At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic, physical meaning of 'يقطع' (yaqta'u). This word means 'he cuts.' Imagine a person in a kitchen with a knife. He is cutting bread or a piece of fruit. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar or metaphorical meanings. Just remember that it describes a simple action with a tool. You will see it in sentences like 'The man cuts the meat.' It is a regular verb in the present tense. If you want to say 'I cut,' you say 'أنا أقطع' (ana aqta'u). If you want to say 'You cut,' you say 'أنت تقطع' (anta taqta'u). This verb is very useful for basic daily life, especially when talking about food or simple tasks. Practice using it with common nouns like 'bread' (khubz), 'meat' (lahm), and 'paper' (waraq). Even at this early stage, knowing 'yaqta'u' helps you describe what people are doing in pictures or in the kitchen. It is one of those 'action' verbs that form the building blocks of your Arabic vocabulary. Don't worry about the spelling of the 'qaf' or the 'ayn' too much yet; focus on the sound and the simple image of a knife dividing something in two. This is the foundation upon which you will build more complex meanings later.
At the A2 level, you begin to see that 'يقطع' (yaqta'u) is more than just using a knife. You will learn that it is used for 'crossing' something, like a street or a road. This is very important for giving and following directions. If someone tells you 'يقطع الشارع' (yaqta'u al-shari'), they mean 'he crosses the street.' You will also start to see it used with transportation. For example, in many Arabic-speaking countries, you 'cut' a ticket (يقطع تذكرة) instead of just 'buying' one. This is a very common cultural expression. You should also learn how to use the preposition 'بـ' (bi) to say what tool is being used, such as 'بالسكين' (with the knife). At A2, you are expected to conjugate the verb correctly for all pronouns: 'هو يقطع' (he cuts), 'هي تقطع' (she cuts), 'هم يقطعون' (they cut). You are moving from simple labels to describing more complex daily activities. You might also encounter the word in the context of the weather or utilities, such as 'the water cuts' (يقطع الماء), meaning the water supply has stopped. This level is about expanding the 'domains' where you use the word, from the kitchen to the street and the train station.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the literal meanings and start exploring the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'يقطع' (yaqta'u). You will encounter this verb in news reports and stories. For example, 'يقطع المسافة' (he covers the distance) or 'يقطع الوعد' (he makes a promise). These are fixed expressions where 'cutting' doesn't involve a physical object but rather a conceptual one. You should also be able to distinguish between 'يقطع' (Form I - to cut) and 'يقطّع' (Form II - to chop/dice). The shadda on the middle letter changes the meaning to something more intensive. In B1, you will also learn about 'يقطع الاتصال' (cutting the connection), which is used for phone calls and internet. You should be able to use the verb in different tenses confidently: 'قطع' (he cut - past), 'يقطع' (he cuts - present), and 'اقطع' (cut! - imperative). You will also start to see the passive form 'يُقطَع' (it is cut). This level requires you to understand the verb in context. If you read a sentence about a traveler 'cutting' a desert, you should know it means he is traversing it, not literally slicing the sand. Your vocabulary is becoming more nuanced, and you are starting to understand how Arabic uses physical verbs to describe abstract concepts.
At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of the semantic range of 'يقطع' (yaqta'u). You will encounter it in literature, formal speeches, and complex social discussions. One important concept at this level is 'صلة الرحم' (the ties of kinship). The phrase 'يقطع صلة الرحم' (to sever family ties) is a very strong expression in Arabic culture and religion. You should understand the social and moral weight this verb carries in such contexts. You will also see it used in legal or business contexts, such as 'يقطع الطريق على' (to block the way for/to preempt someone). This level also involves understanding the verbal noun (Masdar) 'قَطْع' (qata') and how it is used in various fields, like 'قطاع' (sector) - for example, 'القطاع الخاص' (the private sector). You should be able to use the verb in complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and relative clauses. For example: 'الرجل الذي يقطع الشجر يحمي الغابة' (The man who cuts the trees protects the forest - depending on the context). You should also be aware of the different shades of meaning in different dialects, though your focus remains on Modern Standard Arabic. At B2, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing its impact and choosing it over synonyms like 'يفصل' or 'يقص' for specific rhetorical effects.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the stylistic and historical nuances of 'يقطع' (yaqta'u). You will study its use in classical Arabic texts, including the Quran and Hadith, where the root Q-T-' has profound theological implications. You should be able to appreciate the word's role in 'I'jaz' (inimitability) of the Arabic language—how a simple verb like 'to cut' can be used to describe the definitive nature of divine decrees or the absolute separation of truth from falsehood (القول القاطع - the decisive word). You will also use the verb in highly academic or technical writing. In mathematics, you might use it for 'intersecting' lines. In philosophy, for 'interrupting' a flow of thought. Your mastery should include rare idioms and the ability to use the verb to create sophisticated metaphors in your own writing. You should be able to discuss the etymological links between 'يقطع' and related words like 'مقاطعة' (boycott/province) or 'انقطاع' (interruption/cessation). At this level, you are expected to have a 'feel' for the word—knowing exactly when 'yaqta'u' sounds better than 'yufasilu' in a formal essay. You are also capable of understanding puns or wordplay involving the multiple meanings of the root.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'يقطع' (yaqta'u) is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can navigate the most obscure classical poetry where the verb might be used in archaic ways to describe the speed of a camel or the sharpness of a sword. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic implications of using the verb in different registers, from the most street-level slang to the most elevated 'Fusha.' You can use the verb to engage in high-level debates about linguistics, law, or theology. You are aware of the historical evolution of the root from Proto-Semitic origins to its current forms. You can effortlessly switch between the literal, figurative, and idiomatic uses of the verb in a single conversation or text without losing precision. For you, 'yaqta'u' is not just a word in a dictionary; it is a versatile tool that you can bend to your will to express the finest shades of meaning. You can identify and interpret the use of the verb in different regional dialects across the Arab world, understanding how 'ya'ta' in Cairo might carry slightly different connotations than 'yaqta' in Riyadh. Your command is total, allowing you to use the word with absolute confidence, creativity, and cultural sensitivity.

