Media Arabic Booster 05/25

As a journalist, I read Arabic newspapers every day, especially the opinion section.

Every month, I want to share with you on Arabic for Nerds what I find interesting from a linguistic perspective and which vocabulary might be worth learning. I call it the Media Arabic Booster.

---

A close look at a headline

Headlines in Arabic media are generally easy to understand – but there are also some tricky words.

Asharq Al-Awsat: Killing of two Israeli embassy workers

On May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. The attack immediately drew international attention and condemnation.

The pan-Arab daily newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat (الشرق الأوسط), which ran this front-page story on May 23, 2025, is a major international Arabic newspaper. It is headquartered in London, UK, and is owned by the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), which has strong ties to the Saudi royal family.

Let’s focus on the headline:

---

al-Akhbar (Egypt): Currency and Foreign Reserves

On May 6, 2025, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with top economic officials to emphasize the importance of aligning fiscal and monetary policies as part of the nation’s broader economic reform efforts. During the meeting, he outlined key initiatives aimed at bolstering foreign exchange reserves, reducing national debt, and stimulating economic growth.

The state-owned newspaper Al-Akhbar (الأخبار), which ran this story on its front page on May 7, 2025, is a prominent daily newspaper headquartered in Cairo. As part of the Akhbar el-Yom publishing house and managed by the National Press Authority of Egypt, it is recognized as a semi-official news source reflecting a pro-government stance.

Let’s focus on the headline:

---

Translation of an article

Let’s look at parts of a longer newspaper article in Arabic. We will translate each sentence carefully. The highlighted words are in the vocabulary list below.

al-Quds al-Arabi: Are we on the threshold of a New Middle East?

On 16 May 2025, the Qatari-owned, London-based daily al-Quds al-Arabi (القدس العربي) published an opinion piece by Dr. Abd al‑Hamid Siyam – a prominent Palestinian academic and journalist.

In the article, the author speculates on dramatic shifts in U.S. foreign policy that have already begun to unfold early in President Donald Trump’s term. Among the unexpected developments he envisions are an unprecedented meeting between Trump and Abu Muhammad al-Jolani (a figure once targeted by the U.S. with a US$10 million bounty), direct negotiations with both Hamas and the Houthis, as well as bold moves to ease the Russian–Ukrainian conflict and de-escalate tensions with China.

The author suggests that these startling initiatives might be part of a broader strategy – one that could pave the way for halting the Gaza war and advancing Palestinian statehood (even if it means postponing Saudi normalization with Israel) – and sees them as serving Trump’s ambition to claim a Nobel Peace Prize. At the same time, he warns that Trump’s notoriously rapid and unpredictable policy shifts call into question the long-term stability and reliability of such moves.

---

هل نحن على أبواب شرق أوسط جديد؟

Are we on the threshold of a New Middle East?

---

Let’s now take a closer look at the entire article.

Section 1

كأننا نعيش عالما من الخيال، فما كان غير متخيل قبل بضعة أشهر نراه اليوم حقائق أمام عيوننا. فمن كان يعتقد أن «أبومحمد الجولاني»، الذي وضعت الولايات المتحدة عشرة ملايين على رأسه حيا أو ميتا، يلتقي برئيس الولايات المتحدة دونالد ترامب، الذي أعلن أمام قاعة مكتظة رفع العقوبات عن سوريا، فقابله الحضور بالتصفيق والوقوف لدقائق، معجبين بهذه الخطوة الجريئة حيث انتقلت مشاعر البهجة إلى المدن السورية التي عانت من الحصار الطويل والقاسي والشامل.

It’s as if we live in a fantasy world. What was unimaginable a few months ago, we see today as facts before our eyes. Who would have believed that “Abu Muhammad al-Julani”, on whose head the United States placed ten million [dollars], dead or alive, would meet with US President Donald Trump, who announced before a packed hall the lifting of sanctions on Syria? The audience met him with applause and stood for minutes, admiring this bold step, as feelings of joy spread to the Syrian cities that had suffered from the long, harsh, and comprehensive siege.

من كان يعتقد أن الرئيس الأمريكي يعقد صفقة مع الحوثيين لوقف القتال، تُستثنى منه إسرائيل وتستمر صواريخ أنصار الله الفرط صوتية تنهمر على مطار اللد وتغلقه أمام الملاحة الجوية، دون أن يثير ذلك ردود فعل قاسية من حليفة الكيان الأساسية التي موّلت حرب الإبادة، وقدمت له كل أنواع الأسلحة والذخائر والمعلومات الاستخباراتية.

Who would have thought that the US President would make a deal with the Houthis to stop the fighting, from which Israel is excluded, while Ansar Allah’s hypersonic missiles continue to pour down on Lod Airport (see box below), closing it to air traffic, without this provoking harsh reactions from the entity’s primary ally, which funded the war of extermination and provided it with all kinds of weapons, ammunition, and intelligence information?

من كان يعتقد أن في المئة يوم الأولى تفتح إدارة ترامب مفاوضات مع إيران عن طريق عُمان حول برنامجها النووي. والأكثر من هذا وذاك، من كان يتخيل أن الرئيس الأمريكي، الذي حدد مهلة لحركة حماس وفصائل المقاومة الفلسطينية لإطلاق جميع الرهائن دون قيد أو شرط وإلا فلينتظروا فتح أبواب جهنم، عاد وفتح قنوات اتصال مباشرة مع حركة حماس، وتوصل معهم إلى صفقة (لا نعرف تفاصيلها) تضمنت إطلاق سراح الجندي مزدوج الجنسية عيدان الكسندر، دون قيد أو شرط، ثم تستمر الاتصالات التي قد تسفر عن وقف إطلاق نار في غزة، وإدخال المساعدات الإنسانية.

Who would have thought that in the first hundred days, the Trump administration would open negotiations with Iran via Oman about its nuclear program? And more than that, who would have imagined that the US President, who had set a deadline for Hamas and the Palestinian resistance factions to release all hostages without preconditions, or else wait for the gates of hell to open, would return and open direct communication channels with Hamas, reaching a deal with them (the details of which we do not know) that included the unconditional release of the dual-nationality soldier Idan Alexander, without preconditions? Then contacts continue which might result in a ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid.

---

---

Section 2

التطبيع السعودي مع الكيان الصهيوني قد لا يأتي في أول الطريق، فالصفقات والهدايا غير المسبوقة لترامب قد تكون ثمنا لوقف الحرب على غزة، والانتقال إلى خطوة الاعتراف بالدولة الفلسطينية والتوجه نحو تجسيدها

Saudi normalization with the Zionist entity may not come at first (lit: at the beginning of the road). The unprecedented deals and gifts for Trump might be a price for stopping the war on Gaza, moving to the step of recognizing the Palestinian state, and heading towards its embodiment (realization).

هذه التطورات والمفاجآت لم تشمل فقط منطقة الشرق الأوسط، بل شملت العالم من شرقه إلى غربه. وأهم تلك التطورات السعي الجاد لإيقاف الحرب الروسية الأوكرانية، والضغط على الحليف زيلينسكي، لتقديم تنازلات خاصة التوقف عن الحديث عن شبه جزيرة القرم، التي أصلا تعود ملكيتها إلى روسيا. ومن التطورات الكبرى، التخلي عن الورقة الكردية وتمكين تركيا من إقفال ملف الصراع الطويل مع الأكراد، خاصة مع حزب العمال الكردستاني. وقد توافقت الآراء بين العراق وتركيا على هذا الملف، ووقع الطرفان اتفاقية شاملة يوم 13 مارس 2025.

These developments and surprises have not only included the Middle East region, but have spanned the world from its east to its west. The most important of these developments is the serious effort to stop the Russian-Ukrainian war and pressure ally Zelensky to make concessions, especially to stop talking about the Crimean peninsula, which originally belongs to Russia. Among the major developments is the abandonment of the Kurdish issue and enabling Turkey to close the long conflict file with the Kurds, especially with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Opinions between Iraq and Turkey have aligned on this file, and the two parties signed a comprehensive agreement on March 13, 2025.

ومن التطورات الغريبة أن يستنجد نارانردا مودي بترامب ليتوسط له مع رئيس وزراء باكستان لوقف إطلاق النار، بعد الإذلال الذي تعرض له ليلة السبت الماضي في المعركة الجوية الحاسمة، التي خسرت الهند فيها خمس طائرات، وتم تدمير مواقع الصواريخ ومعسكرات إطلاق الطائرات المسيرة. وبالفعل توقفت الحرب فورا. والأهم من هذا وذاك هو التهدئة مع الصين، ولو مؤقتا، فبعد رفع التعريفات الجمركية لمستويات خيالية ضد الصين تراجع وجلس وفدان من البلدين في جنيف ليدرسا إمكانية السيطرة على المواجهات التجارية، ولتخفيض التعريفات الجمركية من 126 في المئة و200 في المئة على السيارات و60 في المئة على العديد من المستوردات إلى 10 في المئة. تراجع ترامب كثيرا عن مواقفه الرعناء المتعلقة بالمسكيك وكندا وغرينلاند وبنما وغيرها. لكن يجب أن نبقى حذرين فالرجل «ما بين غمضة عين والتفاتها» يبدل مواقفه، دون أي تردد أو خجل أو خوف. كل هذه الإجراءات التي اتخذها ترامب قبل أن يكمل شهوره الأربعة الأولى. فما بالك ببقية الـ 44 شهرا المقبلة؟

One of the strange developments is that Narendra Modi sought help from Trump to mediate a ceasefire with the Pakistani Prime Minister after the humiliation he suffered last Saturday night in the decisive air battle, in which India lost five aircraft, and missile sites and drone launching camps were destroyed. Indeed, the war stopped immediately. Even more important was the deescalation with China, albeit temporarily. After raising tariffs to astronomical levels against China, the two countries backed down, and delegations from the two countries met in Geneva to study the possibility of controlling trade confrontations and reducing tariffs from 126 percent and 200 percent on cars and 60 percent on many imports to 10 percent. Trump retreated significantly from his reckless positions concerning Mexico, Canada, Greenland, Panama, and others. But we must remain vigilant, for a man who “blinks” and shifts his positions without hesitation, shame, or fear. All these measures were taken by Trump before completing his first four months in office. So what about the remaining 44 months?

---

Section 3

كانت أولى زياراته في دورته الأولى دول الخليج، واختار المنطقة نفسها لأولى زياراته خارج الولايات المتحدة. في المرة الأولى كانت أساسا زيارة تجريف أموال انتقل من الرياض إلى إسرائيل ووضع القلنسوة على رأسه، وذهب لأداء الزيارة المطلوبة والمفروضة على كل الزعماء.

