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Terms of Endearment?

(deleted)

(deleted)

Hello, Perhaps this is not the best place to ask such a question, but I’m hoping for some clarification… I have a friend who is from Syria. He often calls me “princess” and “beautiful” and is very complimentary of how I look, and what I do and say. It’s very flattering, but also somewhat concerning. I have assumed it must be a cultural difference… I’m wondering if this is a common way to address friends and family in Syria? What are common terms of endearment in Syria that I should be aware of? I would like to make it clear that we are just friends, but I also don’t want to automatically assume his nice comments are anything more than just friendly terms of endearment? It must be a cultural difference, right? Any input would be very helpful. Thank you!
salma-rocket-hindi-tutor

salma-rocket-hindi-tutor

Hi kimbry, Terms of endearment in Arabic culture maybe be something like "Habebti", "2albi" ,"Rohi " but this is only between females. But for words like "princess" and "beautiful" addressed from a male to a female,This is definitely considered as flirting in the Arabic culture .Arabic people do not use affectionate and flattering words when addressing a member of the opposite sex,so it's not a cultural difference.
maha266

maha266

agreed with Salama, usually if it is come from female it is just way of being friendly. but from male it consider as flirting .
Almira5

Almira5

what does rohi means one lady I know she says this to me.
marieg-rocket languages

marieg-rocket languages

Hi Almira5,

Rohi is a common term of endearment in Arabic which literally means "my spirit" or "my soul". Qalbi (or 'albi) means "my heart", and habibti means "my beloved".  When a woman says this to another woman (or child), she's just emphasizing how important this person is to her (since the soul is seen as an essential part of a human, so likewise this person is also essential and dear to her).

Kind Regards!

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