أختك
ukhtuka
The English phrase "your sister" is translated into Arabic as أختك (ukhtuka).
This phrase is used to refer to the female sibling of the person you are addressing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word أختك is composed of the noun ukht (sister) and the suffix -ka (your, masculine singular).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix attached to the noun changes depending on whom you are addressing. To say "your sister" to a female person, the suffix changes from -ka to -ki, resulting in أختكِ. To say "your sister" to a group of people, the suffix -kum is used, resulting in أختكم.
How do you pronounce it?
ukhtuka
Did you know?
- In some dialects, the phrase يا أختي ('oh my sister') is used as a filler word or an exclamation of disbelief, similar to how an English speaker might say 'come on' or 'really'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, mentioning أختك ('your sister') in a heated argument can be perceived as a grave insult or a threat to family honor, rather than a simple reference to a relative.
- Because Arabic lacks a word that distinguishes between a full sister and a half-sister, the word أخت is used for both, and specific descriptors are added only when legal or genealogical clarity is required.
Examples in context
- كم عمر أختك ؟How old is your sister?This sentence is useful for asking about the age of أختك.Tatoeba #3664436 by Alaakhalid, translation #1859662 by CM
- ما حال أختك الآن؟What has become of your sister?This sentence is useful for asking about the current state or wellbeing of أختك.Tatoeba #384643 by saeb, translation #16903 by papabear
- هل تدرس أختك هناك؟Does your sister study there?This sentence is useful for asking if أختك studies in a specific location.Tatoeba #11677411 by dididodo, translation #1774504 by Amastan
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yusuf is asking Sarah about her sister's arrival.
- يوسف Youssefمتى ستصل أختك إلى هنا؟mata satasil ukhtuki ila huna?When will your sister arrive here?
- سارة Saraستصل أختي في المساء.satasil ukhti fi al-masa'My sister will arrive in the evening.
- يوسف Youssefهل أختك طبيبة مثل سارة؟hal ukhtuki tabiba mithla sara?Is your sister a doctor like Sara?
- سارة Saraلا، هي تدرس الهندسة.la, hiya tadrus al-handasa.No, she studies engineering.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