His first visit during his first term was to the Gulf States, and he chose the same region for his first visit outside the United States. The first time, it was essentially a money-grubbing visit. He traveled from Riyadh to Israel, put on the skullcap on his head, and went on the required visit imposed on all leaders

كانت السعودية آنذاك في وضع صعب، والصراع على ولاية العهد كانت ما زالت قائمة، واعتقال أغنياء العائلة كانت مستمرة، ووضع المرأة في السعودية كان مثار نقد عالمي. الخلافات بين دول الخليج وقطر كانت على وشك الانفجار، ولم ينضم الشيخ تميم لدول الخليج الأخرى في تقديم المليارات لترامب، آثر أن يتعامل معه مباشرة، دون المرور بالمحطة السعودية. التوتر بين السعودية وإيران كان في أوجه وعلاقات السعودية مع الصين وروسيا كانت غير مستقرة. أما الحرب في اليمن، التي دخلتها السعودية منذ عام 2015 استقرت نوعا ما بعد قبول الطرفين وقف إطلاق النار لأكثر منذ سنتين وأصبحت المفاوضات بين الطرفين في عُمان تتقدم ولو ببطء. إذن الأوضاع الآن تغيرت ولصالح السعودية. علاقتها مع إيران جيدة ومع الصين وروسيا. وانضمت إلى مجموعة بريكس، وطويت صفحة مقتل خاشقجي، وانتهى دور الشرطة الدينية وأعطيت المرأة الكثير من الحقوق.

Saudi Arabia at that time was in a difficult position. The struggle for the crown prince was still ongoing, the arrest of wealthy members of the family was ongoing, and the status of women in Saudi Arabia was the subject of international criticism. Disputes between the Gulf states and Qatar were on the verge of eruption, and Sheikh Tamim did not join the other Gulf states in offering billions to Trump, preferring to deal with him directly, bypassing the Saudi station. Tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran was at its peak, and Saudi relations with China and Russia were unstable. The war in Yemen, which Saudi Arabia has been involved in since 2015, has stabilized somewhat after both sides agreed to a ceasefire for more than two years, and negotiations between the two sides in Oman are progressing, albeit slowly. So, the situation has now changed, to Saudi Arabia’s favor. Its relations with Iran, China, and Russia are good. It has joined the BRICS group, the Khashoggi murder has been turned over, the role of the religious police has ended, and women have been granted many rights.

ما تريده السعودية دعما أمريكيا في مجال الطاقة الجديدة والذكاء الصناعي والقوة العسكرية، والأهم من هذا وذاك ما تريده السعودية بدعم قطري، اختراق على الجبهتين الفلسطينية، خاصة في حرب الإبادة وعلى الجبهة السورية في رفع العقوبات لإعطاء البلاد فرصة للنهوض. وهذا ما يرى محمد بن سلمان أنه قادر على تحقيقه من زيارة ترامب، وإذا كان الثمن صرة كبيرة من المال فلا بأس في ذلك.

What Saudi Arabia wants is American support in the field of new energy, artificial intelligence, and military power. More mportantly, what Saudi Arabia wants, with Qatari support, is a breakthrough on both the Palestinian front, especially in the war of extermination, and on the Syrian front in lifting sanctions to give the country a chance to recover. This is what Mohammed bin Salman believes he can achieve wsith Trump’s visit, and if the price is a large bundle of money, then there is no harm in that (= that’s fine).

بالنسبة لسوريا فهي بلد في عين العاصفة. اضطرابات داخلية واختراقات إسرائيلية متواصلة واقتصاد على وشك الانهيار وعقوبات قاسية عطلت كل أنواع التعافي وعلى مستويات شعبية كذلك. هناك دولة خليجية مدعومة من الكيان الصهيوني، تشد سوريا نحو التطبيع العلني مع الكيان الصهيوني. تركيا، الدولة الأكثر تأثيرا في سوريا والأكثر تداخلا في الشأن السوري منذ 2011، تريد لسوريا أن تقلد النموذج التركي، وأن تدخل في اتفاقيات شاملة مع تركيا تشمل الاقتصاد والأمن والطاقة. قطر تدعم هذا التوجه دون الإصرار على قضية التطبيع، بيضة القبان بين المحورين هي السعودية.

As for Syria, it is a country in the eye of the storm. Internal unrest, continuous Israeli incursions, an economy on the verge of collapse, and harsh sanctions have hindered all types of recovery, even at the popular level. There is a Gulf state, supported by the Zionist entity, pushing Syria towards public normalization with the Zionist entity. Turkey, the most influential country in Syria and the most involved in Syrian affairs since 2011, wants Syria to imitate the Turkish model and enter into comprehensive agreements with Turkey that include the economy, security, and energy. Qatar supports this approach without insisting on the issue of normalization. The counterbalance between the two axes is Saudi Arabia.

---

---

Section 4

لا عجب إن كانت أول زيارة للشرع خارج سوريا للسعودية، وقد أخذت السعودية، كما يبدو، على عاتقها دعم سوريا وإبعادها أكثر عن المحور الإيراني. وبهذه الصفقة التي حققتها مع ترامب لصالح سوريا تكون القيادة السورية قد ربطت موقفها بموقف السعودية من قضية التطبيع، ونعتقد أن نظام الشرع لن يطبع مع إسرائيل، إلا إذا كانت السعودية تقود صف المطبعين الجدد.

It is no wonder that the first visit of al-Sharaa outside Syria was to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, it seems, has taken upon itself the support of Syria and distancing it further from the Iranian axis. With this deal it achieved with Trump in favor of Syria, the Syrian leadership has linked its position to Saudi Arabia’s position on the issue of normalization, and we believe that the Sharaa regime will not normalize relations with Israel, unless Saudi Arabia leads the ranks of new normalizers.

التطبيع السعودي مع الكيان الصهيوني قد لا يأتي في أول الطريق، بل في آخرها، فمقابل الصفقات الخيالية والهدايا غير المسبوقة من دول الخليج لترامب قد يكون ثمنا لوقف الحرب على غزة، والانتقال إلى خطوة الاعتراف بالدولة الفلسطينية والتوجه نحو تجسيدها. وهذا ما يفسر الحنق الذي أظهره نتنياهو خاصة بعد أن أعلن رسميا أن هناك مفاوضات بين الولايات المتحدة وحركة حماس. هل هذا السيناريو مؤكد؟ بالطبع لا. لكنه المدخل إلى جائزة نوبل للسلام، التي تحتل جزءا من تفكير ترامب. والأكيد أن البوابة المزدوجة لتلك الجائزة تقع في كييف وغزة. فإذا أوقف النزيف الإنساني غير المسبوق في غزة وأوقف الحرب الروسية الأوكرانية وربما بمساعدة من أردوغان، فلا شك أن ترامب سيتوج مسيرته الدبلوماسية بالجائزة.

Saudi normalization with the Zionist entity might not come at the beginning of the process, but rather at the end. In exchange for the imaginary deals and unprecedented gifts from the Gulf states to Trump, it could be the price for stopping the war on Gaza, moving to the step of recognizing the Palestinian state, and heading towards its establishment. This explains the anger Netanyahu showed, especially after he officially announced that there were negotiations between the United States and Hamas. Is this scenario certain? Of course not. But it is the gateway to the Nobel Peace Prize, which occupies a large part of Trump’s mind. What is certain is that the double gateway to that prize lies in Kyiv and Gaza. If he stops the unprecedented humanitarian bloodshed in Gaza and halts the Russian-Ukrainian war, perhaps with help from Erdogan, then there is no doubt that Trump will crown his diplomatic career with the award.

نحن لا نثق في ترامب لكننا نعتبره صاحب القرارات الشجاعة والآنية وغير المتوقعة والتي تمجده شخصيا، غضب من غضب ورضي من رضي. لكننا نخشى أن «تعود حليمة إلى عادتها القديمة» بعد الخروج من منطقة الخليج، فيعود إلى عشقه الأبدي للكيان الصهيوني بعد أن جرّف أموال العرب. وسنرى في أي اتجاه يسير: شريك في الإبادة كسلفه الأهوج بايدن؟ أم هندسة شرق أوسط جديد قائم على السلم والازدهار والتعاون، وإغلاق ملف القتل الجماعي والتدمير والأبرثهايد. ستبدي لنا الأيام المقبلة ما نجهله الآن.

We do not trust Trump, but we consider him the author of courageous, immediate, and unexpected decisions that glorify him personally, let them get angry or be pleased as they may. But we fear that “Halima will return to her old habit” [see explanation below] after leaving the Gulf region, reverting to his eternal love for the Zionist entity after plundering Arab wealth. We will see which direction he will take: becoming a partner in genocide like his reckless predecessor, Biden? Or engineering a new Middle East based on peace, prosperity, and cooperation, and closing the file on mass murder, destruction, and apartheid? The coming days will reveal what we currently do not know.

---

Vocabulary list

All the words in the above article marked in color can be found in this table with explanations.

