ابْتَسَمَ
ibtasama
/ʔib.ta.sa.ma/
Definition
To smile — to make a happy expression by turning the corners of your mouth up.
Example
ابْتَسَمَتِ الطِّفْلَةُ عِنْدَمَا رَأَتْ أُمَّهَا.
Show translation
The little girl smiled when she saw her mother.
Etymology
From the Arabic root ب-س-م (b-s-m), meaning "to smile." The Form VIII verb اِبْتَسَمَ adds a reflexive/inceptive nuance — "to break into a smile" — distinguishing it from the simpler بَسَمَ. The root also gives بُسْمَة (busmah), "a smile" (the noun), found across Classical and Modern Standard Arabic as well as most dialects.
Cultural note
Smiling is highly valued in Arab culture and Islamic tradition — a well-known hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) states that smiling at your brother is a form of charity (صدقة). The word ابْتَسَمَ is understood across all Arabic-speaking countries and is equally common in both Modern Standard Arabic and educated speech. Its noun form بُسْمَة is a popular girl's name throughout the Arab world.