يقطع في 30 ثانية

  • Primary meaning: To cut or divide physically using a tool.
  • Navigational meaning: To cross a road, street, or distance.
  • Idiomatic usage: To buy a ticket or make a promise.
  • Social/Communication: To interrupt someone or sever a relationship.

The Arabic verb يقطع (yaqta'u) is a foundational Form I verb derived from the root ق-ط-ع (Q-T-'). At its most literal level, it describes the physical act of dividing an object into two or more parts using a sharp instrument like a knife, scissors, or a saw. However, in the rich tapestry of the Arabic language, this verb transcends physical destruction to encompass a vast array of metaphorical and functional meanings. It is used to describe crossing a distance, interrupting a conversation, purchasing a ticket, or even severing a social relationship. Understanding yaqta'u requires a learner to look beyond the blade and see the concept of 'separation' or 'termination' in various contexts.

Physical Action
The primary usage involves food preparation or crafts. For example, a chef cuts vegetables, or a tailor cuts cloth. It implies a clean, intentional division.

يقطع الطباخ الخضروات بسكين حادة لعمل السلطة.
(The cook cuts the vegetables with a sharp knife to make the salad.)

Navigation and Travel
In the context of movement, يقطع الشارع (yaqta'u al-shari') means 'he crosses the street.' It signifies 'cutting through' a space. It is also used for traveling long distances, as in يقطع مسافة طويلة (he covers/cuts a long distance).

يقطع المسافر أميالاً كثيرة للوصول إلى وطنه.
(The traveler covers many miles to reach his homeland.)

Abstract Termination
When applied to speech or electricity, it means to interrupt or disconnect. If someone interrupts you, they يقطع كلامك. If the power goes out, the current 'cuts.'

لا تقطع كلامي وأنا أتحدث من فضلك.
(Please do not interrupt my speech while I am talking.)

Socially, the verb carries weight in religious and cultural contexts. The phrase يقطع صلة الرحم (cutting the ties of kinship) is a significant concept in Islamic ethics, referring to the act of abandoning one's family. Thus, the verb scales from the mundane act of slicing bread to the profound act of severing human bonds.

الرجل الصالح لا يقطع رحمه أبداً.
(The righteous man never severs his kinship ties.)

يقطع الجزار اللحم إلى قطع صغيرة.
(The butcher cuts the meat into small pieces.)

