In 15 Seconds
- The universal Arabic command for 'Go' or 'Leave'.
- Changes slightly based on whether you talk to men or women.
- Essential for directions, errands, and casual conversations.
Meaning
It's the most basic way to tell someone to 'go' or 'move along' in Arabic. You'll use it for everything from giving directions to a taxi driver to telling a friend to head home.
Key Examples
3 of 7Ordering a taxi
روح يمين هون لو سمحت
Go right here, please.
Telling a female friend to go to work
روحي على الشغل بسرعة
Go to work quickly.
Giving a task to a colleague
روح جيب الأوراق من المكتب
Go get the papers from the office.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'اذهب' is almost never used in speech. You will hear 'روح' (ruh) or 'امشي' (imshi) instead. Similar to Egypt, 'روح' is the standard. 'اذهب' is reserved for formal writing or news. While 'اذهب' is understood, 'روح' is still preferred in daily life. Using 'اذهب' can sound like you are reading from a book. In formal speeches or literature, 'اذهب' is the only acceptable form.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are speaking to a male or female. 'اذهب' is for males, 'اذهبي' for females.
Tone is Everything
Because it is a direct command, your tone of voice determines if you sound helpful or rude.
In 15 Seconds
- The universal Arabic command for 'Go' or 'Leave'.
- Changes slightly based on whether you talk to men or women.
- Essential for directions, errands, and casual conversations.
What It Means
روح is the absolute bread and butter of Arabic movement. It is the imperative form of the verb "to go." Think of it as your universal remote for getting things moving. It is short, punchy, and impossible to forget. Whether you are in a taxi or at home, you will hear this word constantly.
How To Use It
Using this word is a breeze. If you are talking to a man, just say روح. If you are speaking to a woman, add an "ee" sound: روحي. For a group of people, add an "oo" sound: روحوا. You don't need complex grammar here. Just point and say the word. It usually comes at the start of a sentence.
When To Use It
This word is perfect for daily life. Use it when giving directions to a driver. "Go straight" or "Go left" both start with روح. It is also great for sending someone on a quick errand. "Go get some bread" is a classic use case. You can even use it to encourage someone. If a friend is hesitant to enter a room, a gentle روح works wonders.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with your vibe when using this. If you say it too loudly, it sounds like "Get out!" Avoid using it with your boss during a serious presentation. It is a bit too direct for high-level formal settings. In those cases, people use more polite verbs. Also, never use it with an angry face unless you want a fight. It can be very dismissive if you aren't careful.
Cultural Background
Here is a fun secret for you. The word روح also means "soul" or "spirit" in Arabic. While the verb and noun have different origins, they sound identical. This gives the word a poetic weight. When you tell someone to go, it is almost like you are telling their spirit to move. It is a core part of the Levantine and Egyptian dialects. You will hear it in every pop song and soap opera.
Common Variations
You will often hear it paired with يلا. يلا روح means "Come on, go!" It adds a sense of urgency. Another common one is روح نام, which means "Go to sleep." If you want someone to leave you alone, you might say روح من هون. That means "Go away from here." It is a versatile little word that fits into many phrases.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal command. Use it freely in daily life, but avoid it in high-formality settings like courtrooms or formal speeches.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are speaking to a male or female. 'اذهب' is for males, 'اذهبي' for females.
Tone is Everything
Because it is a direct command, your tone of voice determines if you sound helpful or rude.
Use Dialect
If you are in a casual setting, swap 'اذهب' for 'روح' to sound more like a local.
Examples
7روح يمين هون لو سمحت
Go right here, please.
A standard way to give directions to a driver.
روحي على الشغل بسرعة
Go to work quickly.
Notice the 'ee' ending for a female recipient.
روح جيب الأوراق من المكتب
Go get the papers from the office.
Direct but acceptable in a busy work environment.
روح من هون! خلصنا!
Go away from here! We're done!
Used playfully when a friend is being annoying.
روح نام، الوقت متأخر
Go to sleep, it's late.
Commonly used in texts to show care or end a chat.
روح الله معك
Go, may God be with you.
A very common and beautiful way to say goodbye.
روحوا العبوا برا
Go play outside.
The 'oo' ending is used for plural groups.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'to go' for a female listener.
____ إلى المدرسة يا مريم!
For a female listener, we add the 'ee' suffix to the imperative.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for giving directions?
Choose the best option.
The verb 'dhahaba' requires the preposition 'ila' (to).
Match the Arabic command to the correct English meaning.
Match: 1. اذهب 2. اذهبي 3. اذهبوا
The suffixes change based on the number and gender of the people being addressed.
Complete the dialogue.
Passenger: '____ إلى الفندق من فضلك.'
Addressing a male driver, the standard masculine imperative is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ إلى المدرسة يا مريم!
For a female listener, we add the 'ee' suffix to the imperative.
Choose the best option.
The verb 'dhahaba' requires the preposition 'ila' (to).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The suffixes change based on the number and gender of the people being addressed.
Passenger: '____ إلى الفندق من فضلك.'
Addressing a male driver, the standard masculine imperative is used.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt depends on the context. In a classroom, it's normal. To a friend, it can sound bossy.
Use 'هيا بنا' (Hayya bina) or 'يلا' (Yalla).
It is a 'hamzat al-wasl', a helping vowel to make pronunciation easier.
Yes, but 'غادر' is more specific for leaving a place.
The word is understood everywhere, but rarely used in daily speech.
It is 'اذهبوا' (Idh-haboo).
Add 'من فضلك' (please) or 'لو سمحت'.
Yes, the past tense is 'ذهب' (dhahaba).
Yes, 'اذهب إلى الحفلة'.
People will understand you, but it will sound slightly ungrammatical.
Yes, often in dramatic or poetic songs.
Use 'لا تذهب' (La tadh-hab).
Related Phrases
انطلق
similarSet off/depart
سافر
specialized formTravel
غادر
similarLeave
روح
synonymGo