- هو يحب أن يتباهى بذكائه.Huwa yuḥibbu an yatabāhā bi-dhakā'ihi.He likes to show off his intelligence.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a colleague at a cafe.
- سارة Saraلماذا يتباهى زياد دائماً بنجاحاته؟Limādhā yatabāhā Ziyād dā'iman bi-najāḥātihi?Why does Ziad always show off his successes?
- زياد Ziadإنه يريد لفت الأنظار فقط.Innahu yurīdu lafta al-anẓār faqaṭ.He just wants to attract attention.
- سارة Saraهذا التصرف مزعج للغاية.Hādhā al-tasarruf muz'ij lil-ghāya.This behavior is very annoying.
- زياد Ziadأنا أتفق معكِ يا سارة.Anā attafiqu ma'aki yā Sāra.I agree with you, Sarah.