Part 1: Analysis of a headline

The following vocabulary list covers the yellow-marked words we saw in the headlines.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
إِدانَةٌ	condemnation of, conviction for. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَدانَ – يُدِينُ (to condemn, to convict). Root: د-ي-ن. For example: There was widespread condemnation of the attack (كانَتْ هُناكَ إِدانَةٌ واسِعَةٌ لِلْهُجُومِ). Guilty verdict (الْحُكْمُ بِالْإِدانَةِ). See MAB 11-23
تَوْظِيفٌ	employment, hiring; utilization, investment; application. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb وَظَّفَ – يُوَظِّفُ (to employ, hire; to utilize, invest). For example: A refusal to politicize the attack (رَفْضٌ لِتَوْظِيفِ الْهُجُومِ).
حَمَّلَ – يُحَمِّلُ	to load, burden; to upload. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَحْمِيلٌ. For example: To load a ship (حَمَّلَ سَفِينةً). To give someone the responsibility (حَمَّلَ شَخْصًا الْمَسْؤُولِيَّةَ). He held the other party responsible (حَمَّلَ الطَّرَفَ الْآخَرَ الْمَسْؤُولِيَّةَ). To upload a file (حَمَّلَ مِلَفًّا). See MAB 03-25.
تَحْرِيضٌ عَلَى	incitement, instigation, provocation (to = عَلَى). It is the verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb حَرَّضَ – يُحَرِّضُ عَلَى (to incite, instigate). For example: He was accused of incitement to violence (اتُّهِمَ بِالتَّحْرِيضِ عَلَى الْعُنْفِ). Incitement to commit murder (جَرِيمَةُ التَّحْرِيضِ عَلَى الْقَتْلِ)
تَعَدٍّ (التَّعَدِّي) pl:تَعَدِّياتٌ عَلَى	transgression, infringement, violation, assault, encroachment. Root: ع-د-و. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَعَدَّى – يَتَعَدَّى (عَلَى) (to transgress, infringe upon). For example: This constitutes a violation of international law (هٰذا يُشَكِّلُ تَعَدِّيًا عَلَى الْقانونِ الدَّوْلِيِّ).
تُهْمَةٌ pl: تُهَمٌ	accusation, charge. Root: و-ه-م. It is the noun of the infinitive (اِسْمُ الْمَصْدَرِ) of the root و-ه-م. We use the اسم المصدر if we want to emphasize the result rather than the action. Roots with a weak letter as the first radical are always tricky. Note that the word تُهْمَةٌ was originally وُهَمَةٌ,derived from وَهْمٌ (suspicion). For example: He faces several charges, including incitement (يُواحِهُ عِدَّةَ تُهَمٍ، مِنْها التَّحْرِيضُ). He was arrested on suspicion of robbery (قُبِضَ عَلَيْهِ بِتُهْمةِ السَّرِقةِ). To deny the accusation (أَنْكَرَ – يُنْكِرُ التُّهْمةَ). Watch out: Some people use بُهْتانٌ and تُهْمَةٌ interchangeably, there’s a crucial difference: * بُهْتانٌ is a slander or a lie that the speaker knows is false. It’s often outrageous and shocking. * تُهْمَةٌ is an accusation or charge that stems from suspicion (ُالظَّنّ). The speaker doesn’t necessarily know it’s false; they are acting on suspicion.
مُبَرِّرٌ pl: مُبَرِّراتٌ	justification, reason, excuse, rationale. Active participle (اِسْمُ الفَاعِلِ) of the II-verb بَرَّرَ – يُبَرِّرُ (to justify). For example: There is no justification for such actions (لَيْسَ هُناكَ مُبَرِّرٌ لِمِثْلِ هٰذِهِ الْأَعْمالِ). Unjustifiable (لا مُبَرِّرَ لَهُ)
اِحْتِياطِيٌّ pl: اِحْتِياطِيّاتٌ	reserve, standby, precautionary (adj.); reserve(s) (noun). It is a Nisba noun/relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ), derived from اِحْتِياطٌ, the verbal noun of the VIII-verb اِحْتاطَ – يَحْتاطُ (to take precautions). Root: ح-و-ط. For example: Foreign currency reserves (اِحْتِياطِيُّ النَّقْدِ الْأَجْنَبِيِّ). Oil reserves (اِحْتِياطِيُّ النَفْطِ).
نَقْدٌ pl: نُقُودٌ	cash, money, currency; criticism. The context determines the meaning. For example: Foreign currency (النَّقْدُ الْأَجْنَبِيُّ). Good review (نَقْدٌ إِيجابِيٌّ). Bad review (نَقْدٌ سَلْبِيٌّ)
تَنْمَوِيٌّ	developmental; growth-related. Relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ). Root: ن-م-و. Derived from تَنْمِيَةٌ, the verbal noun of the II-verb نَمَّى – يُنَمِّي (to develop, make grow). For example: Development efforts (الْجُهُودُ التَّنْمَوِيَّةُ). Development project (مَشْرُوعٌ تَنْمَوِيٌّ).
مَدْيُونِيَّةٌ	indebtedness, debt. Artificial verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ صِناعِيٌّ) of the root د-ي-ن. For example: Reducing external debt (خَفْضُ الْمَدْيُونِيَّةِ الْخارِجِيَّةِ). You can find more details in the box below.

---

Part 2: Translation of an article

Headline and article section 1

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
عَلَى الْأَبْوابِ	on the verge; on the threshold; at the door. The word أَبْوابٌ is the plural of بابٌ (door). You can also use عَلَى حافَّةِ plus noun (= إِضافةٌ-construction) to express on the verge. For example: on the verge of collapse (عَلَى حافَّةِ الْاِنْهِيارِ). Winter is coming (الشِّتاءُ عَلَى الْأَبْوابِ). Summer vacation is at the door, and kids can’t wait to play outside (الْعُطْلَةُ الصَّيْفِيَّةُ عَلَى الْأَبْوابِ، وَالأَطْفالُ لا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ الْاِنْتِظارَ لِلَّعِبِ خارِجًا).
خَيالٌ pl: أَخْيِلَةٌ or خَيَالاَتٌ	imagination, fantasy, fiction. Root: خ-ي-ل. For example: A world of imagination (عالَمًا مِنَ الْخَيالِ). Imagination is the beginning of creation (الْخَيالُ هُوَ بِدايَةُ الْإِبْداعِ). Dreamworld (عالَمُ الْخَيالِ)
مُتَخَيَّلٌ	imagined, conceivable; unreal. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of تَخَيَّلَ – يَتَخَيَّلُ (to imagine). Root: خ-ي-ل. For example: What was unimaginable (ما كانَ غَيْرَ مُتَخَيَّلٍ). In his imagined future, he was a successful artist living abroad (فِي مُسْتَقْبَلِهِ اَلْمُتَخَيَّلِ، كَانَ فَنَّانًا نَاجِحًا يَعِيشُ فِي اَلْخَارِجِ).
بِضْعَةٌ / بِضْعٌ	a few, several (3-9). Number noun (اِسْمُ عَدَدٍ). Usage: Like numbers 3-10, it shows reverse agreement: بِضْعٌ (masc.) is used before feminine plural nouns, and بِضْعَةٌ (fem.) is used before masculine plural nouns. The counted noun is in the genitive plural. For example: I waited a few days (اِنْتَظَرْتُ بِضْعَةَ أَيّامٍ) – we use بِضْعَة since يَومٌ is masculine. I wrote a few letters (كَتَبْتُ بِضْعٌ رِسَائِلَ) – we use بِضْع since رِسالةٌ is feminine.
حَيًّا أَوْ مَيِّتًا	Dead or alive. Usually placed as a circumstantial qualifier (حالٌ). Root: ح-ي-ي / م-و-ت. For example: They demanded he be brought dead or alive (طالَبُوا بِإِحْضارِهِ حَيًّا أَوْ مَيِّتًا). The leader was wanted dead or alive (كانَ الزَّعِيمُ مَطْلُوبًا حَيًّا أَوْ مَيِّتًا).
اِلْتَقَى – يَلْتَقِي (بِ)	to meet (with). VIII-verb. Root: ل-ق-ي. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِلْتِقاءٌ. For example: He meets with the US president (يَلْتَقِي بِرَئِيسِ الْوِلاياتِ الْمُتَّحِدَةِ). The two friends met at the café (اِلْتَقَى الصَّدِيقانِ فِي الْمَقْهَى). To run into someone (اِلْتَقى بِشَخْصٍ صُدْفةً).
قاعَةٌ pl: قاعاتٌ	hall, large room, auditorium. Noun (اِسْمُ ذاتٍ). For example: In front of a packed hall (أَمامَ قاعَةٍ مُكْتَظَّةٍ). The conference will be held in the main hall (سَيُعْقَدُ الْمُؤْتَمَرُ فِي الْقاعَةِ الرَّئِيسِيَّةِ).
مُكْتَظٌّ بِ	crowded, packed (with). It is the active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of اِكْتَظَّ – يَكْتَظُّ (to be crowded). Note that the passive participle (اِسْمُ المَفْعُولِ) looks exactly the same! Root: ك-ظ-ظ. For example: A packed hall (قاعَةٍ مُكْتَظَّةٍ). The market was crowded with people (كانَ السُّوقُ مُكْتَظًّا بِالنّاسِ).
عُقُوبَةٌ pl: عُقُوباتٌ	sanction, penalty, punishment. For example: Lifting sanctions on Syria (رَفْعُ الْعُقُوباتِ عَنْ سُورِيا). The criminal received a harsh punishment (نالَ الْمُجْرِمُ عُقُوبَةً قاسِيَةً).
تَصْفِيقٌ	clapping, applause. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb صَفَّقَ – يُصَفِّقُ (to clap, applaud). For example: To receive applause (حَصَلَ عَلَى تَصْفِيقِ). The audience met him with applause (قابَلَهُ الْحُضُورُ بِالتَّصْفِيقِ). The artist received long applause (حَظِيَ الْفَنّانُ بِتَصْفِيقٍ طَوِيلٍ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُعْجَبٌ (بِ) pl: مُعْجَبُونَ	impressed (by) = admirer. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the IV-verb أَعْجَبَ – يُعْجِبُ (to admire; to be impressed by). For example: I am very impressed with your work (أَنا مُعْجَبٌ جِدًّا بِعَمَلِكَ). He likes her/He has a crush on her (إنَّهُ مُعْجَبٌ بِها). Note that the active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ), which is مُعْجِبٌ with “i”, denotes admirable; astonishing. You can find more details in the box below.
جَرِيءٌ pl: جُرَآءُ or أَجْرِياءُ	bold, daring. Root: ج-ر-أ. Quasi-participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ) of the I-verb جَرُؤَ – يَجْرُؤُ (to dark; to risk). For example: This bold step (هَذِهِ الْخُطْوَةُ الْجَرِيئَةُ). He made a bold decision (اِتَّخَذَ قَرارًا جَرِيئًا).
اِنْتَقَلَ – يَنْتَقِلُ (إِلَى)	to move, transfer, pass (to). VIII-verb. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِنْتِقالٌ. For example: Feelings of joy spread to the Syrian cities (اِنْتَقَلَتْ مَشاعِرُ الْبَهْجَةِ إِلَى الْمُدُنِ السُّورِيَّةِ). He moved to a new house (اِنْتَقَلَ إِلَى بَيْتٍ جَدِيدٍ).
مَشْعَرٌ pl: مَشاعِرُ	feelings, emotions. It is a special type of infinitive noun (مَصْدَرٌ مِيمِيٌّ). For example: Feelings of joy (مَشاعِرُ الْبَهْجَةِ). He couldn’t hide his feelings (لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ إِخْفاءَ مَشاعِرِهِ).
بَهْجَةٌ	joy, delight. It is one of the infinitive forms (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb بَهَجَ – يَبْهَجُ (to make glad). For example: Feelings of joy (مَشاعِرُ الْبَهْجَةِ). Her face was filled with joy (اِمْتَلَأَ وَجْهُها بَهْجَةً).
حِصارٌ pl: حُصُرٌ	siege, blockade. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb حاصَرَ يُحاصِرُ (to besiege, blockade, encircle). For example: It suffered from the long siege (عانَتْ مِنَ الْحِصارِ الطَّوِيلِ). The city remained under siege for months (بَقِيَتِ الْمَدِينَةُ تَحْتَ الْحِصارِ لِأَشْهُرٍ). See MAB 04-25.
قاسٍ (الْقاسِي) pl: قُساة	harsh, cruel, severe. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of قَسا – يَقْسُو (to be harsh). Root: ق-س-و. For example: He faced harsh criticism (واجَهَ نَقْدًا قاسِيًا).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
إِدارَةٌ pl: إِداراتٌ	administration, management. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of IV-verb أَدارَ – يُدِيرُ (to manage). Root: د-و-ر. For example: The Trump administration opens negotiations (تَفْتَحُ إِدارَةُ تْرامْب مُفاوَضاتٍ). The company’s management decided to expand (قَرَّرَتْ إِدارَةُ الشَّرِكَةِ التَّوَسُّعَ).
مُفاوَضَةٌ pl: مُفاوَضاتٌ	negotiation(s). Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb فاوَضَ – يُفاوِضُ (to negotiate). Root: ف-و-ض. For example: Negotiations with Iran (مُفاوَضاتٌ مَعَ إِيرانَ). The negotiations reached a dead end (وَصَلَتْ الْمُفاوَضاتُ إِلَى طَرِيقٍ مَسْدُودٍ).
مُهْلَةٌ pl: مُهَلاتٌ or مُهَلٌ	deadline, time limit;also: delay, postponement. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb مَهَلَ – يَمْهَلُ (to linger; to dawdle). For example: He set a deadline for Hamas (حَدَّدَ مُهْلَةً لِحَرَكَةِ حَماسٍ). We were given a deadline of one week (أُعْطِينا مُهْلَةَ أُسْبُوعٍ واحِدٍ).
فَصِيلَةٌ pl: فَصائِلُ	faction, group. For example: Resistance factions (فَصائِلُ الْمُقاوَمَةِ). Armed factions control the area (تُسَيْطِرُ فَصائِلُ مُسَلَّحَةٌ عَلَى الْمِنْطَقَةِ).
رَهِينَةٌ pl: رَهائِنُ	hostage. For example: To release all hostages (لِإِطْلاقِ جَمِيعِ الرَّهائِنِ). The kidnappers demanded ransom for the hostage (طَلَبَ الْخاطِفُونَ فِدْيَةً مُقابِلَ الرَّهِينَةِ).
قَيْدٌ pl: قُيُودٌ	restriction, condition. For example: Unconditionally (دُونَ قَيْدٍ أَوْ شَرْطٍ). There are many restrictions on this project (هُناكَ قُيُودٌ كَثِيرَةٌ عَلَى هٰذا الْمَشْرُوعِ).
اِنْتَظَرَ – يَنْتَظِرُ	to wait (for), expect. VIII-verb. For example: Let them wait for the gates of hell (فَلْيَنْتَظِرُوا فَتْحَ أَبْوابِ جَهَنَّمَ). I am waiting for the bus (أَنْتَظِرُ الْحافِلَةَ). See MAB 02-25.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
جَهَنَّمُ	Hell. Diptote (مَمْنُوعٌ مِنْ الصَّرْفِ). For example: Opening the gates of hell (فَتْحُ أَبْوابِ جَهَنَّمَ). May God protect us from Hellfire (نَسْأَلُ اللّهَ أَنْ يَحْمِيَنا مِنْ نارِ جَهَنَّمَ).
صَفْقَةٌ pl: صَفَقاتٌ	deal, bargain. For example: He reached a deal with them (تَوَصَّلَ مَعَهُمْ إِلَى صَفْقَةٍ). The two companies signed a major deal (وَقَّعَتْ الشَّرِكَتانِ صَفْقَةً كُبْرَى).
تَضَمَّنَ – يَتَضَمَّنُ	to include, contain. V-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَضَمُّنٌ. For example: The report includes important statistics (يَتَضَمَّنُ التَّقْرِيرُ إِحْصائِيّاتٍ مُهِمَّةً).
سَراحٌ	release (from captivity). For example: The release of the soldier (إِطْلاقُ سَراحِ الْجُنْدِيِّ). The prisoners hoped for release (كانَ السُّجَناءُ يَأْمُلُونَ فِي إِطْلاقِ سَراحِهِمْ). See MAB 12-24.
مُزْدَوِجٌ	double, dual; twofold. Active participle (اِسْمُ الْفاعِلِ) of the III-verb اِزْدَوَجَ – يَزْدَوِجُ (to be double). Root: ز-و-ج. For example: dual purpose (هَدَفٌ مُزْدَوِجٌ). Dual nationality (جِنْسِيَّةٌ مُزْدَوِجَةٌ). Double bed (سَرِيرٌ مُزْدَوِجٌ). He has a dual mission (لَدَيْهِ مُهِمَّةٌ مُزْدَوَجَةٌ). Note: The ت of the pattern اِفْتَعَلَ turns into د due to the softness of the first root letter ز.
جِنْسِيَّةٌ pl: جِنْسِيّاتٌ	nationality; citizenship. For example: He holds French citizenship (يَحْمِلُ الْجِنْسِيَّةَ الْفَرَنْسِيَّةَ).
أَسْفَرَ – يُسْفِرُ (عَنْ)	to result in, lead to. IV-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِسْفارٌ. For example: It may result in a ceasefire (قَدْ تُسْفِرُ عَنْ وَقْفِ إِطْلاقِ نارٍ). The investigation resulted in new findings (أَسْفَرَ التَّحْقِيقُ عَنْ نَتائِجَ جَدِيدَةٍ).
إِطْلاقُ نارٍ	shooting, firing. For example: Ceasefire (وَقْفُ إِطْلاقِ نارٍ). We heard gunfire in the distance (سَمِعْنا إِطْلاقَ نارٍ فِي الْبَعِيدِ).

