Use of "ya" in Arabic

jsyeaton--

August 21, 2019

لَوْ سَمَحْتِي يَا اَمِيرَة، بِتِقْرِي اِيه؟

Law samaḥti ya Amīra, biti'ri eih?

Excuse me Amira, what are you (fem.) reading?

There's no "ya" in the audio - is it never used/optional when it's not initial in the sentence? For example, do I teach the kitten "Bai-bai, ya Mak" or just "Bai-bai, Mak" for when he's being carried away from plaguing the older cat?

I-Rocket-Arabic-Tutor

May 21, 2021

“Ya" is a polite way of getting someone's attention, so it is optional depending on the context! In this particular case, if the “ya” was left out of the audio but included in the text then this is just an oversight.

Ask a question or post a response

If you want to ask a question or post a response you need to be a member.

If you are already a member login here.

If you are not a member you can become one by taking the free Rocket Arabic trial here.