Family is at the heart of Arab culture, and Arabic has a rich vocabulary for it. Unlike English, Arabic makes precise distinctions between relatives on the paternal and maternal sides — your father’s brother and your mother’s brother have completely different words. Tap any word above to hear it.
Paternal vs. maternal relatives
The four words for aunts and uncles are worth memorizing, because there is no single word for “uncle” or “aunt”:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| عم | 3amm | uncle (father’s brother) |
| عمة | 3amma | aunt (father’s sister) |
| خال | khaal | uncle (mother’s brother) |
| خالة | khaala | aunt (mother’s sister) |
The paternal side (عم / عمة) shares the same family name and is traditionally the closer line in matters of inheritance and tribal identity, while the maternal side (خال / خالة) is often associated with warmth and affection.
Family in sentences
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| هذا أبي | haadha abee | this is my father |
| هذه أمي | haadhihi ummee | this is my mother |
| أخي طبيب | akhee ṭabeeb | my brother is a doctor |
| أختي معلمة | ukhtee mu3allima | my sister is a teacher |
| عندي ثلاثة أبناء | 3indee thalaathat abnaa’ | I have three children |
| جدتي كبيرة | jaddatee kabeera | my grandmother is old |
| عائلتي كبيرة | 3aa’ilatee kabeera | my family is big |
Respectful titles
In Arab culture, family terms are used as warm forms of address even for non-relatives:
- خالتي (khaaltee, my maternal aunt) — a respectful title for any older woman
- عمي (3ammee, my paternal uncle) — a respectful title for any older man
- أخي (akhee, my brother) — used for close friends, not just siblings
Cultural note
Extended family relationships are very important across the Arab world. Relatives gather frequently, and loyalty to family is considered a core value. A well-known proverb captures this: القرابة قبل الصحبة — “relatives before friends,” meaning family comes first.
Practice
What is the difference between 'عم' and 'خال'?
hint: Think paternal vs. maternal
How do you say 'my sister is a teacher' in Arabic?
hint: Use 'أختي' for 'my sister'
What does 'والدين' mean?
hint: It refers to both the mother and the father
Match each pair — start with Arabic (left)
0 / 8Arabic
English
← Select an Arabic word, then tap its meaning →
Want to introduce your family in Arabic? Try the family lesson.
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