جدا
jiddan
In Arabic, 'very' is expressed as جدا (jiddan).
The term is an adverb used to indicate that something is done to a high degree.
Meaning: to a high degree (adv)
Which one should you use?
While جدا is the common way to say very, the phrase غاية في can be used in more formal written contexts to mean 'extremely' or 'to a great extent'. Additionally, the adverb بِشَدَّةٍ is used in formal Arabic to convey that something is happening intensely.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, the informal term أوي is used to mean very. In Levantine Arabic, the colloquial word كتير is used to convey the meaning of 'a lot' or 'very much'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb جدا typically follows the adjective or adverb that it is modifying.
How do you pronounce it?
jiddan
Did you know?
- The word جدا is actually the adverbial form of the noun جِدّ, which means 'seriousness' or 'earnestness'.
- In some dialects, the word for 'very' can be repeated for extra emphasis. This creates a rhythmic layering that signifies an even higher degree of intensity than a single word.
- In Egyptian Arabic, the word أوي is so common that it often replaces the standard جدا entirely in daily speech, creating a distinct auditory marker of Egyptian identity.
Examples in context
- زيري رجل شجاع جدا.Ziri is a very courageous man.This sentence shows how to use جدا to describe a man's courage.Tatoeba #11644741 by dididodo, translation #10587880 by Amastan
- كان ياني نشطا جدا.Yanni was very active.This sentence demonstrates using جدا to describe activity levels.Tatoeba #11682737 by dididodo, translation #9953810 by Amastan
- كان دان كفوءا جدا.Dan was very competent.This sentence illustrates the use of جدا to describe competence.Tatoeba #11682742 by dididodo, translation #3932572 by Amastan
- هو مُتَعَجِّبٌ جِدًّاHe is very surprised.
- الطعام لذيذ جِدًّاThe food is very delicious.
- الفيلم جميل أويThe movie is very beautiful.
- عنا كتير شغلWe have a lot of work.
- الأكل طيب كتيرThe food is very tasty.
- 213 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryam and Ziad are talking about a new restaurant in the city.
- مريم Maryamهل المطعم الجديد جيد؟hal al-mat'am al-jadeed jayyid?Is the new restaurant good?
- زياد Ziadنعم، هو جميل جدا.na'am, huwa jameel jiddan.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- مريم Maryamوهل الخدمة سريعة؟wa hal al-khidma saree'a?And is the service fast?
- زياد Ziadنعم، الخدمة سريعة جدا.na'am, al-khidma saree'a jiddan.Yes, the service is very fast.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries جدا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
