What does it mean word for word?
The phrase جميلة جدا is composed of jamīla (beautiful/pretty) and jiddan (very/so).
Which one should you use?
While جميلة جدا is a standard way to express this, you might choose other terms depending on the intensity and tone. For a more poetic or formal way to say "exquisitely beautiful", you can use بديعة. To convey a sense of being "splendid" or "magnificent", use رائعة. For an even more formal expression meaning "extremely beautiful", use جميلة للغاية.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Arabic dialects, such as Levantine or Egyptian, people often use ḥilwa ktīr instead of jamīla jiddan to mean "so pretty" in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a man or a masculine noun, you should use the masculine form jamīl jiddan instead of the feminine jamīla jiddan.
How do you pronounce it?
jamīla jiddan
Did you know?
- While jamīla jiddan is understood everywhere, saying mā shā' Allāh after complimenting someone's beauty is a common cultural practice. It is used to express admiration while also seeking to ward off the 'evil eye'.
- In many Arabic dialects, you might use the word ḥilwa to mean 'pretty' or 'sweet'. While it literally means 'sweet' like sugar, it is a common way to compliment a person's appearance.
- The transition from the formal jamīla jiddan to the dialect ḥilwa ktīr involves swapping a word for 'very' that means 'seriousness' for one that literally means 'a lot'.
Examples in context
- أَنتِ جميلة جداً!You are so pretty!
- لقد رأيتُ امرأةً بديعةً اليوم.I saw an exquisitely beautiful woman today.
- تبدو حلوة اليوم!You look pretty today!
- هذه الزهرة جميلة جدا.hadhihi al-zahra jamila jidda.This flower is so pretty.
- اللوحة جميلة جدا.al-lawha jamila jidda.The painting is so pretty.
- المدينة جميلة جدا في الليل.al-madina jamila jidda fi al-layl.The city is so pretty at night.
Example conversation
Youssef and Maryam are looking at a garden.
- يوسف Youssefانظري إلى هذه الورود، إنها جميلة جداً.Unzhuri ila hadhihi al-wurud, innaha jamila jiddan.Look at these roses, they are so pretty.
- مريم Maryamنعم، ألوانها رائعة حقاً.Naam, alwanuha ra'i'a haqqan.Yes, their colors are truly wonderful.
- يوسف Youssefهل تحبين هذا النوع من الزهور؟Hal tuhibbin hadha al-naw' min az-zuhur?Do you like this type of flower?
- مريم Maryamأحبها كثيراً لأنها جميلة جداً.Uhibbuha kathiran li'annaha jamila jiddan.I love them a lot because they are so pretty.
