أكيد
akeed
In Arabic, the English word 'sure' can be expressed as أكيد (akeed).
The primary meaning of أكيد is being certain in one's knowledge or belief. However, in spoken Arabic, it is frequently used as a standalone interjection to mean 'sure' or 'of course' when responding to a question.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
Which one should you use?
While أكيد is common in daily conversation to mean 'sure', the form طَبْعًا is a slightly more formal way to express 'of course' or 'naturally'. For the meaning of 'certainly' or 'definitely', use بالتأكيد. To describe being sure or certain, use متأكد.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'I am sure', use the phrase أنا متأكد.
How do you pronounce it?
akeed
Did you know?
- The formal version طَبْعًا is not just 'of course', but literally translates to 'by way of nature', implying that the answer is so obvious it is part of the natural order.
- While أكيد is a common way to say 'sure', it shares a linguistic root with the concept of 'firmness' or 'strength' in Arabic, implying that your certainty is as solid as a physical object.
- Depending on the tone, saying أكيد with a rising inflection can actually express sarcasm or doubt, effectively meaning 'sure, right?' in a way that suggests the speaker doesn't believe you.
Examples in context
- "هل تثق بي؟" "أكيد.""Do you trust me?" "Sure."This example shows using أكيد to answer a question about trust.Tatoeba #11720232 by Amastan, translation #9953972 by Amastan
- "هل أنت يعيد؟" "أكيد.""Happy?" "Sure!"This example shows using أكيد as an enthusiastic response.Tatoeba #10259827 by Amghar, translation #10026456 by Amastan
- "هل أنت مسلم؟" "أكيد.""Are you Muslim?" "Sure."This example shows using أكيد to confirm a personal identity.Tatoeba #10259834 by Amghar, translation #9511388 by Amastan
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Layla and Youssef are discussing a plan to meet.
- ليلى Laylaهل ستأتي إلى الحفلة الليلة يا يوسف؟Hal sata'ti ila al-hafla al-layla ya Youssef?Are you coming to the party tonight, Youssef?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، أنا أكيد من ذلك.Na'am, ana akeed min dhalik.Yes, I am sure of that.
- ليلى Laylaهل ستجلب معك بعض الحلويات؟Hal satajlib ma'aka ba'd al-halawiyyat?Will you bring some sweets with you?
- يوسف Youssefأكيد، سأحضر الكثير.Akeed, sa-uhdir al-katheer.Sure, I will bring a lot.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
