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| {Zoe Kravitz’s tattoo literally says: let the love the base rather than let love rule} |
Growing up in an Arabic speaking home, I never thought twice about direct translations from Arabic to English, I just thought these were normal phrases. It wasn’t until a few of my American friends and fiancé pointed them out to me that I realized how hilarious these phrases and threats sound in English. Google Translate is notorious for providing literal translations that bare no meaning in English. So word to the wise: if you’re planning on getting some exotic tattoo, don’t rely on Google Translate to provide you with an accurate translation.
Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
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Arabic Phrase or Word
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Literal English Translation
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Hutt
Al jou kafer |
Put!
This is one I struggled with for years and still think should be acceptable in English.
For example: It’s Thanksgiving and you’re inviting your guests to put food! Can you put me some? Come on, don’t be shy! Put!
Hunger is an unbeliever / hunger is an infidel. I just learned this one and lost it when I realized what it sounds like in English.
As in: to feel this hungry should be a sin. |
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Laish seedie baanie?
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Why did my grandfather sell me?
This hilarious expression is used when someone is exasperated and distraught. As in, how did I end up in this stressful situation?
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Threats and Curses
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These are common threats and curses that make perfect sense in Arabic. Try saying these in an English speaking argument and let me know how that goes for you.
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Badas fi batnak
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I will step in your stomach
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Kul hawa
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Eat air
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Yilan abouk. Yilan imak
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Curse your father! Curse your mother!
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bakrib baitak
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I will destroy your house
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Damo iteel
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His blood is heavy.
This is used to describe someone who is extremely obnoxious. As in: ugh, Joe won’t stop talking. His blood is so heavy.
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