12 Lebanese Phrases You’ll Struggle Explaining In English

Ever discovered your self misplaced in translation whereas attempting to elucidate Lebanese phrases to non-Lebanese mates? Yeah, so have we.

We’ve compiled an inventory of these uniquely Lebanese expressions that go away even probably the most eloquent audio system scratching their heads in relation to English equivalents.

1. Ma Ele 3en

Literal translation: “I don’t have a watch.”

We use this phrase to suggest reluctance or shyness when asking for one thing.

2. Yekhreb Baytak

Literal translation: “Smash your own home.”

This phrase is often used when somebody behaves foolishly or does one thing dumb.

Apparently, it will also be employed positively, as a playful acknowledgment of somebody’s quirky conduct, as Najwa Karam says: “Yekhreb baytak shou habaytak.”

3. Allah Wakilak

Literal translation: “God is your agent.”

When honesty’s the coverage, we throw in ‘Allah Wakilak‘ after a press release to make you imagine us and guarantee you of our sincerity.

4. Toeborne

Literal translation: “Bury me.”

A unusual option to say ‘I really like you to bits’. Whenever you care deeply for somebody, you’re metaphorically saying you’d be keen to die for them and have them bury you.

5. Mad3ouk

Literal translation: “He’s been kneaded.”

We use this time period to explain somebody who’s been via the wringer, very similar to dough vigorously kneaded, however has emerged wiser and more durable in consequence.

They embody a form of “street-smart” knowledge that may’t be discovered in any classroom.

6. Yaatik El Aafye

Literal translation: “Might He offer you well being.” (Might God offer you well being/energy)

This expression is the last word salute to exhausting work. Whether or not it’s a laborer toiling below the solar or a cherished one returning house exhausted, these three phrases convey a deep sense of appreciation for his or her efforts.

7. Inshallah

Literal translation:” If God is keen.”

It’s a reminder that destiny is within the fingers of a better energy. Used to precise hopefulness, it’s additionally employed by dad and mom as a refined manner of claiming “we’ll see” once you ask for permission to exit, although as a rule, it implies a “no.”

8. De2 El Might, Might

Literal translation: “Beat the water, water.”

It means you can’t change the unchangeable. There is no such thing as a hope of beating water hoping that it’ll flip to one thing else, it would stay water.

It’s used when somebody stubbornly clings to their methods, refusing to budge or rethink their opinion.

9. Htara2 Dine

Literal translation: “My faith was burned.”

This Lebanese expression vividly describes a profound sort of exhaustion that consumes the soul. Whenever you’ve given your all after which some, “Htara2 Dine” encapsulates that feeling of being fully depleted, each bodily and emotionally.

10. Na3iman

The untranslatable blessing of cleanliness.

This uniquely Lebanese phrase, derived from “Na3im,” that means bliss, is used to congratulate somebody on their newfound cleanliness or recent look, sometimes after they’ve taken a bathe or gotten a haircut.

11. 3a2belak / 3a2belik

Literal translation: “I hope for this consequence for you.”

A phrase generally uttered at gatherings akin to weddings or births, sometimes directed at bachelors. Though it’s a well-intentioned want, it’s typically perceived as a not-so-subtle nudge in the direction of marriage or having a baby.

12. Khamse Bi 3younak / 3younik

Literal translation: “5 in your eyes.”

This expression is accompanied by the gesture of pointing 5 fingers towards somebody’s face, serving as a protecting attraction in opposition to envy and the malevolent gaze of others.