ضَحِكَ
ḍaḥika
/dˤaˈħika/
Definition
To laugh; to make sounds and facial expressions showing that something is funny or joyful.
Example
ضَحِكَ الأَطْفَالُ كَثِيرًا فِي الْحَدِيقَةِ.
Show translation
The children laughed a lot in the park.
Etymology
From the root ض-ح-ك (ḍ-ḥ-k), conveying laughter and merriment. The same root appears in the noun ضَحِكَة (ḍaḥika, a laugh/burst of laughter) and ضَحَّاك (ḍaḥḥāk, one who laughs often). The root is shared across Semitic languages.
Cultural note
In Arabic-speaking cultures, laughter and a warm smile are important signs of hospitality and friendliness. The expression "يَضْحَك مِلْء فَمِه" (he laughs with his whole mouth) describes someone who laughs heartily and openly — a compliment. Note: ضَحِكَ is the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) form; in Egyptian dialect you'll often hear بِضْحَك (biḍḥak), and in Levantine يِضْحَك (yiḍḥak).