أمك
ummak
The Arabic phrase for 'your mother' is أمك (ummak).
While the phrase literally translates to 'your mother', it is often used as an insult in certain contexts.
Meaning: insult (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of the noun أم (mother) and the suffix -ك (your, masculine singular).
How does it change in a sentence?
The vowel on the final suffix -ك changes depending on whether you are addressing a male or a female.
How do you pronounce it?
ummak
Did you know?
- Arabic has a vast array of 'mother-based' idioms where the word أم (mother) is used to describe the origin or essence of something, such as أم الكتب for 'the mother of books'.
- In many parts of the Middle East, an insult directed at the mother is considered a much more serious offense than an insult directed at the individual's own person.
- Even in a jokingly heated game or debate, using أمك can cause an immediate and unexpected silence because the social taboo is so strictly observed.
Examples in context
- إن لم تتوقف، فسأخبر أمك.If you don't stop, I'll tell your mother.This sentence shows how to use أمك in a warning.Tatoeba #11246796 by Amghar, translation #9638182 by Amastan
- حتى أمك لا تعلم من هو أبوك.Even your mother doesn't know who your father is.This sentence demonstrates using أمك to emphasize a point about a person's parent.Tatoeba #11988485 by dididodo, translation #2475577 by Amastan
- هل تستطيع أمك أن تقود سيارة؟Can your mother drive a car?This sentence illustrates a question using أمك.Tatoeba #498900 by saeb, translation #70944 by CK
- كيف تقضي وقتك مع أمَّك؟How do you spend time with your mother?
- أمَّكِ تطبخ بشكل رائع!Your mother cooks wonderfully!
- أين ماما اليوم؟Where is your mother today?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed accidentally spills a drink on Maryam's new shoes.
- مريم Maryamانتبه يا أحمد! لقد اتسخ حذائي!Intabih ya Ahmed! Laqad ittasaqa hidha'i!Pay attention, Ahmed! My shoes got dirty!
- أحمد Ahmedآسف، لم أقصد ذلك.Asif, lam aqsid dhalik.Sorry, I didn't mean to.
- مريم Maryamأمك!Ummak!Your mother!
- أحمد Ahmedلماذا تشتمين الآن؟Limadha tashtamin al-an?Why are you insulting me now?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
