What Does “Habibti” Mean? When & How to Use This Term of Endearment

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Learn "Habibti," “Habibi,” and other Arabic terms of endearment

Co-authored by Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: January 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• Usage
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• Habibti vs. Habibi
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• Arabic Terms of Endearment
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

In Arabic, “habibti” is a pet name used to refer to women, similar to how “my dear” and “my darling” are used in English. There are plenty of Arabic terms of endearment, with “habibti” being one of the most popular. In this article, we talk about the meaning of “habibti,” when and how to use it, and go over some other common Arabic terms of endearment.

What does habibti mean in Arabic?

Habibti is a casual term of endearment that means “my love,” “my dear,” or “my darling” in Arabic. It is used to refer to girls and women who are friends, family members, or close coworkers. Habibti has a male counterpart, habibi, that is used to refer to men and has the same meaning.

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Section 1 of 4:

What does “Habibti” mean?

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1. “Habibti” means “my love” and is used casually to address women and girls. In Arabic, “habibti” (pronounced ha-BEEB-tee) is a term of endearment that means “my love,” “my dear,” or “my darling.” It is used to address women and girls. “Habibti” stems from the Arabic word “habib,” which translates to “dear” or “beloved.”

   • Example: “As-Salaam-Alaikum habibti! How are you doing today?”
   • Example: “Have a wonderful day, habibti!”
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “Habibti”

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1. 1
   Use “habibti” to lovingly address your female friends, family, and loved ones. Habibti is used as a pet name to refer to women. To greet the women in your life with love and endearment, use “habibti.” You can use it with friends, family members, and the special lady in your life. The weight of the term depends on who’s being addressed. For example, using “habibti” during a loving moment with your wife will be more impactful than using it in casual conversation with friends.

   • Loving Example: “Habibti, your eyes melt through my heart and enlighten my soul. You are my one, true love.”
   • Friendly Example: “Come on, habibti! We’ve got a reservation at Al-Diar tonight!”
2. 2
   Don’t use “habibti” with a higher up or someone you don’t know. Only say “habibti” to a woman if she’s a relative or good friend. Using “habibti” with a woman you are unfamiliar with can come off as disrespectful or misogynistic. Using “habibti” to refer to a manager or professional acquaintance is also disrespectful, as you are expected to be formal in the workplace.

   • Don’t use “habibti” to refer to men, either, as they may take offense to the term.
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Section 3 of 4:

Habibti vs. Habibi

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1. “Habibi” refers to all genders, while “habibti” only refers to women. Although “habibi” and “habibti” are both gendered terms, “habibi” tends to be used in reference to all genders. “Habibti,” on the other hand, is only used to refer to women. Both terms are used to express love and endearment towards the people you care about or are familiar with.

   • For example, “habibi” can be used to refer to the clerk of the corner store you regularly attend, family friends, or even your pets, no matter their gender.
   • ”Habibti” is typically used to refer to female friends, family members, or other loved ones.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Common Arabic Terms of Endearment

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1. The Arabic language has plenty of endearing terms. Knowing Arabic terms of endearment is a great way to connect with the culture, as they’re deeply rooted in tradition and history. Some common Arabic terms of endearment include:

   • Ya Rouhi (يا روحي): “Ya Rouhi” translates to “my soul” and is a deeply emotional expression used between close family members and loved ones.
   • Azizi (عزيزي)/Azizati (عزيزتي): “Azizi” is used for men and “Azizati” is used for women. They are formal ways to say “my beloved” or “my precious.”
   • Albi (قلبي): “Albi” translates to “my heart” and is used to tell someone you’re close to that they have a special place in your heart.
   • Hayati (حياتي): “Hayati” translates to “my life.” Like “albi,” “hayati” is used casually to tell a close loved one that they’re a crucial part of your existence and that you hold them near and dear.
   • Ya Qamar (يا قمر): “Ya Qamar” translates to “O moon” and is used to compare someone to the beautiful radiance of the moon.
   • Al Ghali (الغالي)/Al Ghalia (الغالية): Al Ghali is used for men and Al Ghalia is used for women. They both mean “precious” or “valuable.”
   • Taj Rasi (تاج راسي): “Taj Rasi” translates to “crown of my head” and is used to let someone know that you hold them in the highest regard.
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Tips

• “Habibi” and “habibti” are commonly used by Arab Americans.
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