Grammatically, يقطع is a present-tense (Mudari') verb. Its past tense is قطع (qata'a) and its root is Q-T-'. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually requires a direct object (Maf'ul Bihi) to complete its meaning. For example, if you say 'He cuts,' the listener will naturally ask 'Cuts what?' The object takes the Fatha (accusative case) in formal Arabic. Let's look at the syntactic structures across different domains of life.

In the Kitchen
When following a recipe, you will encounter this verb frequently. It is often paired with the tool used, preceded by the preposition بـ (bi - with).

يقطع الطباخ البصل بالسكين.
(The cook cuts the onion with the knife.)

In Transportation
This is vital for daily life. 'Cutting the road' is the standard way to express crossing.

يقطع الطفل الشارع من ممر المشاة.
(The child crosses the street from the pedestrian crossing.)

In Communication
It describes the cessation of signals or speech.

يقطع المذيع البرنامج لخبر عاجل.
(The announcer interrupts the program for breaking news.)

Furthermore, يقطع appears in legal and contractual language. To 'cut a promise' (يقطع وعداً) is to make a solemn vow. This is an idiomatic usage where the 'cutting' signifies the definitive nature of the commitment.

يقطع المدير وعداً للموظفين بزيادة الرواتب.
(The manager makes a promise to the employees to increase salaries.)

يقطع النجار الخشب ليصنع كرسياً.
(The carpenter cuts the wood to make a chair.)

The word يقطع is ubiquitous in the Arab world, echoing through bustling markets, quiet kitchens, and official news broadcasts. If you walk through a traditional 'Souq' (market) in Cairo or Amman, you will hear butchers asking customers how they want their meat 'cut.' In a textile shop, the merchant will ask if he should 'cut' the fabric now. It is a word of action and decision. Beyond the physical, it is a staple of news media. News anchors often say, 'We interrupt this broadcast...' using the verb نقطع.

At the Train Station
When you approach the ticket window, you don't 'buy' (yashtari) a ticket as often as you 'cut' (yaqta'u) one. This linguistic quirk is essential for travelers.

يقطع المسافر تذكرة الذهاب والإياب من المحطة.
(The traveler buys a round-trip ticket from the station.)

In Social Conflicts
You might hear people gossiping about a fallout between friends. They might say 'He cut him,' meaning he ceased all communication.

يقطع الشاب علاقته بأصدقاء السوء.
(The young man cuts his relationship with bad friends.)

In literature and poetry, يقطع is used to describe the passage of time or the crossing of deserts. A poet might describe how the sun 'cuts' through the darkness of the night, or how a lover 'cuts' through the pain of longing. It is a verb that denotes movement through a barrier.

يقطع الفارس الصحراء على ظهر جواده.
(The knight crosses the desert on the back of his horse.)

يقطع التيار الكهربائي فجأة في الصيف.
(The electricity cuts out suddenly in the summer.)

Learning يقطع involves navigating some subtle linguistic traps. The most common error for English speakers is using it for 'cutting' when other more specific verbs are required. For instance, in English, we 'cut' hair, 'cut' a deal, and 'cut' someone with a knife. In Arabic, while يقطع is versatile, it isn't always the first choice for every 'cutting' action. For example, to cut hair, Arabs typically use يقص (yaqussu), which specifically refers to cutting with scissors or shearing.

Yaqta'u vs. Yaqussu
Use يقطع for knives and heavy tools. Use يقص for scissors. Saying يقطع شعره (he cuts his hair) sounds like he is hacking it off with a butcher knife!

الخطأ: يقطع الحلاق الشعر بالسكين.
الصح: يقص الحلاق الشعر بالمقص.
(Wrong: The barber cuts hair with a knife. Correct: The barber cuts hair with scissors.)

Yaqta'u vs. Yajrahu
If you accidentally 'cut' your finger, you should use يجرح (yajrahu - to wound/injure). Using يقطع implies you have completely severed the finger off.

انتبه! يقطع السكين اللحم، لكنه يجرح اليد.
(Watch out! The knife cuts the meat, but it wounds the hand.)

Another mistake is the confusion between the Form I يقطع and Form II يقطّع. While both involve cutting, Form II implies dicing or cutting into many pieces. If you are making a salad, you تقطّع the tomatoes. If you are cutting a loaf of bread in half, you تقطع it.