Article Section 2

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَطْبِيعٌ	normalization. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb طَبَّعَ – يُطَبِّعُ (to normalize). For example: Normalization of relations between the two countries (تَطْبِيعُ الْعَلاقاتِ بَيْنَ الْبَلَدَيْنِ). See MAB 05-24.
كِيانٌ pl: كِياناتٌ	entity, being. Root: ك-و-ن. For example: The Zionist entity (الْكِيانُ الصِّهْيُونِيُّ). Every living entity deserves respect (كُلُّ كِيانٍ حَيٍّ يَسْتَحِقُّ الْاِحْتِرامَ).
هَدِيَّةٌ pl: هَدايا	gift. Root: ه-د-ي. For example: Unprecedented gifts (الْهَدايا غَيْرُ الْمَسْبُوقَةِ). I received a beautiful gift (تَلَقَّيْتُ هَدِيَّةً جَمِيلَةً).
ثَمَنٌ pl: أَثْمانٌ	price, cost. For example: an exorbitant price (ثَمَنٌ باهِظٌ). At any price (بِأَيِّ ثَمَنٍ).
اِنْتِقالٌ	transition, move. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VII-verb اِنْتَقَلَ – يَنْتَقِلُ (to move). For example: Moving to the step of recognition (الْاِنْتِقالُ إِلَى خُطْوَةِ الْاِعْتِرافِ). The transition to democracy takes time (يَحْتاجُ الْاِنْتِقالُ إِلَى الدِّيمُقْراطِيَّةِ وَقْتًا).
اِعْتِرافٌ (بِ)	recognition (of). Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of VIII-verb اِعْتَرَفَ – يَعْتَرِفُ (to recognize). For example: Recognition of the Palestinian state (الْاِعْتِرافُ بِالدَّوْلَةِ الْفِلَسْطِينِيَّةِ). Recognition of one’s mistakes is a virtue (الْاِعْتِرافُ بِالْأَخْطاءِ فَضِيلَةٌ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَوَجُّهٌ pl: تَوَجُّهاتٌ	orientation, trend, move. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَوَجَّهَ – يَتَوَجَّهُ (to head towards). Root: و-ج-ه. For example: What is your future direction? (ما هُوَ تَوَجُّهُكَ الْمُسْتَقْبَلِيُّ؟). See MAB 09-24.
تَجْسِيدٌ	embodiment, materialization. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb جَسَّدَ – يُجَسِّدُ (to embody). For example: This painting is an embodiment of beauty (هٰذِهِ اللَّوْحَةُ تَجْسِيدٌ لِلْجَمالِ).
مُفاجَأَةٌ pl: مُفاجَآتٌ	surprise. Root: ف-ج-أ. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the III-verb فاجَأَ – يُفاجِئُ (to take by surprise). For example: His visit was a pleasant surprise (كانَتْ زِيارَتُهُ مُفاجَأَةً سارَّةً).
شَمِلَ – يَشْمَلُ	to include, cover. I-verb. Verbal nouns (مَصْدَرٌ) are شُمُولٌ and شَمْلٌ. For example: It included the world (شَمِلَتْ الْعالَمَ). The price includes breakfast (السِّعْرُ يَشْمَلُ وَجْبَةَ الْإِفْطارِ).
سَعْيٌ	striving, endeavor. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb سَعَى – يَسْعَى (to strive). Root: س-ع-ي. For example: His striving for knowledge was admirable (كانَ سَعْيُهُ لِلْعِلْمِ مُثِيرًا لِلْإِعْجابِ).
جادٌّ	serious. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb جَدَّ – يَجِدُّ (to be serious). Root: ج-د-د. For example: a serious endeavor (سَعْيٌ جادٌّ). He is a serious student (إِنَّهُ طالِبٌ جادٌّ).
ضَغْطٌ pl: ضُغُوطٌ	pressure. For example: He works well under pressure (يَعْمَلُ بِشَكْلٍ جَيِّدٍ تَحْتَ الضَّغْطِ). Time pressure (ضَغْطُ الْوَقْتِ). See MAB 02-25.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حَلِيفٌ pl: حُلَفاءُ	ally. Quasi participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ).For example: The country sought a strong ally (بَحَثَتْ الدَّوْلَةُ عَنْ حَلِيفٍ قَوِيٍّ). See MAB 10-24.
تَنازُلٌ pl: تَنازُلاتٌ	concession. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَنازَلَ – يَتَنازَلُ (to concede). For example: To make concessions (لِتَقْدِيمِ تَنازُلاتٍ). Painful concessions (تَنازَلاتٌ مُؤْلِمَةٌ). Both sides must make concessions (يَجِبُ عَلَى كِلا الطَّرَفَيْنِ تَقْدِيمُ تَنازُلاتٍ).
تَوَقُّفٌ (عَنْ)	stopping, ceasing. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَوَقَّفَ – يَتَوَقَّفُ (to stop). Root: و-ق-ف. For example: Stopping talking about Crimea (التَّوَقُّفُ عَنِ الْحَدِيثِ عَنْ الْقِرْمِ). The rain stopped suddenly (تَوَقَّفَ الْمَطَرُ فَجْأَةً).
الْقِرْمُ	Crimea. Proper Noun (اِسْمُ عَلَمٍ). For example: The Crimean Peninsula (شِبْهُ جَزِيرَةِ الْقِرْمِ). The history of Crimea is complex (تارِيخُ الْقِرْمِ مُعَقَّدٌ).
أَصْلًا	originally, in fact. For example: I didn’t want to go originally (لَمْ أُرِدِ الذَّهابَ أَصْلًا).
مِلْكِيَّةٌ	ownership; property. Artificial verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ صِناعِيٌّ). For example: Ownership of the house was transferred (تَمَّ نَقْلُ مِلْكِيَّةِ الْبَيْتِ).
تَخَلٍّ (عَنْ)	abandoning, giving up; surrender. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of تَخَلَّى – يَتَخَلَّى (to abandon). Root: خ-ل-و. For example: Abandoning the Kurdish card (التَّخَلِّي عَنِ الْوَرَقَةِ الْكُرْدِيَّةِ). Giving up smoking is difficult (التَّخَلِّي عَنِ التَّدْخِينِ صَعْبٌ). You can find more details in the box below.

