غالي كتير
ghali kteer
The English phrase "too expensive" can be translated into Arabic as غالي كتير (ghali kteer).
Used to say that the price of something is much higher than expected or affordable.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase غالي كتير is composed of the adjective 'ghali' (expensive) and the adverb 'kteer' (a lot/very).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal settings or Modern Standard Arabic, you should use غالي جداً (very costly) or مُكلَّف جداً (very expensive). In casual, colloquial settings, you might also hear غالي حيل.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the object being described is feminine, the adjective changes to the feminine form غالية كتير.
How do you pronounce it?
ghali kteer
Did you know?
- In some contexts, describing a person as غالي (expensive/precious) is a high compliment, implying they are someone of great worth and status.
- When haggling in a market, saying غالي كتير is often just the opening move in a social game rather than a literal statement of fact.
- The word حيل used in the phrase غالي حيل is a common intensifier in Gulf dialects, but it can sound very out of place in Levantine or Egyptian Arabic.
Examples in context
- غالي جداً. هل يمكننا التفاوض على السعر؟It's too expensive. Can we negotiate the price?
- هذا الفستان غالي كتير.hadha al-fustan ghali kteer.This dress is too expensive.
Example conversation
Layla and Youssef are shopping for a new phone in a mall.
- ليلى Laylaهذا الموبايل غالي كتير.hadha al-mobayel ghali kteer.This mobile is too expensive.
- يوسف Youssefهل هو غالي بالنسبة لك يا ليلى؟hal huwa ghali bil-nisba laki ya Layla?Is it expensive for you, Layla?
- ليلى Laylaنعم، غالي كتير.na'am, ghali kteer.Yes, it is too expensive.
- يوسف Youssefسأبحث عن سعر أفضل يا ليلى.sa-abhath 'an si'r afdal ya Layla.I will look for a better price, Layla.