يقطع الخبز إلى نصفين، لكنه يقطّع الخيار لقطع صغيرة.
(He cuts the bread into two halves, but he dices the cucumber into small pieces.)

Arabic is a language of precision. While يقطع is the general word for cutting, several alternatives provide more nuance depending on the material, the tool, or the intent of the action. Exploring these synonyms will elevate your Arabic from basic to eloquent.

يقص (Yaqussu)
Specifically used for cutting with scissors (مقص). Used for hair, paper, and fabric.

يقص الطفل الورق ليصنع طائرة.
(The child cuts the paper to make a plane.)

يجرح (Yajrahu)
Used when the 'cut' results in a wound or injury to living flesh.

يجرح السكين الحاد إصبع الطباخ.
(The sharp knife wounds the cook's finger.)

يفصل (Yafsilu)
Means 'to separate' or 'to disconnect.' While يقطع can mean disconnect, يفصل is more technical and less 'violent.' It is used for separating two ideas or disconnecting a machine.

يفصل الموظف الجهاز عن الكهرباء.
(The employee disconnects the device from the electricity.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter يبتر (yabtiru), which means to amputate or cut off completely and permanently. This is often used in medical or severe metaphorical contexts. Understanding these differences ensures that you don't accidentally say you are 'amputating' a tomato when you just want to slice it for breakfast!

يقطع الحطاب الشجرة بالفأس.
(The woodcutter cuts the tree with the axe.)

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'Sector' in Arabic (Qita') comes from this root because a sector is a 'piece' cut out of a larger whole. Even the word for 'boycott' (Muqata'ah) comes from this, as you 'cut off' relations.

دليل النطق

UK /jaq.tˤa.ʕu/
US /jaq.tˤa.ʕu/
The stress is typically on the second syllable: yaq-TA-u.
يتقافى مع
يرجع (yarji'u) يسمع (yasma'u) يجمع (yajma'u) يدفع (yadfa'u) يرفع (yarfa'u) ينفع (yanfa'u) يخضع (yakhda'u) يزرع (yazra'u)
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing 'qaf' as 'kaf' (yak-ta-u).
  • Ignoring the emphatic 'tah' and saying a soft English 't'.
  • Skipping the 'ayn' sound at the end.
  • Pronouncing the final 'u' as a long 'oo'.
  • Replacing the 'qaf' with a glottal stop (standard in some dialects, but incorrect for MSA).

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

The word is short and common, easy to recognize.

الكتابة 3/5

Requires correct placement of the 'qaf' and 'ayn'.

التحدث 4/5

The 'qaf' and 'ayn' are difficult for non-native speakers to master.

الاستماع 2/5

Clearly audible in most contexts.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

سكين (Knife) شارع (Street) خبز (Bread) لحم (Meat) تذكرة (Ticket)

تعلّم لاحقاً

يقص (To cut with scissors) يفصل (To separate) يجرح (To wound) ينقطع (To be cut off) مقاطعة (Boycott)

متقدم

استئصال (Extirpation) اجتثاث (Uprooting) بتر (Amputation) تشريح (Dissection) اقتطاع (Deduction)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Present Tense Conjugation

أنا أقطع، هو يقطع، نحن نقطع.

Transitive Verbs (Maf'ul Bihi)

يقطع الولدُ (فاعل) التفاحةَ (مفعول به).

Preposition 'Bi' for Instruments

يقطع بالسكين، يقطع بالمنشار.

Form II (Shadda) for Intensity

يقطّع (to dice) vs يقطع (to cut).

Passive Voice (Majhul)

يُقطَع اللحم (The meat is cut).

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

الرجل يقطع الخبز.

The man cuts the bread.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

2

أنا أقطع الورق.

I cut the paper.

First person singular 'أنا' with 'أقطع'.

3

هي تقطع التفاحة.

She cuts the apple.

Third person feminine 'هي' with 'تقطع'.

4

يقطع الولد الجبن.

The boy cuts the cheese.

Standard VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) order.

5

نحن نقطع اللحم.

We cut the meat.

First person plural 'نحن' with 'نقطع'.

6

أنت تقطع الكعكة.

You cut the cake.

Second person masculine 'أنت' with 'تقطع'.

7

يقطع الأب الخشب.

The father cuts the wood.

Uses 'يقطع' for heavy tools as well.

