Loading ...Habeebi Ya Habeebi
By Mike Enayah/Arab America Ambassador Blogger
In a recent conference call with my colleague and great contributing writers from Arab America, the topic of a Valentine’s Day article was suggested. The discussion morphed to Arabic terms of endearments, and somehow, I felt compelled to volunteer for this assignment.
Upon further examination of my qualification on this topic, I realized that as a young cute chubby cheeked boy, I was a big recipient of such affection, and probably a pinch on the cheeks as a sign of affection, in turn, I became one of the biggest promoters, as most of my friends would testify. But the most glaring proof is the Hobosh vanity plate I purchased for my wife’s car, Hobosh is a pet/nickname for the word hob (love).
The Arab culture is famous for its generosity, reciprocation, and respect; therefore, these attributes are infused into a very expressive language. Arabs have great pride in their language, not only as a form of communication but also as a status. Most if not all Arab heroes were poets, and we can trace the terms of endearments to the Ghazal, and Madh forms of poetry (flirtation and praise poetry). To put it in perspective, Arab songs can rival any country’s love song–on steroids.
The most famous expression of endearment in Arabic is the word Hob (love). This word falls on the lower spectrum of intensity, words like Mutaiam, Ashiq, Walhan, Sababa, Gharum, Haim, and many others, are stronger words, and only very few words like Maazah, and Mawadah are less intense.
Habeebi is masculine for my love; Habeebti is Feminine for my love. These words have so many nuances. Habeebi/bti (My love or darling) can be used anywhere from calling a fiancé, spouse, child, parent, friend, service provider, customer, or getting someone’s attention. These words can also be a substitute for yes, how can I help you? Or at your service. Words such as these can be used for any occasion and with everyone except where it could be misconstrued as an unintended flirting.Ya Habeebi/bti (oh my darling) is also used to call for someone, show appreciation, and admiration of an object or performance.
There are many other words that would be used as a substitute for Habibi or in conjunction with Habeebi. Other words used to express love are Omri= my life, Haiati= my being, Rohi= my soul, Albi= my heart, Aini= my eye. These words are used with both genders without any alterations. Azizi/zti (My dear) can be used in any setting and is most commonly used in correspondence.
Respect is ingrained in the Arabic culture and language. We would call an older man Amo/ Ami/ Khalo= Uncle; older lady should be called Khalto/ Khala/ Amto= Aunt. A married man should not be called by first name but rather by the father of…..(name of the oldest son/ Abu…. ; Um of…… is the Mother of the oldest son. The unique part is the elder would answer the younger with the same title, you would say Marhaba (hello) Khalo and he would answer Ahlain (welcome) Khalo.
Greetings are a very important category of endearment Salam/ Al Salam Alikum= peace upon you, also other terms such as: Marhaba= Hello, Keef El Haal= how are you; Aishlonak= how are you; Shoo El Akhbar= what’s the news; Keef El Seha= How is the health; Ahlain= Welcome; Hala= Hello, Wain Hal Ghaiba= where have you been. This category could go on forever as in some cultures, a greeting lasts for several minutes before the conversation starts.
Self-humbling is another category of endearment When someone asks for a service or help you would say Ala Rasi=on top of my head, meaning it is my priority; Min Ainai= from my eye, meaning I will gladly do it; Hader= Ready, meaning at your service, Taht Amruk= at your command.
Invitations have their own terms: Ahlan Wa Sahlan= Welcome, Tafadel/Sharrif= give us the honor of attending….
Unique terms of endearments are words that ward off envy, Ma Shaa Alla, Mabrook, Issim Allah, Allah Yohroso, Salat Alnabi….
All these terms are universal and almost used in any conversation by Arabic speaking people. Saying that the Arabic language has so many dialects and cultural nuances to the point that every town has its own way of expression. The most pan-Arab dialects are the Egyptian, Lebanese, and Syrian; which is due to their role in the mass media.
The following are terms of endearment that are regional:
Egypt: is an endless source of endearments, but it is famous for a special form of endearment based on respect. Many of those words are Turkish in origin. Afandim= yes, how can I help you; Bayh or Basha= Mr., Hanim= Mam; Omdah= Mayor (a respected leader from the countryside); Maalim= boss…. Gadaa or Shater= kudos; Sharbat= Sweet drink (cute or funny),;Mozz/za= Beautiful, ;Amar= beautiful like a moon; Wahishni = I miss you.
Lebanon and Syria: Where the term Toaaberni is used. Toaaberni/rini= is a very passionate term that wishes the other to outlive them. In Syria, this term is expanded to Tishkol Assi; Toaboshni is a substitute that is less intense; Muhdoom= cute/ funny. Habeeb Albi= the love of my heart; Mushtaa=I miss you. Afak/Afarim= kudos.
Arabic Gulf Region: Uses Ya Bad Gulbi and Omri=Toaaberni
Iraq: introduces a unique word Aghati= my dear/ master; Afia= kudos.
Palestine and Jordan: Allah Yesedak/Yesedak Rubbi = May God bring you happiness; Braw= kudos.
Morocco: Lahalaa Yekhteek= Hope you will be with us; Twahashtak= I miss you.
I know that I have not begun to scratch the surface with these terms but I would love to know what I have missed from your culture.
In conclusion, I encourage you to learn and stay proficient in the rich and very expressive Arabic language, especially, the words of endearment, They will help you smoothen any relationship, even in situations where you forget the name of a person dear to you. Just enjoy the moment and use words of endearment, in particular, “Habeebi” for a male, and “Habeebti” for a female!
