اطفئ النور
atfi' an-noor
To turn off the light in Arabic is اطفئ النور (atfi' an-noor).
The phrase is used to stop a light from shining by using a switch or a button.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female, use the form أطفئي النور (atfi'i an-noor). To address a group of people, use the form أطفئوا النور (atfi'u an-noor).
How do you pronounce it?
atfi' an-noor
What mistakes should you avoid?
The phrase أغلق اللمبة literally translates to "close the bulb".
Did you know?
- The verb اطفئ (atfi') is the same word used to describe putting out a fire or extinguishing a candle. This reflects a time when 'turning off' a light meant physically killing a flame.
- The word اللمبة (al-lamba) for 'the bulb' is a loanword borrowed from the Italian word 'lampada' or French 'lampe'.
- In some regions, people use the verb سكر (sakkar), which means 'to close' or 'to lock', to turn off a light. This treats the electrical circuit as a door that is being shut.
Examples in context
- أطفئ الضوء، من فضلك.Turn off the light, please.
- اطفئ النور قبل النوم.itfi' an-nur qabl an-nawm.Turn off the light before sleeping.
- من فضلك، اطفئ النور في الغرفة.min fadlik, itfi' an-nur fil-ghurfa.Please, turn off the light in the room.
Example conversation
Ziad and Sarah are in the living room getting ready for a movie.
- زياد Ziadهل نبدأ الفيلم الآن يا سارة؟hal nabda' al-film al-an ya sara?Shall we start the movie now, Sarah?
- سارة Saraنعم، ولكن اطفئ النور أولاً يا زياد.na'am, walakin itfa' an-nur awwalan ya ziad.Yes, but turn off the light first, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadحسناً، سأفعله الآن.hasanan, sa-af'aluhu al-an.Okay, I will do it now.
- سارة Saraشكراً لك، أنا مستعدة.shukran lak, ana musta'idda.Thank you, I am ready.