8

البنت تقطع الموز.

The girl cuts the banana.

Feminine subject 'البنت' matches 'تقطع'.

1

يقطع المسافر تذكرة القطار.

The traveler buys (cuts) the train ticket.

Idiomatic use of 'يقطع' for buying tickets.

2

يقطع الولد الشارع بسرعة.

The boy crosses the street quickly.

Use of 'يقطع' to mean 'cross'.

3

يقطع الجزار اللحم بالسكين.

The butcher cuts the meat with the knife.

Use of preposition 'بـ' (with).

4

هل تقطع الشارع من هنا؟

Do you cross the street from here?

Question form using 'هل'.

5

يقطع التيار الكهربائي في الليل.

The electricity cuts out at night.

Passive-like meaning in an active structure.

6

يقطع الخياط القماش.

The tailor cuts the fabric.

Professional context.

7

نحن نقطع مسافة طويلة كل يوم.

We cover a long distance every day.

Abstract use for distance.

8

يقطع الفلاح الشجر في الغابة.

The farmer cuts the trees in the forest.

Location 'في الغابة' added.

1

يقطع المدير الشك باليقين.

The manager removes doubt with certainty.

Idiomatic expression 'يقطع الشك باليقين'.

2

لا تقطع كلامي عندما أتحدث.

Do not interrupt my speech when I talk.

Negative imperative 'لا تقطع'.

3

يقطع الرجل وعداً لزوجته.

The man makes (cuts) a promise to his wife.

Collocation 'يقطع وعداً'.

4

يقطع الهاتف في هذا المكان.

The phone signal cuts out in this place.

Technological context.

5

يقطع السباح النهر إلى الضفة الأخرى.

The swimmer crosses the river to the other bank.

Directional preposition 'إلى'.

6

يقطع الحطاب الأخشاب لفصل الشتاء.

The woodcutter cuts wood for the winter season.

Purpose clause 'لـ' (for).

7

يقطع الصبي وقته في القراءة.

The boy spends (cuts) his time reading.

Metaphorical use for time.

8

يقطع التاجر القماش بدقة.

The merchant cuts the cloth with precision.

Adverbial use 'بدقة'.

1

يقطع الإسلام صلة الرحم كخطيئة كبيرة.

Islam considers severing kinship ties a great sin.

Religious and moral context.

2

يقطع الجيش طريق الإمدادات.

The army cuts off the supply route.

Military/Strategic context.

3

يقطع القاضي في الحكم غداً.

The judge will decide (cut) the verdict tomorrow.

Legal context for finality.

4

يقطع الكاتب علاقته بدار النشر.

The writer severs his relationship with the publishing house.

Professional relationship context.

5

يقطع الضوء سكون الليل.

The light pierces (cuts) the silence of the night.

Literary/Poetic use.

6

يقطع المهندس المسافة بين المدينتين.

The engineer covers the distance between the two cities.

Technical/Professional context.

7

يقطع الطالب عهداً على نفسه بالنجاح.

The student makes a covenant with himself to succeed.

Reflexive-like use 'على نفسه'.

8

يقطع الباحث الشوط الأول من دراسته.

The researcher completes the first stage of his study.

Idiomatic 'يقطع شوطاً'.

1

يقطع الفيلسوف بحتمية التغيير الاجتماعي.

The philosopher asserts (cuts) the inevitability of social change.

Academic use for asserting a definitive opinion.

2

يقطع النص الأدبي مع التقاليد القديمة.

The literary text breaks (cuts) with old traditions.

Critical/Literary analysis context.

3

يقطع القرار السياسي دابر الفساد.

The political decision eradicates (cuts the root of) corruption.

Formal idiom 'قطع دابر'.

4

يقطع الصمت الرهيب صرخة مفاجئة.

A sudden scream cuts through the terrible silence.

Sophisticated narrative structure.

5

يقطع المنطق السليم كل الحجج الواهية.

Sound logic cuts through all the weak arguments.

Metaphorical use in debate.

6

يقطع المشروع شوطاً كبيراً في التنفيذ.

The project makes significant progress in implementation.

Business/Management idiom.

7

يقطع الحزن نياط قلبه.

Grief tears (cuts) the strings of his heart.

Classic Arabic poetic idiom.

8

يقطع القانون دابر الجريمة في المجتمع.

