أنا تعبان

Using this phrase is very straightforward. If you are male, you say أنا تعبان (Ana Ta'ban). If you are female, you add a small 'a' sound at the end: أنا تعبانة (Ana Ta'bana). You can place it at the start of a sentence. You can also use it as a standalone answer. If someone asks "How are you?", and you are exhausted, just say this. It fits perfectly in texts, face-to-face talks, and phone calls. It is like a comfortable pair of sweatpants for your vocabulary.

Use it when you are physically drained. It is perfect for the gym or after a long walk. Use it when you are mentally fried. It works after a difficult exam or a long meeting. You can also use it when you are feeling a bit sick. In many Arabic dialects, being "tired" is a polite way to say you feel under the weather. It is great for texting friends when you want to cancel plans. It is also common in family settings when you just want to go to bed.

Avoid using this in a high-stakes job interview. You want to sound energetic there! Do not use it if you are seriously injured. In an emergency, use more specific medical terms. It might sound a bit whiny if you say it constantly. Use it sparingly with your boss unless you have a close relationship. It is a bit too casual for very formal speeches. If you are at a party, saying it might signal you want to leave early. Use it with care in social celebrations.

In Arabic culture, expressing fatigue is often met with sympathy. People might respond with سلامتك (Salamatuk), which means "May you be safe/well." Hard work is highly respected in the Arab world. Admitting you are تعبان shows you have been putting in the effort. There is a certain honesty in the phrase. It is not seen as a sign of weakness. Instead, it is a shared human experience. It often opens the door for a tea break or a rest.

If you are absolutely exhausted, say أنا تعبان موت (Ta'ban mawt). This translates to "I am tired to death." It is a common exaggeration. In the Gulf, you might hear تعبان وايد (Ta'ban wayed) for "very tired." In the Levant, people might say تعبان كتير (Ta'ban kteer). If you are just a little tired, add شوي (shway) at the end. For example, أنا تعبان شوي means "I am a little tired." These small tweaks help you express exactly how you feel.