ܚܠܐ
khala
The Aramaic word for uncle is ܚܠܐ (khala).
ܚܠܐ is a noun used to refer to the brother of someone's parent or a brother-in-law.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is khala.
Did you know?
- In many Aramaic-speaking communities, the word ܚܠܐ is used as a term of respect for any older man, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word ܚܠܐ is a linguistic relative of the Arabic word 'khal', which specifically refers to a maternal uncle.
- The Aramaic alphabet used for ܚܠܐ is an abjad, meaning the vowels are not written as letters but are often inferred or marked with small dots.
Examples in context
- ܚܠܐ ܕܐܒܝkhla d-abiMy father's brother.
- ܐܝܬ ܠܝ ܚܠܐit li khlaI have an uncle.
Example conversation
Rozi and Sami are looking at a family photo.
- רוזי Rosyמנ שאתה ܚܠܐ?man anta hala?Who is this uncle?
- סמי Samiܗו ܚܠܐ ܕאמאhu hala d'ammaHe is my mother's brother.
- רוזי Rosyהו ܚܠܐ ܛܒ?hu hala tav?Is he a good uncle?
- סמי SamiהhaYes.