---

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
وَرَقَةٌ pl: أَوْراقٌ	paper; (fig.) card, asset. For example: Banknote (وَرَقَةٌ نَقْدِيَّةٌ). Please give me a piece of paper (أَعْطِنِي وَرَقَةً مِنْ فَضْلِكَ).
تَمْكِينٌ	enabling, empowering. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb مَكَّنَ – يُمَكِّنُ (to enable). For example: Empowering women is essential for development (تَمْكِينُ الْمَرْأَةِ ضَرُورِيٌّ لِلتَّنْمِيَةِ).
إِقْفالٌ	closing, shutting. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَقْفَلَ – يُقْفِلُ (to close). For example: Closing the conflict file (إِقْفالُ مَلَفِّ الصِّراعِ). Ensure the door is locked before leaving (تَأَكَّدْ مِنْ إِقْفالِ الْبابِ قَبْلَ الْمُغادَرَةِ).
مِلَفٌّ pl: مِلَفّاتٌ	file, dossier. For example: I saved the file on my computer (حَفِظْتُ الْمَلَفَّ عَلَى حاسُوبِي). See MAB 07-24.
صِراعٌ pl: صِراعاتٌ	conflict, struggle. For example: The conflict caused much suffering (سَبَّبَ الصِّراعُ كَثِيرًا مِنَ الْمُعاناةِ). Ideological conflict (صِراعٌ عَقائِدِيٌّ). See MAB 08-24.
كُرْدِيٌّ pl: أَكْرادٌ or كُرْدٌ	Kurdish. For example: The Kurds demand their rights (يُطالِبُ الْأَكْرادُ بِحُقُوقِهِمْ).
تَوافَقَ – يَتَوافَقُ	to agree, coincide. VI-verb. Root: و-ف-ق. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَوافُقٌ. For example: Our views agreed on many points (تَوافَقَتْ آرائُنا فِي نِقاطٍ كَثِيرَةٍ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
رَأْيٌ pl: آراءٌ	opinion. For example: Personal opinion (رَأْيٌ شَخْصِيٌّ). The public opinion (الرَّأْيُ الْعامُّ). Freedom of opinion (حُرِّيَّةُ الرَّأْيِ). What is your opinion on this matter? (ما هُوَ رَأْيُكَ فِي هٰذا الْأَمْرِ).
وَقَّعَ – يُوَقِّعُ	to sign. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَوْقِيعٌ. For example: The president signed the law (وَقَّعَ الرَّئِيسُ الْقانونَ).
غَرِيبٌ pl: غُرَباءُ	strange, odd. Quasi-participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ). For example: Strange developments (التَّطَوُّراتُ الْغَرِيبَةُ). I heard a strange noise (سَمِعْتُ صَوْتًا غَرِيبًا).
اِسْتَنْجَدَ – يَسْتَنْجِدُ (بِ)	to seek help from. X-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِسْتِنْجادٌ. For example: The drowning man sought help (اِسْتَنْجَدَ الرَّجُلُ الْغَرِيقُ).
تَوَسَّطَ – يَتَوَسَّطُ	to mediate; to be in the middle. V-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَوَسُّطٌ. For example: The UN tried to mediate between the parties (حاوَلَتْ الْأُمَمُ الْمُتَّحِدَةُ التَّوَسُّطَ بَيْنَ الطَّرَفَيْنِ).
إِذْلالٌ	humiliation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَذَلَّ – يُذِلُّ (to humiliate). Root: ذ-ل-ل. For example: He could not bear the humiliation (لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ تَحَمُّلَ الْإِذْلالِ).
مَعْرَكَةٌ pl: مَعارِكُ	battle. Noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ). For example: The battle lasted for days (اِسْتَمَرَّتْ الْمَعْرَكَةُ أَيّامًا).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حاسِمٌ	decisive. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb حَسَمَ – يَحْسِمُ (to decide). For example: We need a decisive response (نَحْتاجُ إِلَى رَدٍّ حاسِمٍ).
خَسِرَ – يَخْسَرُ	to lose. I-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is خَسارَةٌ. For example: The team lost the match (خَسِرَ الْفَرِيقُ الْمُباراةَ).
طائِرَةٌ مُسَيَّرَةٌ pl: طائراتٌ مُسَيَّرَةٌ	drone. The word مُسَيَّر – a passive participle – means controlled, directed. For example: Drones are used for surveillance (تُسْتَخْدَمُ الطَّائِراتُ الْمُسَيَّرَةُ لِلْمُراقَبَةِ). You may also see the word طائِرَةٌ بِلا طَيّارٍ used to refer to drones.
بِالْفِعْلِ	indeed, in fact, already. For example: He has already arrived (لَقَدْ وَصَلَ بِالْفِعْلِ).
تَهْدِئَةٌ	calming, de-escalation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb هَدَّأَ – يُهَدِّئُ (to calm down). For example: De-escalation with China (التَّهْدِئَةُ مَعَ الصِّينِ). De-escalation is needed to avoid conflict (التَّهْدِئَةُ مَطْلُوبَةٌ لِتَجَنُّبِ الصِّدامِ).
مُؤَقَّتًا	temporarily. Passive participle (اِسْمُ الْمَفْعُولِ) of the II-verb وَقَّتَ – يُوَقِّتُ (to set a time). For example: The office is temporarily closed (الْمَكْتَبُ مُغْلَقٌ مُؤَقَّتًا).
تَعْرِفَةٌ pl: تَعْرِفاتٌ	tariff, fee. For example: The government imposed new tariffs (فَرَضَتْ الْحُكُومَةُ تَعْرِفاتٍ جَدِيدَةً).
جُمْرُكِيٌّ	customs (adj). Nisba – relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ). For example: Customs procedures can be lengthy (قَدْ تَكُونُ الْإِجْراءاتُ الْجُمْرُكِيَّةُ طَوِيلَةً).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
خَيالِيٌّ	fictional, imaginary, fantastic. Nisba – relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ). Root: خ-ي-ل. It is also used in a positive sense. For example: The prices at that store are fantastic (الْأَسْعارُ فِي ذَلِكَ الْمَتْجَرِ خَيالِيَّةٌ). Fantastic adventures (مُغامَراتٌ خَيالِيَّةٌ).
تَراجَعَ – يَتَراجَعُ	to retreat, back down. VI-verb. The Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَراجُعٌ. For example: The army retreated from its positions (تَراجَعَ الْجَيْشُ عَنْ مَواقِعِهِ).
وَفْدٌ pl: وُفُودٌ	delegation. For example: A high-level delegation visited the country (زارَ الْبَلَدَ وَفْدٌ رَفِيعُ الْمُسْتَوَى).
سَيْطَرَةٌ (عَلَى)	control (over). For example: The army regained control over the city (اِسْتَعادَ الْجَيْشُ السَّيْطَرَةَ عَلَى الْمَدِينَةِ).
مُواجَهَةٌ pl: مُواجَهاتٌ	confrontation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of III-verb واجَهَ – يُواجِهُ (to confront). For example: A military confrontation occurred at the border (وَقَعَتْ مُواجَهَةٌ عَسْكَرِيَّةٌ عَلَى الْحُدُودِ).
تِجارِيٌّ	commercial, trade (adj). Nisba – Relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ). For example: We signed a trade agreement (وَقَّعْنا اتِّفاقًا تِجارِيًّا). Shopping center (مَرْكَزٌ تِجارِيٌّ). See MAB 11-24.
تَخْفِيضٌ	reduction, lowering. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb خَفَّضَ – يُخَفِّضُ (to reduce). For example: A price reduction was announced (أُعْلِنَ عَنْ تَخْفِيضٍ فِي الْأَسْعارِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُسْتَوْرَداتٌ	imports. Noun (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ جَمْع). Root: و-ر-د. For example: The country relies heavily on imports (تَعْتَمِدُ الدَّوْلَةُ كَثِيرًا عَلَى الْمُسْتَوْرَداتِ).
فِي المِائَةِ or بِالمِائَةِ	percent. For example: Unemployment reached ten percent (وَصَلَتْ الْبِطالَةُ إِلَى عَشَرَةٍ فِي الْمِئَةِ).
أَرْعَنُ	reckless, foolish. Diptote (مَمْنُوعٌ مِنْ الصَّرْفِ). Feminine form: رَعْناءُ. Plural: رُعْنٌ. For example: It was a reckless decision (كانَ قَرارًا أَرْعَنَ).
مُتَعَلِّقٌ بِ	related (to). Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the V-verb تَعَلَّقَ – يَتَعَلَّقُ (to be related). For example: These issues are related to the economy (هَذِهِ الْقَضايا مُتَعَلِّقَةٌ بِالْاِقْتِصادِ). See MAB 09-24.
الْمَكْسِيكُ	Mexico. Proper Noun (اِسْمُ عَلَمٍ), feminine in Arabic! For example: Mexico City is the capital (مَدِينَةُ الْمِكْسِيكِ هِيَ الْعاصِمَةُ).
بَقِيَ – يَبْقَى	to remain, stay. I-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is بَقاءٌ. For example: We must remain cautious (يَجِبُ أَنْ نَبْقَى حَذِرِينَ). He decided to stay home (قَرَّرَ أَنْ يَبْقَى فِي الْبَيْتِ).
حَذِرٌ pl: حَذِرُونَ	cautious, wary. Quasi-participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ). For example: Be cautious when crossing the road (كُنْ حَذِرًا عِنْدَ عُبُورِ الطَّرِيقِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
غَمْضَةٌ	blink; blinking. Noun of instance (اِسْمُ مَرَّةٍ). For example: Everything changed in the blink of an eye (تَغَيَّرَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ فِي غَمْضَةِ عَيْنٍ).
اِلْتِفاتَةٌ	a turning, looking around; also: gesture. Noun of instance (اِسْمُ مَرَّةٍ). Root: ل-ف-ت. For example: With a quick turn, he saw her (بِالْتِفاتَةٍ سَرِيعَةٍ رَآها). Grand gesture (اِلْتِفاتَةٌ كرِيمَةٌ).
بَدَّلَ – يُبَدِّلُ	to change, alter, replace. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَبْدِيلٌ. For example: He changes his position (يُبَدِّلُ مَواقِفَهُ). He changed his clothes (بَدَّلَ مَلابِسَهُ).
تَرَدُّدٌ	hesitation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَرَدَّدَ – يَتَرَدَّدُ (to hesitate). For example: He answered without hesitation (أَجابَ دُونَ تَرَدُّدٍ).
خَجَلٌ	shame, shyness. For example: Her cheeks turned red with shyness (اِحْمَرَّتْ خُدُودُها خَجَلًا). To overcome one’s shyness (تَغَلَّبَ عَلَى خَجَلِهِ).
أَكْمَلَ – يُكْمِلُ	to complete, finish. IV-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِكْمالٌ. For example: Before he completes his first four months (قَبْلَ أَنْ يُكْمِلَ شُهُورَهُ الْأَرْبَعَةَ الْأُولَى). You must complete the form (يَجِبُ أَنْ تُكْمِلَ الْاِسْتِمارَةَ).
ما بالُكَ بِ	What about…? / Let alone… For example: So what about the rest? (فَما بالُكَ بِالْبَقِيَّةِ؟). He can’t afford a bike, let alone a car (لا يَسْتَطِيعُ شِراءَ دَرّاجَةٍ، فَما بالُكَ بِسَيّارَةٍ).
بَقِيَّةٌ	rest, remainder. For example: The rest of the students are outside (بَقِيَّةُ الطُّلّابِ فِي الْخارِجِ).