The law uproots crime in society.

Formal legal rhetoric.

1

يقطع البيان الختامي دابر التكهنات الصحفية.

The final statement puts an absolute end to journalistic speculation.

High-level diplomatic/media Arabic.

2

يقطع الشاعر في قصيدته بين الذات والموضوع.

The poet distinguishes (cuts) in his poem between the self and the object.

Philosophical/Literary criticism.

3

يقطع هذا الاكتشاف العلمي قول كل خطيب.

This scientific discovery settles the matter once and for all.

Classical idiom 'قطع قول كل خطيب'.

4

يقطع التيار الفكري الجديد مع الميتافيزيقا.

The new intellectual trend breaks away from metaphysics.

Advanced intellectual discourse.

5

يقطع الزاهد علاقته بالدنيا الفانية.

The ascetic severs his connection with the ephemeral world.

Theological/Sufi context.

6

يقطع المسار التاريخي لهذه الأمة مع الماضي.

The historical path of this nation breaks with the past.

Historical/Sociological analysis.

7

يقطع الأسلوب الساخر أوصال الجدية في النص.

The satirical style dissects (cuts the limbs of) the seriousness in the text.

Highly metaphorical literary analysis.

8

يقطع البرهان القاطع دابر الشكوك الفلسفية.

The decisive proof eradicates the roots of philosophical doubts.

Epistemological context.

تلازمات شائعة

يقطع تذكرة
يقطع الشارع
يقطع وعداً
يقطع كلامه
يقطع صلة الرحم
يقطع مسافة
يقطع الشك باليقين
يقطع التيار
يقطع الطريق
يقطع العلاقة

العبارات الشائعة

يقطع القلب

— Heart-wrenching or very sad. Literally 'it cuts the heart.'

هذا المنظر يقطع القلب.

يقطع دابر

— To eradicate or put a complete end to something. Literally 'to cut the root.'

يقطع القانون دابر الجريمة.

يقطع عهداً

— To make a solemn covenant or pledge. Stronger than a simple promise.

يقطع عهداً على نفسه.

يقطع شوطاً

— To make significant progress. Literally 'to cut a lap/stretch.'

يقطع المشروع شوطاً كبيراً.

يقطع رزقه

— To cause someone to lose their livelihood. A very serious accusation.

لا تحاول أن تقطع رزق غيرك.

يقطع الأمل

— To lose hope or to make someone lose hope.

لا تقطع الأمل في رحمة الله.

يقطع دابر الشك

— To eliminate all doubt.

كلامه يقطع دابر الشك.

يقطع النفس

— Breathless or exhausting. Literally 'it cuts the breath.'

الجري السريع يقطع النفس.

يقطع الطريق على

— To block or preempt someone's plans.

يقطع الطريق على المنافسين.

يقطع الوقت

— To spend time or pass time.

يقطع وقته في اللعب.

يُخلط عادةً مع

يقطع vs يقص

English uses 'cut' for both, but Arabic distinguishes between knife (yaqta'u) and scissors (yaqussu).

يقطع vs يجرح

Yaqta'u implies separation; yajrahu implies a wound. Don't say 'I cut my finger' with yaqta'u unless it's severed.

يقطع vs يفصل

Yafsilu is more about logical or technical separation; yaqta'u is more physical or abrupt.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"يقطع الشك باليقين"

— To replace doubt with certainty through definitive proof.

جاء الخبر ليقطع الشك باليقين.

Formal
"يقطع قول كل خطيب"

— To be the final word that ends all debate.

هذا القرار يقطع قول كل خطيب.

Literary
"يقطع نياط القلب"

— To be extremely painful emotionally.

بكاء الطفل يقطع نياط القلب.

Poetic
"يقطع دابر القوم"

— To completely destroy or eliminate a group.

يقطع العدل دابر الظالمين.

Classical
"يقطع الطريق على الشيطان"

— To avoid a situation that leads to sin.

يقطع الطريق على الشيطان بالصلاة.

Religious
"يقطع رزق فلان"

— To deprive someone of their income.

الوشاية تقطع رزق الموظف.

Neutral
"يقطع شوطاً طويلاً"

— To come a long way in a process.

يقطع العلم شوطاً طويلاً في الطب.

Formal
"يقطع النفس من الجمال"

— Breathtakingly beautiful.

