يا غبي
yā ghabiyy
The English phrase "you idiot" is translated into Arabic as يا غبي (yā ghabiyy).
This is an insulting expression used to call someone stupid.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the vocative particle يا, which is used to call out to someone (similar to the archaic English "O") and the adjective غبي, meaning "stupid (one)".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a female, the adjective changes from the masculine غبي to the feminine غبية.
How do you pronounce it?
yā ghabiyy
Did you know?
- The vocative particle يا is used not only for insults but also in the most formal and respectful addresses, such as when calling a king or a deity.
- In some regional dialects, the phrase is replaced by calling someone a 'donkey' حمار, which is a more common way to express that someone is an idiot.
- While يا غبي is a direct insult, some Arabic dialects use it playfully between close friends, similar to how 'silly' is used in English.
Examples in context
- يا غبي!You idiot!Tatoeba #422520 by saeb, translation #418475 by Scott
- اسكت يا غبي!Shut up, you idiot!Tatoeba #1325814 by User105223, translation #1326043 by Eldad
- لماذا فعلت ذلك يا غبي؟limadha fa'alta dhalika ya ghabi?Why did you do that, you idiot?
Example conversation
Sara and Yousef are arguing over a broken vase.
- سارة Saraلقد كسرت المزهرية يا غبي!Laqad kasarta al-mizhariyya ya ghabi!You broke the vase, you idiot!
- يوسف Youssefلم يكن خطئي، لقد كانت قريبة جداً.Lam yakun khata'i, laqad kanat qariba jiddan.It wasn't my fault, it was too close.
- سارة Saraكن أكثر حذراً في المرة القادمة.Kun akthar hadharan fil marra al-qadima.Be more careful next time.
- يوسف Youssefسأحاول فعل ذلك يا سارة.Sa-uhawil fa'la dhalika ya Sara.I will try to do that, Sara.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
