Meaning
To promise something, to give assurance.
Cultural Background
In Bedouin culture, a man's word is considered his 'Agal' (the cord used to hold the headscarf). To break a word is to have one's Agal metaphorically removed, a sign of ultimate shame. The phrase 'كلمة رجال' (A man's word) is extremely common here. It is used to settle disputes and finalize agreements in local neighborhoods (Harat). Egyptians often use 'كلمة شرف' (Word of honor) in cinema and literature to depict the 'Ibn al-Balad' (the noble commoner) who stays true to his promises despite poverty. In the Gulf, 'giving the word' is often accompanied by a handshake or a touch to the nose (Mubawasa), signifying a deep tribal and personal commitment.
Use it to build rapport
In Arab business culture, using this phrase can build more trust than showing a bank statement. It shows you understand the local values.
Don't over-use it
If you give your word for everything, it loses its value. Save it for things that truly matter.
Meaning
To promise something, to give assurance.
Use it to build rapport
In Arab business culture, using this phrase can build more trust than showing a bank statement. It shows you understand the local values.
Don't over-use it
If you give your word for everything, it loses its value. Save it for things that truly matter.
Gender variations
While 'كلمة رجال' is common, women also use 'أعطيت كلمتي' frequently. The honor of the word is not gender-exclusive.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'كلمة' and the appropriate possessive pronoun.
أنا أحترمك كثيراً، ولذلك سأعطيك ______ أنني سأساعدك.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the word must be 'my word' (كلمتي).
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase to mean 'He promised the manager'?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The structure is Verb + Word + to (لـ) + Recipient.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
أحمد: هل ستأتي إلى الحفلة غداً؟ خالد: نعم، ______.
In this context, Khalid is making a firm promise to attend.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
متى نقول 'أعطى كلمته'؟
The phrase is used for serious commitments and trust-based agreements.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا أحترمك كثيراً، ولذلك سأعطيك ______ أنني سأساعدك.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the word must be 'my word' (كلمتي).
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The structure is Verb + Word + to (لـ) + Recipient.
أحمد: هل ستأتي إلى الحفلة غداً؟ خالد: نعم، ______.
In this context, Khalid is making a firm promise to attend.
متى نقول 'أعطى كلمته'؟
The phrase is used for serious commitments and trust-based agreements.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is understood everywhere, though some regions might prefer 'وعد' for small things and 'كلمة رجال' for big things.
Yes, it's very common in serious texts, e.g., 'أعطيك كلمتي، بكرة الفلوس عندك' (I give you my word, the money will be with you tomorrow).
'وعد' is a simple promise. 'أعطى كلمته' is a solemn assurance that involves your personal reputation.
You say 'أعطيكِ كلمتي' (A'tiki kalimati).
Not at all. It shows you take the matter seriously and want a firm commitment.
Related Phrases
قطع وعداً
synonymTo make a promise
عند كلمته
builds onTrue to his word
نكث بعهده
contrastTo break one's promise
كلمة شرف
similarWord of honor
