Have dibs on Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈdɪbz/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
HAV DIBZ AWN
hæv/ /dˈɪbz/ /ˈɒn
hav DIBZ ON
Definition
To claim the right to get or choose something before anyone else. Used informally when people want to reserve something for themselves.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, often playful expression mainly used in North America. Used when people want to 'reserve' the right to choose or get a specific thing first (e.g., 'I have dibs on the front seat'). It’s rarely used in formal settings. Alternative: just say 'I call' in casual speech.
Spanish: tener prioridad sobre - reservar primeroPortuguese (BR): ter direito garantido em - reservar antesPortuguese (PT): ter prioridade em - reservar primeiroChinese (Simplified): 优先选择权 - 先占权Chinese (Traditional): 優先選擇權 - 先佔權Hindi: पहला हक़ होना - पहले से बुक करनाArabic: لديه الأحقية في - الحجز المسبقBengali: দাবি রাখা - আগেভাগে দাবি করাRussian: забить - застолбитьJapanese: 先に取る権利がある - 先取りするVietnamese: giữ chỗ trước - dành quyền trướcKorean: 찜하다 - 우선권을 갖다Turkish: önceden ayırtmak - üzerinde hak iddia etmekUrdu: پہلے حق حاصل کرنا - دعویٰ کرناIndonesian: memesan duluan - mengklaim terlebih dahulu
Example Sentences
I have dibs on the last cookie.
basic
Who has dibs on the remote?
basic
She has dibs on the front seat.
basic
If you're not using that chair, I have dibs on it.
natural
"I have dibs on shotgun!" yelled Mike when he saw the car.
natural
I have dibs on any leftovers from the party.
natural