How to Say "Teach Me" in Arabic

علمني

'allimnī

The English phrase "teach me" is translated into Arabic as علمني ('allimnī).

This phrase is used to make a request for someone to provide instruction or knowledge regarding a specific subject.

What does it mean word for word?

The word علمني is composed of the verb علم (to teach) and the suffix ني (me).

The form علمني is in the imperative mood, which is used for giving a command or making a direct request.

'allimnī

Because Arabic is a root-based language, the word علمني shares its core structure with the word for 'flag' علم, as both historically represented a 'sign' or 'marker' to be recognized.
While علمني is a direct command, in many Arabic-speaking cultures, using the imperative form with a stranger or a superior can feel blunt. To be more polite, one often adds 'please' or uses a phrase like 'could you teach me'.
In classical Arabic poetry, requesting to be 'taught' often serves as a metaphor for seeking guidance or spiritual enlightenment rather than academic instruction.

علمني بعض الكانجي من فضلك.
Teach me some kanji, please.
This sentence is useful for requesting instruction on a specific topic using علمني.
Tatoeba #394080 by saeb, translation #21023 by fishda
علمني اللغة العربية.
Teach me Arabic.
This sentence is useful for requesting the instruction of a language using علمني.
Tatoeba #13169780 by atitarev, translation #8013677 by OsoHombre
مرحبا، هل يمكنك أن تعلمني العربية؟
Hello, can you teach me Arabic?
يا صديقي، علمني العربية من فضلك.
Hey my friend, teach me Arabic, please.
علمني كيف أطبخ هذا الطعام.
allimni kayfa atbukhu hadha al-ta'am.
Teach me how to cook this food.

Layla asks Ahmed to help her with a skill in the kitchen.

ليلى Layla

أحمد، علمني كيف أستخدم هذا السكين.
Ahmed, allimni kayfa astakhdimu hadha al-sikkeen.
Ahmed, teach me how to use this knife.
أحمد Ahmed

بالطبع، لكن كوني حذرة جداً.
bil-tab', lakin kuni hadhira jiddan.
Of course, but be very careful.
ليلى Layla

سأفعل ذلك، شكراً لك.
sa-af'alu dhalik, shukran lak.
I will, thank you.
أحمد Ahmed

لا مشكلة، أنا هنا للمساعدة.
la mushkila, ana huna lil-musa'ada.
No problem, I am here to help.

Sources

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