ابق هنا
ibqa huna
To say "stay here" in Arabic, use ابق هنا (ibqa huna).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to remain in their current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of two parts: the command verb and the adverb هنا, which means "here".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic dialects, people often use the colloquial phrase خليك هون (khallik hon) instead of the formal ابق هنا to mean "stay here".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the command changes depending on who you are addressing. Change it to ابقِ هنا (ibqi huna) when addressing a female. If you are addressing a group of people, use ابقوا هنا (ibqū huna).
How do you pronounce it?
ibqa huna
Did you know?
- The formal command ابق (ibqa) is derived from a root that also means 'to survive' or 'to endure', linking the act of staying in a place with the act of persisting through time.
- The word خليك (khallik), used in the phrase خليك هون, literally means 'keep yourself' or 'leave yourself', rather than 'stay'.
- The word هنا shares a linguistic root with the Hebrew word הִנֵּה (hinnē), which is used to draw attention to something nearby.
Examples in context
- ابق هنا معنا.Stay here with us.This sentence shows how to use ابق هنا to include others in the command.Tatoeba #371476 by saeb, translation #23491 by CK
- ابق هنا حتى أعود.ibqa huna hatta a'ood.Stay here until I return.
- أرجوك، ابق هنا قليلاً.arjouka, ibqa huna qalilan.Please, stay here for a little while.
Example conversation
Ahmed is going to get some water while Layla waits.
- أحمد Ahmedسأحضر الماء، ابق هنا.Sa'uhdir al-ma', ibq huna.I will get the water, stay here.
- ليلى Laylaحسناً، لن أتحرك.Hasanan, lan ataharrak.Okay, I won't move.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.Shukran laki ya Layla.Thank you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaلا مشكلة يا أحمد.La mushkila ya Ahmed.No problem, Ahmed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries هنا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
