بقشيش
baqshīsh
In Arabic, بقشيش (baqshīsh) is the word for a tip.
While some definitions might suggest بقشيش means a piece of advice, in most Arabic dialects, it actually refers to a monetary tip or gratuity given for a service provided.
Meaning: piece of advice (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the term بَقْشِيش is used to mean a tip or gratuity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word بقشيش is often used as an uncountable noun in many dialects, much like the word 'money' is used in English.
How do you pronounce it?
baqshīsh
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you mean a piece of advice (as in a suggestion), do not use بقشيش as it is almost exclusively used for money. Use نصيحة instead.
Did you know?
- The word بقشيش has Persian roots, originating from the verb meaning 'to bestow' or 'to grant'.
- In many Arabic dialects, بقشيش is so culturally ingrained that it is often viewed as a standard social ritual rather than a voluntary extra.
- Using بقشيش to ask for a 'tip' of wisdom or advice will cause people to reach for their wallets instead of offering suggestions.
Examples in context
- زيري يستحق بقشيشا.Ziri should be given a tip.This sentence shows how to express that someone deserves a بقشيش.Tatoeba #11643634 by dididodo, translation #11177037 by Amastan
Example conversation
Ahmed and Leila are leaving a restaurant.
- أحمد Ahmedسأدفع الحساب الآن.Sa-adfa' al-hisab al-an.I will pay the bill now.
- ليلى Laylaلا تنسَ أن تضع بقشيشا.La tansa an tada' baqsheeshan.Don't forget to leave a tip.
- أحمد Ahmedبالطبع، الخدمة كانت ممتازة.Bil-tab', al-khidma kanat mumtaza.Of course, the service was excellent.
- ليلى Laylaهذا لطف منك يا أحمد.Hadha lutfun minka ya Ahmed.That is kind of you, Ahmed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بقشيش, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