Article Section 3

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
دَوْرَةٌ pl: دَوْراتٌ	term, cycle, session. Noun of instance (اِسْمُ مَرَّةٍ). For example: First round (الدَّوْرَةُ الأُْولَى). Last round (الدَّوْرَةُ النِّهائِيَّةُ). In his first term (فِي دَوْرَتِهِ الْأُولَى). The training course lasts for two weeks (تَسْتَمِرُّ الدَّوْرَةُ التَّدْرِيبِيَّةُ لِمُدَّةِ أُسْبُوعَيْنِ).
أَساسًا or فِي الْأَساسِ	basically, primarily. For example: It was primarily a visit (كانَتْ أَساسًا زِيارَةَ). This is basically a simple problem (هٰذِهِ أَساسًا مُشْكِلَةٌ بَسِيطَةٌ).
تَجْرِيفٌ	dredging, stripping; destroying. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb جَرَّفَ – يُجَرِّفُ (to dredge, strip). For example: Soil stripping harms the environment (تَجْرِيفُ التُّرْبَةِ يُضِرُّ بِالْبِيئَةِ). See MAB 11-23.
قَلَنْسُوَةٌ pl: قَلانِسُ or قَلانِِيسُ	head covering; skullcap, yarmulke/kippa. For example: He put the skullcap on his head (وَضَعَ الْقَلَنْسُوَةَ عَلَى رَأْسِهِ). He wore a kippa (كانَ يَرْتَدِي قَلَنْسُوَةً يَهُودِيَّةً). You can find more details in the box below.
أَداءٌ pl: أَداءاتٌ	performance, carrying out. Root: أ-د-ي. It is a verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb أَدَّى -يُؤَدِّي (to perform; to carry out; to result in), but not the standard form (which would be تَأْدِيَةٌ), but the so-called noun of the infinitive (اِسْمُ الْمَصْدَرِ). For example: The actor’s performance was excellent (كانَ أَداءُ الْمُمَثِّلِ مُمْتازًا).
مَفْرُوضٌ (عَلَى)	imposed (upon); obliged. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the I-verb فَرَضَ – يَفْرِضُ (to impose). For example: It is necessary that (مِنْ الْمَفْرُوضِ أَنْ). Taxes are imposed by the government (الضَّرائِبُ مَفْرُوضَةٌ مِنَ الْحُكُومَةِ).
آنَذاكَ	at that time. Adverb of time (ظَرْفُ زَمانٍ). For example: Saudi Arabia at that time (السُّعُودِيَّةُ آنَذاكَ). At that time, life was simpler (آنَذاكَ، كانَتْ الْحَياةُ أَبْسَطَ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
قائِمٌ pl: قُيَّمٌ or ٌقُوَّام or ٌقُيَّام	existing, ongoing; established; also: upright, standing. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb قامَ – يَقُومُ (to rise; to come into being). Root: ق-و-م. For example: The problem is still ongoing=still exists (الْمُشْكِلَةُ ما زالَتْ قائِمَةً).
اِعْتِقالٌ pl: اِعْتِقالاتٌ	arrest. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb اِعْتَقَلَ – يَعْتَقِلُ (to arrest). For example: The police carried out several arrests (نَفَّذَتْ الشُّرْطَةُ عِدَّةَ اِعْتِقالاتٍ).
غَنِيٌّ pl: أَغْنِياءُ	rich (person). Quasi-participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ) of the I-verb غَنِيَ – يَغْنى (to be rich). For example: He became rich through trade (أَصْبَحَ غَنِيًّا عَنْ طَرِيقِ التِّجارَةِ). Somebody who needs no introduction (شَخْصٌ غَنِيٌّ عَنْ التَّعْرِيفِ). Developed countries (الْبِلادُ الْغَنِيَّةُ).
مَثارٌ	cause, source, motive. Root: ث-و-ر. Special kind of verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ مِيمِيٌّ). It signifies the causing or stirring up of concern. It represents the action or concept of ‘provoking’ or ‘being a source’. For example: Was a source of global criticism (كانَ مَثارَ نَقْدٍ عالَمِيٍّ). His behavior is a source of concern (سُلُوكُهُ مَثارُ قَلَقٍ). Object of dispute (مَثارُ الْجَدَلِ).
خِلافٌ pl: خِلافاتٌ	dispute, difference. For example: Differences between Gulf states (الْخِلافاتُ بَيْنَ دُوَلِ الْخَلِيجِ). They resolved their differences peacefully (حَلُّوا خِلافاتِهِمْ سِلْمِيًّا). See MAB 08-24.
عَلَى وَشْكِ	on the verge of. For example: The company is on the verge of bankruptcy (الشَّرِكَةُ عَلَى وَشْكِ الْإِفْلاسِ). He is about to leave (هُوَ عَلَى وَشْكِ الْاِنْطِلاقِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
اِنْفِجارٌ pl: اِنْفِجاراتٌ	explosion. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VII-verb اِنْفَجَرَ – يَنْفَجِرُ (to explode). For example: On the verge of explosion (عَلَى وَشْكِ الْاِنْفِجارِ). A huge explosion was heard (سُمِعَ اِنْفِجارٌ ضَخْمٌ).
اِنْضَمَّ – يَنْضَمُّ (إِلَى)	to join. VII-verb. Root: ض-م-م. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِنْضِمامٌ. For example: Sheikh Tamim did not join (لَمْ يَنْضَمَّ=يَنْضَمِمْ الشِّيخُ تَمِيمٌ). He decided to join the club (قَرَّرَ أَنْ يَنْضَمَّ إِلَى النّادِي). New members joined the team (اِنْضَمَّ أَعْضاءٌ جُدُدٌ إِلَى الْفَرِيقِ).
آثَرَ – يُؤْثِرُ	to prefer. IV-verb. Root: أ-ث-ر.For example: He preferred to deal with him directly (آثَرَ أَنْ يَتَعامَلَ مَعَهُ مُباشَرَةً). He preferred death to surrender (آثَرَ الْمَوْتَ عَلَى الْاِسْتِسْلامِ).
مُرُورٌ	passing through; traffic. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb مَرَّ – يَمُرُّ (to pass). For example: The passage of time changes everything (مُرُورُ الْوَقْتِ يُغَيِّرُ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ). Traffic jam (اِزْدِحامُ الْمُرُورِ). See MAB 07-24.
مَحَطَّةٌ pl: مَحَطّاتٌ	station, stop. Noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ). For example: We met at the train station (اِلْتَقَيْنا فِي مَحَطَّةِ الْقِطارِ).
تَوَتُّرٌ pl: تَوَتُّراتٌ	tension. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the V-verb تَوَتَّرَ – يَتَوَتَّرُ (to be tense). Root: و-ت-ر. For example: Tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran (التَّوَتُّرُ بَيْنَ السُّعُودِيَّةِ وَإِيرانَ). Tension increased between the two countries (اِزْدادَ التَّوَتُّرُ بَيْنَ الْبَلَدَيْنِ).
أَوْجٌ	peak, summit. For example: Was at its peak (كانَ فِي أَوْجِهِ). He reached the peak of his career (وَصَلَ إِلَى أَوْجِ مِهْنَتِهِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُسْتَقِرٌّ	stable. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the X-verb اِسْتَقَرَّ – يَسْتَقِرُّ (to be stable). For example: The patient’s condition is stable (حالَةُ الْمَرِيضِ مُسْتَقِرَّةٌ).
اِسْتَقَرَّ – يَسْتَقِرُّ	to become stable, settle down. X-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِسْتِقْرارٌ. For example: He finally settled in Cairo (اِسْتَقَرَّ أَخِيرًا فِي الْقاهِرَةِ).
بُطْءٌ	slowness. For example: Even if slowly (وَلَوْ بِبُطْءٍ). He spoke with noticeable slowness (تَكَلَّمَ بِبُطْءٍ مَلْحُوظٍ).
إِذَنْ	therefore, so, then. For example: So, the situations have now changed (إِذَنْ الْأَوْضاعُ الْآنَ تَغَيَّرَتْ). You are tired? Then rest (أَنْتَ مُتْعَبٌ؟ إِذَنْ اِسْتَرِحْ).
تَغَيَّرَ – يَتَغَيَّرُ	to change. V-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَغَيُّرٌ. For example: The weather changes quickly here (يَتَغَيَّرُ الطَّقْسُ بِسُرْعَةٍ هُنا).
لِصالِحِ	in favor of; suitable for. The active participle صالِح means righteous, correct, suitable. For example: In favor of Saudi Arabia (وَلِصالِحِ السُّعُودِيَّةِ). The decision was in his favor (كانَ الْقَرارُ لِصالِحِهِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
طَوَى – يَطْوِي	to fold, close. I-verb. Root: ط-و-ي. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is طَيٌّ. For example: The Khashoggi page was closed (طُوِيَتْ صَفْحَةُ مَقْتَلِ خاشِقْجِي). He folded the letter and put it in his pocket (طَوَى الرِّسالَةَ وَوَضَعَها فِي جَيْبِهِ). See MAB 12-24.
مَجالٌ pl: مَجالاتٌ	field, area. For example: In the field of new energy (فِي مَجالِ الطّاقَةِ الْجَدِيدَةِ). He works in the field of medicine (يَعْمَلُ فِي مَجالِ الطِّبِّ). See MAB 10-24.
الطّاقَةُ الْجَدِيدَةُ	New energy. For example: Investing in new energy is crucial (الْاِسْتِثْمارُ فِي الطّاقَةِ الْجَدِيدَةِ حاسِمٌ).
الذَّكاءُ الاِصْطِناعِيُّ	Artificial intelligence. For example: Artificial intelligence is changing our world (الذَّكاءُ الاِصْطِناعِيُّ يُغَيِّرُ عالَمَنا).
اِخْتِراقٌ pl: اِخْتِراقاتٌ	breakthrough, penetration. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb اِخْتَرَقَ – يَخْتَرِقُ (to penetrate). For example: The company achieved a technological breakthrough (حَقَّقَتْ الشَّرِكَةُ اِخْتِراقًا تِكْنُولُوجِيًّا).
إِبادَةٌ	annihilation, extermination. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَبادَ – يُبِيدُ (to annihilate). Root: ب-ي-د. For example: genocide (إِبادَةٌ جَماعِيَّةٌ or إِبادَةٌ عِرْقِيَّةٌ). Genocide is a crime against humanity (الْإِبادَةُ الْجَماعِيَّةُ جَرِيمَةٌ ضِدَّ الْإِنْسانِيَّةِ). See MAB 04-25.
جَبْهَةٌ pl: جَبَهاتٌ	front; forehead. For example: Fighting intensified on the eastern front (اِشْتَدَّ الْقِتالُ عَلَى الْجَبْهَةِ الشَّرْقِيَّةِ). The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine = PFLP (الْجَبْهَةُ الشَّعْبِيَّةُ لِتَحْرِيرِ فِلَسْطِينَ)

