هذه أمي
hadhihi ummi
The English phrase 'this is my mother' is translated into Arabic as هذه أمي (hadhihi ummi).
This phrase is used to introduce your mother to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hadhihi (this – feminine) and ummi (my mother).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Egyptian dialect, the word دي is used to mean 'this'. In the Levantine dialect, the word هيدا is used to mean 'this'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The demonstrative pronoun hadhihi is used because 'mother' is a feminine noun in Arabic. The word for mother, umm, becomes ummi when the possessive suffix for 'my' is attached.
How do you pronounce it?
hadhihi ummi
Did you know?
- Arabic speakers use 'teknonyms' to address women. A mother is often called Umm followed by the name of her eldest son instead of using her own name.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, introducing one's mother involves more than just a sentence. It is often accompanied by a gesture of respect, such as placing one's hand over the heart to show sincerity and affection.
- The city of Mecca is traditionally known as umm al-qura, which translates to 'mother of all cities'.
Examples in context
- هذه أمي. اسمها فاطمة.This is my mother. Her name is Fatimah.
- هاي أمي. بتحب تطبخ.This is my mother. She loves cooking.
- هذه أمي، وهي معلمة.hadhihi ummi, wa hiya mu'allima.This is my mother, and she is a teacher.
Example conversation
Layla introduces her mother to her friend Ahmed.
- ليلى Laylaأهلاً يا أحمد، هذه أمي.Ahlan ya Ahmed, hadhihi ummi.Hello Ahmed, this is my mother.
- أحمد Ahmedتشرفت بلقائك يا خالة.Tasharaftu bi-liqa'iki ya khala.It is a pleasure to meet you, auntie.
- ليلى Laylaأمي، هذا صديقي أحمد.Ummi, hadha sadiqi Ahmed.Mother, this is my friend Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedأهلاً بكِ.Ahlan biki.Welcome.
