The Meaning of Habibi: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of habibi? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word habibi, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word habibi mean?

According to Definitions and The National News, the word habibi is an Arabic word that literally means and directly translated to my love, sweetheart, darling or beloved. This word is used with friends and good colleagues, and is a widely used term of endearment in Arab countries and the United Arab Emirates. However, while this term is used for people you have familiarity with, make sure you have the right level of intimacy. According to the code of respect, you would not call a professional acquaintance habibi, just like how you would not call them honey, sweetie, or darling. The word habibi is used for males and the word habibti is the female equivalent. Make sure you do not use this term with someone of the wrong gender. You can use this word for a relative, kids, close family member, with someone in romantic contexts, or with another familiar person, but do not use this famous Arabic word for a stranger or for someone who you would call by their surname or business name. This is one of the first Arabic words a person might learn.

What are synonyms and antonyms of habibi?

There are many different words and phrases that one can use in place of the term habibi. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are very useful to know if you want to avoid repeating yourself as well as if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. Synonyms are also useful to know for the word habibi because people who do not speak Arabic or who are not familiar with Arabic culture may not know this word. The below list of synonyms for the word habibi is provided by Power Thesaurus. See if you know a similar word for habibi you can use in a relaxed way!

  •  lovely
  •  favourite
  •  luscious
  •  beautiful
  •  babe
  •  nice
  •  ducky
  •  inamorata
  •  dude
  •  bro
  •  revered
  •  lovers
  •  dearest
  •  engaging
  •  hero
  •  significant other
  •  sunshine
  •  hun
  •  bug
  •  treasure
  •  truelove
  •  charming
  •  fair-haired girl
  •  superstar
  •  sweetheart
  •  fair-haired
  •  valued
  •  sweetie
  •  honey
  •  apple of eye
  •  girl friend
  •  delightful
  •  toast
  •  dear
  •  bewitching
  •  sweets
  •  enchanting
  •  idol
  •  lamb
  •  deary
  •  boyfriend
  •  appealing
  •  endearing
  •  inamorato
  •  love
  •  dearly beloved
  •  bibi
  •  bae
  •  spouse
  •  baby
  •  favored
  •  star
  •  delectable
  •  fetching
  •  loved one
  •  precious
  •  adored
  •  dreamboat
  •  captivating
  •  lover
  •  girlfriend
  •  cherished
  •  endeared
  •  swain
  •  angel
  •  dearie
  •  admired
  •  sweety
  •  darling
  •  pleasing
  •  winsome
  •  lovable
  •  cute
  •  heroine
  •  flame
  •  my love
  •  heartthrob
  •  goddess
  •  popular
  •  heavenly
  •  attractive
  •  prized
  •  jewel
  •  hon
  •  blue-eyed boy
  •  winning
  •  paramour
  •  esteemed
  •  beloved
  •  sweet
  •  pleasant
  •  adorable
  •  worshiped
  •  pet
  •  sugar
  •  fair-haired boy
  •  soulmate
  •  dear one
  •  loved
  •  favorite
  •  doll
  •  treasured
  •  sweetest
  •  loving
  •  delicious
  •  main squeeze
  •  sweetie pie
  •  golden boy
  •  pretty
  •  beau
  •  honeybunch

There are also many different words and phrases that a person can use that are the opposite of the word habibi, which are called antonyms. Opposite words are also very useful to know if you are looking to expand your English language and grammar knowledge, or if you are looking to grow your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word habibi is also provided by Power Thesaurus.

  •  ruffian
  •  bad guy
  •  rascal
  •  wrongdoer
  •  reprobate
  •  louse
  •  lowlife
  •  knave
  •  evildoer
  •  malefactor
  •  offender
  •  villainous
  •  stinker
  •  scamp
  •  baddie
  •  bandit
  •  bastard
  •  thief
  •  monster
  •  delinquent
  •  criminal
  •  nasty
  •  devil
  •  wicked
  •  crook
  •  felon
  •  perpetrator
  •  culprit
  •  gangster
  •  brute
  •  evil
  •  blackguard
  •  cad
  •  good-for-nothing
  •  fiend
  •  caitiff
  •  scoundrel
  •  beast
  •  miscreant
  •  lawbreaker
  •  scalawag
  •  rapscallion
  •  desperado
  •  rogue
  •  thug
  •  heel
  •  evil-doer
  •  robber
  •  outlaw
  •  villain
  •  wretch

What are other terms of endearment you might hear in Arab countries?

There are many different words you might hear in Arabic speaking countries. These might be tough to remember at first, but you will be an expert in no time!

  •  Akhy and Ukhty – My Brother and my sister. Close friends also call one another these terms.
  •  Bash Muhandis (Bash mu-han-dis) – Used for males and dates back to Egypt’s former Ottoman rule, which literally means high ranking engineer but is used for someone who is handy. 
  •  Aamu and Ammati (Aa-mu and Am-ma-ti) – Auntie and uncle, respectively. Also spelled a’amu or a’mati, and if they are advanced in age they should be referred to as jaddu or jaddati, which mean grandfather and grandmother respectively.
  •  Hayati – My Life
  •  Duktoor (male) and duktoora (female) – Doctor, used for anyone with a PhD.
  •  Boss – A term of respect used with people who are performing a service, like the attendant filling your gas tank or the waiter.
  •  Hajji (male) and hajja (female) – Term of respect for people who have completed the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj. This is then followed by a person’s first name. 
  •  Eini – My eye
  •  Ya Sahby and Ya Sahbety – Polite and quaint way of saying “my friend.”
  •  Ya Omri – My life, used to mean oh sweetie or oh honey. 
  •  Ya Mualem – Gangster or OG, used by friends or bros. 
  •  My dear
  •  Ustadhi (male) and Ustadhati (female) – Gulf honorific used to mean “my teacher.” This can be used with a person’s first name or alone. 
  •  Ya rayal (ya ray-yal) – Oh man, used as a term of banter or exasperation between males. 
  •  Ya albi or ya roohi – A regional version of habibi and habibti used by those hailing from the Levant. 
  •  Ya Ragel – Regional version of ya rayal.
  •  Rohi – Soulmate

Overall, the word habibi means darling or sweetheart. This Arabic word is often used between friends, and is only used for males. The feminine form is habiba or habibti.

Sources:

  1. What does habibi mean? | Definitions 
  2. When and when not to use the term habibi: 15 ways to greet people in the UAE | The National News 
  3. Darling synonyms – 1 243 Words and Phrases for Darling | Power Thesaurus 
  4. Villain synonyms – 1 137 Words and Phrases for Villain | Power Thesaurus