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
نُهُوضٌ	rising, revival; advancement. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb نَهَضَ – يَنْهَضُ (to rise). For example: The economic revival requires great efforts (يَتَطَلَّبُ النُّهُوضُ الْاِقْتِصادِيُّ جُهُودًا كَبِيرَةً). With the preposition بِ, it usually denotes assuming; taking on. For example: assuming responsibility (نُهُوضٌ بِمَسْؤُولِيَّةٍ)
قادِرٌ (عَلَى)	able (to). Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb قَدَرَ – يَقْدِرُ (to be able). For example: He is able to achieve it (أَنَّهُ قادِرٌ عَلَى تَحْقِيقِهِ). Are you able to help me? (هَلْ أَنْتَ قادِرٌ عَلَى مُساعَدَتِي؟).
صُرَّةٌ pl: صُرَرٌ	bundle, purse; money bag. For example: The old woman carried a small bundle (حَمَلَتْ الْعَجُوزُ صُرَّةً صَغِيرَةً).
لا بَأْسَ (فِي)	No harm (in); it’s okay; it doesn’t matter. For example: Then there is no harm in that (فَلا بَأْسَ فِي ذٰلِكَ). No harm in trying (لا بَأْسَ مِنْ الْمُحاوَلَةِ).
بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِ	Regarding, as for. For example: As for Syria (بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِسُورِيا). As for me, I agree (بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِي، أَنا مُوافِقٌ). In my opinion (بالنِّسْبةِ لِي)
عاصِفَةٌ pl: عَواصِفُ	storm. For example: A severe storm hit the coast (ضَرَبَتْ عاصِفَةٌ شَدِيدَةٌ السّاحِلَ). A storm of protests (عاصِفَةٌ مِنْ الْاِحْتِجاجاتِ).
اِضْطِرابٌ pl: اِضْطِراباتٌ	unrest, disturbance. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb اِضْطَرَبَ – يَضْطَرِبُ (to be disturbed). Root: ض-ر-ب. Remark: The ت of the pattern اِفْتَعَلَ changes to ط because of the emphatic root letter ض. For example: Internal unrest (اِضْطِراباتٌ داخِلِيَّةٌ). The city witnessed political disturbances (شَهِدَتِ الْمَدِينَةُ اِضْطِراباتٍ سِياسِيَّةً).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
مُتَواصِلٌ	continuous; consecutive. Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of VI-verb تَواصَلَ – يَتَواصَلُ (to continue). Root: و-ص-ل. For example: Continuous Israeli penetrations (اخْتِراقاتٌ إِسْرائِيلِيَّةٌ مُتَواصِلَةٌ). We need continuous effort (نَحْتاجُ إِلَى جُهْدٍ مُتَواصِلٍ).
اِنْهيارٌ	collapse. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VII-verb اِنْهارَ – يَنْهارُ (to collapse). For example: On the verge of collapse (عَلَى وَشْكِ الْاِنْهيارِ). The economic collapse affected everyone (أَثَّرَ الْاِنْهيارُ الْاِقْتِصادِيُّ عَلَى الْجَمِيعِ).
عَطَّلَ – يُعَطِّلُ	to put out of action; to disrupt; to break; to disable. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَعْطِيلٌ. For example: The strike disrupted transportation (عَطَّلَ الْإِضْرابُ حَرَكَةَ النَّقْلِ).
تَعافٍ	recovery. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَعافَى – يَتَعافَى مِنْ (to recover from). Root: ع-ف-و. For example: All types of recovery (كُلُّ أَنْواعِ التَّعافِي). The patient’s recovery was slow (كانَ تَعافِي الْمَرِيضِ بَطِيئًا). Full recovery (التَّعافِي التّامُّ)
مَدْعُومٌ (مِنْ)	supported (by); subsidized. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the I-verb دَعَمَ – يَدْعَمُ (to support). For example: The project is supported by the government (الْمَشْرُوعُ مَدْعُومٌ مِنَ الْحُكُومَةِ).
عَلَنِيٌّ	public, overt. Nisba adjective (نِسْبةٌ) whose base is the noun عَلَنٌ, referring to the notion of openness or publicity. For example: He expressed his public support (أَعْرَبَ عَنْ دَعْمِهِ الْعَلَنِيِّ). See MAB 03-24.
شَأْنٌ pl: شُؤُونٌ	matter, affair. For example: Do not interfere in my affairs (لا تَتَدَخَّلْ فِي شُؤُونِي). See MAB 03-25.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
قَلَّدَ – يُقَلِّدُ	to imitate, follow. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَقْلِيدٌ which is usually translated as tradition, custom, convention. For example: Children often imitate their parents (الْأَطْفالُ غالِبًا ما يُقَلِّدُونَ آباءَهُمْ).
نَمُوذَجٌ pl: نَماذِجُ	model, example. For example: He is a role model for young people (هُوَ نَمُوذَجٌ يُحْتَذَى بِهِ لِلشَّبابِ).
إِصْرارٌ (عَلَى)	insistence (on). Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَصَرَّ – يُصِرُّ (to insist). Root: ص-ر-ر. For example: Without insisting on the issue (دُونَ الْإِصْرارِ عَلَى قَضِيَّةِ). His insistence on the truth was admirable (كانَ إِصْرارُهُ عَلَى الْحَقِيقَةِ مُثِيرًا لِلْإِعْجابِ).
بَيْضَةُ الْقَبّانِ	counterweight; counterbalance. Idiom. The noun قَبّانٌ means scale. For example: The deciding factor between the two axes (بَيْضَةُ الْقَبّانِ بَيْنَ الْمِحْوَرَيْنِ). The youth vote will be the deciding factor in the election (صَوْتُ الشَّبابِ سَيَكُونُ بَيْضَةَ الْقَبّانِ فِي الْاِنْتِخاباتِ).
مِحْوَرٌ pl: مَحاوِرُ	axis, pivot. Root: ح-و-ر. For example: (بَيْنَ الْمِحْوَرَيْنِ). The discussion focused on several axes (تَرَكَّزَ النِّقاشُ عَلَى عِدَّةِ مَحاوِرَ).

Article Section 4

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
عَجَبٌ pl: أَعْجابٌ	wonder. For example: No wonder! It is not surprising! (لا عَجَبَ). It is no wonder that he succeeded, as he worked hard (لا عَجَبَ أَنْ نَجَحَ، فَقَدْ عَمِلَ بِجِدٍّ). It may also denote astonishment. For example: how strange (عَجَبًا or يا لَلْعَجَبِ)
عاتِقٌ pl: عَواتِقُ	shoulder. Often used in idioms. For example: Saudi Arabia took upon itself (أَخَذَتْ السُّعُودِيَّةُ عَلَى عاتِقِها). The responsibility rests on his shoulders (تَقَعُ الْمَسْؤُولِيَّةُ عَلَى عاتِقِهِ). Good to Know: Arabic for shoulder ➤ عَاتِقٌ refers specifically to the upper slope of the shoulder – the area between the shoulder joint (مَنْكِب) and the base of the neck (العُنُق). Figurative use: Often means responsibility or burden, as in the idiom وَقَعَ عَلَى عَاتِقِهِ (the burden fell on his shoulders). ➤ كَتِفٌ: More commonly denotes the shoulder blade or even the joint in Modern Standard Arabic. ➤ مَنْكِبٌ: The joint where the upper arm meets the shoulder, essentially the top of the shoulder.
إِبْعادٌ	distancing, removing; deportation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَبْعَدَ – يُبْعِدُ (to distance). For example: The decision aims at removing danger (يَهْدِفُ الْقَرارُ إِلَى إِبْعادِ الْخَطَرِ).
رَبَطَ – يَرْبِطُ	to tie, link. I-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is رَبْطٌ. For example: He linked the results to the causes (رَبَطَ النَّتائِجَ بِالْأَسْبابِ).
طَبَّعَ – يُطَبِّعُ	to normalize. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَطْبِيعٌ. For example: Some countries seek to normalize relations (تَسْعَى بَعْضُ الدُّوَلِ إِلَى تَطْبِيعِ الْعَلاقاتِ).
صَفٌّ pl: صُفُوفٌ	rank; line; order. For example: To sit in the front (جَلَسَ فِي الصَفِّ الأَوَّلِ). To sit in the back row (جَلَسَ فِي الصَفِّ الأَخِيرِ). The students stood in a line (وَقَفَ الطُّلّابُ فِي صَفٍّ واحِدٍ). See MAB 12-24.
فَسَّرَ – يُفَسِّرُ	to explain. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَفْسِيرٌ. For example: This explains the anger (وَهٰذا ما يُفَسِّرُ الْحَنَقَ). Can you explain this theory to me? (هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تُفَسِّرَ لِي هٰذِهِ النَّظَرِيَّةَ؟). See MAB 02-24.

