5 More Arabic Words/Phrases That Have No English Equivalent

Last week we wrote about 5 Arabic words that don’t have an English equivalent.  Here are five more that just do not make much sense when translated. Unique to Arab culture, these phrases just would seem out of place or awkward if used in English.

1) Oqbalek (عقبالك)

– Suggested by reader Jean Haddad, who so aptly described it: “The ominous (for me) Oqbalek – the dreaded blessing (or was it a curse?) bestowed upon single women at weddings – I believe the intended meaning was “may all of this unbelievable happiness be yours, too, one day, dear!” The prospect of an Oqbalek assault would make me cringe every time I entered a banquet hall.” Indeed, Oqbalek sometimes feels like it translates to “Hopefully it will be your turn to experience all this goodness!”, it can also be said after someone has a baby, or to someone on their birthday, like “Oqbal 100 saneh” which roughly means “Hope you reach 100 years of age!” In English, you wouldn’t find such a term, especially in such a context as it may be deemed as taboo. Arab culture places extreme importance on marriage and procreation, hence terms like this being part of daily colloquialisms. 

2) Baklek bala mileh (باكلك بلا ملح)

– A suggestion by Jeff Al Basha, of Lebanese and Syrian descent. Translated to something akin to “I could eat you without salt”, it’s a loving way of saying “You’re just so cute!”. It could be said to a boyfriend or girlfriend, or to children. Because salt is such an imperative part of Arabic cuisine, it is as if you’re so perfect I wouldn’t even need to use salt!

3) Ghalayteelee Albi (غليتيلي قلبي)

-This translates to “You make my heart boil”, but actually means you made me worry. Imagine saying that to someone in English and the reaction you would get. Because Arabic is such a visual, ornate language, terms like this are quite common and for a purely poetic reason, sound so much better than just “you worried me!”.

4) Ma tjeeb seerti ‘Aa Sinak (ما تجيب سيرتي ع لسانك)

-A phrase used commonly in Lebanon and Syria, it means literally “Don’t bring my story on your tongue”. It translates to something more like “Don’t talk about me”, but the visual nature of the phrase is quite unique to Arabic. Many phrases and sayings in Arabic include tangible items to more pertinently express feeling. In English, you really wouldn’t use such a phrase. 

5) Bala _____ Bala bateekh (بلا _ بلا بطيخ ) 

-“Without _____ and without a watermelon”. Now this is extremely difficult to translate, but it’s essentially a way of making a mockery of something. Someone could say “but he loves me!” and the response could be “Bala Hob bala batekh”, as if they’re saying “Love Schmove!” 

 

Next week, we will feature some unique Arabic idioms. Do you use any Arabic idioms that don’t exist in English? Let us know at Editor@Barakabits.com!