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
حَنَقٌ	anger, rage. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the I-verb حَنِقَ – يَحْنَقُ (to be/become furious). For example: The anger shown by Netanyahu (الْحَنَقُ الَّذِي أَظْهَرَهُ نَتَنْياهُو). He felt deep anger towards his enemy (شَعَرَ بِحَنَقٍ عَمِيقٍ تِجاهَ عَدُوِّهِ).
مُؤَكَّدٌ	certain, confirmed. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the II-verb أَكَّدَ – يُؤَكِّدُ (to confirm). Root: أ-ك-د. For example: Is this scenario certain? (هَلْ هٰذا السِّينارِيُو مُؤَكَّدٌ؟). It is certain that he will come (مِنَ الْمُؤَكَّدِ أَنَّهُ سَيَأْتِي).
بِالطَّبْعِ	of course; naturally. For example: Of course not (بِالطَّبْعِ لا). Will you attend? Of course! (هَلْ سَتَحْضُرُ؟ بِالطَّبْعِ!).
مَدْخَلٌ pl: مَداخِلُ	entrance, approach. Noun of place (اِسْمُ مَكانٍ) of the I-verb دَخَلَ – يَدْخُلُ (to enter). For example: The main entrance to the building is closed (الْمَدْخَلُ الرَّئِيسِيُّ لِلْمَبْنَى مُغْلَقٌ).
جائِزَةٌ pl: جَوائِزُ	prize, award. For example: The Nobel Peace Prize (جائِزَةُ نُوبِل لِلسَّلامِ). He won the first prize (فازَ بِالْجائِزَةِ الْأُولَى).
اِحْتَلَّ – يَحْتَلُّ	to occupy; to hold (a position). VIII-verb. Root: ح-ل-ل. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِحْتِلالٌ (occupation). For example: The army occupied the city (اِحْتَلَّ الْجَيْشُ الْمَدِينَةَ). Army of occupation (جَيْشُ الْاِحْتِلالِ)
جُزْءٌ pl: أَجْزاءٌ	part. Root: ج-ز-أ. For example: Part of Trump’s thinking (جُزْءٌ مِنْ تَفْكِيرِ تْرامْب). This is only part of the story (هٰذا فَقَطْ جُزْءٌ مِنَ الْقِصَّةِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَفْكِيرٌ	thinking. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb فَكَّرَ – يُفَكِّرُ (to think). For example: We need creative thinking to solve this (نَحْتاجُ إِلَى تَفْكِيرٍ إِبْداعِيٍّ لِحَلِّ هٰذِهِ).
نَزِيفٌ	bleeding. It is a noun of exaggeration/noun of intensification (صِيغَةُ المُبالَغَةِ) based on the I-verb نَزَفَ – يَنْزِفُ (to bleed). For example: The unprecedented human bleeding (النَّزِيفُ الْإِنْسانِيُّ غَيْرُ الْمَسْبُوقِ). The doctor stopped the bleeding (أَوْقَفَ الطَّبِيبُ النَّزِيفَ).
غَيْرُ مَسْبُوقٍ	unprecedented. مَسْبُوقٌ is the passive participle (اِسْمُ الْمَفْعُولِ) of the I-verb سَبَقَ – يَسْبِقُ (to precede) and thus denotes having precedent, but it most often appears in the negative construction غَيْرُ مَسْبُوقٍ meaning unprecedented. For example: The growth rate was unprecedented (كانَ مُعَدَّلُ النُّمُوِّ غَيْرَ مَسْبُوقٍ).
شَكٌّ pl: شُكُوكٌ	doubt. For example: There is no doubt that (لا شَكَّ أَنَّ). There is no doubt about his honesty (لا شَكَّ فِي أمانَتِهِ).
تَوَّجَ – يُتَوِّجُ	to crown. II-verb. Root: ت-و-ج. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَتْوِيجٌ and means crowning. For example: Trump will crown his diplomatic career (تْرامْب سَيُتَوِّجُ مَسِيرَتَهُ الدِّبْلُماسِيَّةَ). The king crowned his son (تَوَّجَ الْمَلِكُ اِبْنَهُ). You may also know the noun تاجٌ (pl: تِيجانٌ) which means crown (also on a tooth).
وَثِقَ – يَثِقُ (فِي / بِ)	to trust (in). I-verb. Root: و-ث-ق. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is ثِقَةٌ. For example: We do not trust Trump (نَحْنُ لا نَثِقُ فِي تْرامْب). I trust your judgment (أَثِقُ فِي حُكْمِكَ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
اِعْتَبَرَ – يَعْتَبِرُ	to consider. VIII-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is اِعْتِبارٌ and means consideration; regard. For example: I consider him a good friend (أَعْتَبِرُهُ صَدِيقًا جَيِّدًا). Considering that (بِاِعْتِبارِ أَنْ or عَلَى اِعْتِبارِ أَنَّ). See MAB 07-24.
صاحِبٌ pl: أَصْحابٌ	owner, possessor (of). Active participle (اِسْمُ فاعِلٍ) of the I-verb صَحِبَ – يَصْحَبُ (to accompany). For example: Owner of brave decisions (صاحِبُ الْقَراراتِ الشُّجاعَةِ). He is the owner of this car (هُوَ صاحِبُ هٰذِهِ السَّيّارَةِ).
شُجاعٌ pl: شُجْعانٌ or شَجَعةٌ	brave, courageous. Quasi participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ) of the I-verb شَجُعَ – يَشْجُعُ (to be brave). For example: Brave decisions (الْقَراراتُ الشُّجاعَةُ). He was a brave soldier (كانَ جُنْدِيًّا شُجاعًا).
آنِيٌّ	instantaneous, immediate; present/current. Nisba adjective (نِسْبةٌ). For example: We need an immediate solution (نَحْتاجُ إِلَى حَلٍّ آنِيٍّ). Remark: The word آنِيٌّ derives from the noun آنٌ. In classical usage, ٌآن carries meanings such as the present time or a settled moment and, in some contexts, even heat or intensity. Suffix: The element -يّ is a common adjectival (or Nisba) suffix in Arabic, indicating relationship or attribution. So, آنِيٌّ is made up of the base آن combined with the suffix -يّ, meaning pertaining to the present (or exceedingly hot in certain rare contexts).
مُتَوَقَّعٌ	expected. Passive participle (اِسْمُ مَفْعُولٍ) of the V-verb تَوَقَّعَ – يَتَوَقَّعُ (to expect). Root: و-ق-ع. For example: unexpected (غَيْرُ الْمُتَوَقَّعَةِ). His success was expected (كانَ نَجاحُهُ مُتَوَقَّعًا).
مَجَّدَ – يُمَجِّدُ	to glorify. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَمْجِيدٌ (glorification). For example: The people glorified their leader (مَجَّدَ الشَّعْبُ قائِدَهُمْ).
غَضِبَ – يَغْضَبُ	to become angry. I-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is غَضَبٌ. For example: Whoever gets angry, gets angry (غَضِبَ مَنْ غَضِبَ). He got angry because of the delay (غَضِبَ بِسَبَبِ التَّأْخِيرِ).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
رَضِيَ – يَرْضَى	to be pleased. I-verb. Root: ر-ض-ي. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is رِضًا. For example: Whoever is pleased, is pleased (وَرَضِيَ مَنْ رَضِيَ). Are you pleased with the result? (هَلْ أَنْتَ راضٍ عَنِ النَّتِيجَةِ؟).
خَشِيَ – يَخْشَى	to fear. I-verb. Root: خ-ش-ي. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is خَشْيَةٌ. For example: But we fear that (لَكِنَّنا نَخْشَى أَنْ). He fears failure (يَخْشَى الْفَشَلَ).
عادةٌ pl: عاداتٌ or عَوائِدُ	habit; custom, practice. For example: He couldn’t quit his old habits (لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ تَرْكَ عاداتِهِ الْقَدِيمَةِ).
عِشْقٌ	love, passion. For example: He returns to his eternal love (يَعُودُ إِلَى عِشْقِهِ الْأَبَدِيِّ). His love for music is deep (عِشْقُهُ لِلْمُوسِيقَى عَمِيقٌ).
أَبَدِيٌّ	eternal; everlasting. Relative adjective (نِسْبَةٌ) of the noun أَبَدٌ (eternity). For example: His eternal love (عِشْقُهُ الْأَبَدِيُّ). Eternal life (الْحَياةُ الْأَبَدِيّةُ). They swore eternal friendship (أَقْسَمُوا عَلَى صَداقَةٍ أَبَدِيَّةٍ).
جَرَّفَ – يُجَرِّفُ	to strip, dredge. II-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is تَجْرِيفٌ. For example: The river stripped away the land (جَرَّفَ النَّهْرُ الْأَرْضَ).
سارَ – يَسِيرُ	to walk, proceed. I-verb. Root: س-ي-ر. For example: Which way is it going? (فِي أَيِّ اتِّجاهٍ يَسِيرُ). He walked towards the market (سارَ نَحْوَ السُّوقِ). Note: There are many infinitive forms: سَيْرٌ or سَيْرُورةٌ or مَسِيرٌ or مَسِيرةٌ or تَسْيارٌ

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
شَرِيكٌ pl: شُرَكاءُ	partner. Quasi participle (صِفَةٌ مُشَبَّهَةٌ) of the I-verb شَرِكَ – يَشْرَكُ (to be a partner). For example: He is my business partner (هُوَ شَرِيكِي فِي الْعَمَلِ).
سَلَفٌ pl: أَسْلافٌ	predecessor; ancestor. For example: He respected his predecessor’s achievements (اِحْتَرَمَ إِنْجازاتِ سَلَفِهِ). The word Salafism (سَلَفِيّةٌ) is derived from the same root.
أَهْوَجُ pl: هَوْجَاءُ or هُوجٌ	reckless, rash. Adjective (صِفَةٌ). For example: His reckless predecessor (سَلَفُهُ الْأَهْوَجُ). His reckless driving caused an accident (قِيادَتُهُ الْهَوْجاءُ سَبَّبَتْ حادِثًا).
هَنْدَسَةٌ	engineering, structuring; geometry. For example: He studied civil engineering (دَرَسَ الْهَنْدَسَةَ الْمَدَنِيَّةَ).
قائِمٌ عَلَى	based on. Root: ق-و-م. For example: Based on peace (قائِمٌ عَلَى السِّلْمِ). A plan based on cooperation (خُطَّةٌ قائِمَةٌ عَلَى التَّعاوُنِ).
سِلْمٌ	peace. For example: We all aspire to peace (كُلُّنا نَطْمَحُ إِلَى السِّلْمِ).
اِزْدِهارٌ	prosperity. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VIII-verb اِزْدَهَرَ – يَزْدَهِرُ (to prosper). Root: ز-ه-ر. The ت in the pattern اِفْتَعَلَ turns into د due to the first root letter ز. For example: prosperity and cooperation (الْاِزْدِهارُ وَالتَّعاوُنُ). The country is experiencing economic prosperity (يَشْهَدُ الْبَلَدُ اِزْدِهارًا اِقْتِصادِيًّا).

ARABIC	EXPLANATION
تَعاوُنٌ	cooperation. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the VI-verb تَعاوَنَ – يَتَعاوَنُ (to cooperate). Root: ع-و-ن. For example: Cooperation is key to success (التَّعاوُنُ مِفْتاحُ النَّجاحِ). See MAB 10-24.
إِغْلاقٌ	closing; locking. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the IV-verb أَغْلَقَ – يُغْلِقُ (to close). For example: The closing of the factory led to job losses (أَدَّى إِغْلاقُ الْمَصْنَعِ إِلَى فِقْدانِ وَظائِفَ).
جَماعِيٌّ	collective, mass. Relative adjective – Nisba (نِسْبَةٌ). For example: Mass killing (الْقَتْلُ الْجَماعِيُّ). We made a collective decision (اِتَّخَذْنا قَرارًا جَماعِيًّا).
تَدْمِيرٌ	destruction. Verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) of the II-verb دَمَّرَ – يُدَمِّرُ (to destroy). For example: The war caused widespread destruction (سَبَّبَتْ الْحَرْبُ تَدْمِيرًا واسِعًا).
أَبارتْهايْد	Apartheid. Occasionally, you also read عَزْلٌ عُنْصُرِيٌّ to express racial segregation. For example: The world fought against apartheid (حارَبَ الْعالَمُ ضِدَّ أَبارتْهايْد).
أَبْدَى – يُبْدِي	to show, reveal. IV-verb. Root: ب-د-و. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is إِبْداءٌ. For example: The coming days will show us (سَتُبْدِي لَنا الْأَيّامُ الْمُقْبِلَةُ). He showed great interest (أَبْدَى اهْتِمامًا كَبِيرًا). See MAB 07-24.
جَهِلَ – يَجْهَلُ	to not know, be ignorant of. I-verb. The verbal noun (مَصْدَرٌ) is جَهْلٌ. For example: What we do not know now (ما نَجْهَلُهُ الْآنَ). Many people are ignorant of these facts (كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النّاسِ يَجْهَلُونَ هٰذِهِ الْحَقائِقَ).

---

---

---

Note: The feature image was created by AI and is used for illustration purposes only.