منظر الجبال يقطع النفس.

Informal
"يقطع الصلة"

— To break off contact.

يقطع الصلة مع الماضي.

Formal
"يقطع الوعود الكاذبة"

— To make false promises.

يقطع السياسي الوعود الكاذبة.

Neutral

سهل الخلط

يقطع vs قَطَعَ

Past tense vs Present tense.

Qata'a is 'he cut' (past); yaqta'u is 'he cuts' (present). Beginners often mix these up.

قطع اللحم أمس، ويقطع الخبز الآن.

يقطع vs قَطَّعَ

Form I vs Form II.

Yaqta'u is a single cut; yuqatti'u is repetitive cutting or dicing into many small pieces.

يقطع التفاحة لنصفين، ويقطّع البصل للسلطة.

يقطع vs انقطع

Active vs Passive/Reflexive.

Yaqta'u is 'he cuts' (active); yanqati'u is 'it is cut off' or 'it stops' (intransitive).

يقطع الرجل السلك، فينقطع التيار.

يقطع vs أقطع

Verb vs Adjective/Noun.

Aqta'u can be 'I cut' (verb) or 'the most decisive' (elative adjective).

أنا أقطع الورق، وهذا برهان أقطع.

يقطع vs قاطع

Verb vs Noun/Adjective.

Yaqta'u is the verb; Qati' can be the person cutting or an adjective meaning 'decisive.'

هو يقطع اللحم، وهو رجل قاطع في قراراته.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

[Subject] يقطع [Object].

أحمد يقطع التفاحة.

A2

يقطع [Subject] [Object] بـ [Tool].

يقطع الرجل الخشب بالمنشار.

B1

يقطع [Subject] [Abstract Object].

يقطع المسافر المسافة.

B2

لا يقطع [Subject] صلة [Object].

لا يقطع المؤمن صلة الرحم.

C1

يقطع [Subject] دابر [Object].

يقطع الصدق دابر الكذب.

C2

يقطع [Subject] قول كل خطيب.

هذا البرهان يقطع قول كل خطيب.

A2

يقطع [Subject] تذكرة [Event/Transport].

يقطع الطالب تذكرة الحافلة.

B1

يقطع [Subject] كلام [Person].

يقطع الولد كلام أمه.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

قَطْع (qata') - The act of cutting
قِطْعَة (qit'ah) - A piece
قاطِع (qati') - Cutter / Decisive
مَقْطَع (maqta') - Section / Clip
قِطاع (qita') - Sector
مِقْطَعَة (miqta'ah) - Guillotine / Cutter

الأفعال

قَطَعَ (qata'a) - To cut (Past)
قَطَّعَ (qatta'a) - To dice/chop (Form II)
انْقَطَعَ (inqata'a) - To be cut off (Form VII)
تَقاطَعَ (taqata'a) - To intersect (Form VI)
اقْتَطَعَ (iqtata'a) - To deduct/take a part (Form VIII)

الصفات

مَقْطوع (maqtu') - Cut / Severed
قاطِع (qati') - Sharp / Decisive
مُنْقَطِع (munqati') - Interrupted / Ceased

مرتبط

انقطاع (interruption)
مقاطعة (boycott/province)
تقاطع (intersection)
إقطاع (feudalism)
مقتطف (excerpt)

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Arabic.

أخطاء شائعة
  • يقطع شعره (yaqta'u sha'rahu) يقص شعره (yaqussu sha'rahu)

    Using 'yaqta'u' for hair implies a violent or rough cutting, whereas 'yaqussu' is the correct term for scissors/grooming.

  • يقطع يده (yaqta'u yadahu) يجرح يده (yajrahu yadahu)

    If you just cut your finger while cooking, use 'yajrahu'. 'Yaqta'u' means you cut the whole hand off.

  • يشتري تذكرة (yashtari tadhkirah) يقطع تذكرة (yaqta'u tadhkirah)

    While 'yashtari' is grammatically correct, 'yaqta'u' is the much more common idiomatic expression for tickets.

  • يقطع في الشارع (yaqta'u fi al-shari') يقطع الشارع (yaqta'u al-shari')

    The verb is transitive; you don't need the preposition 'fi' (in) to say you are crossing the street.

  • يقطع الوعد (yaqta'u al-wa'd) يقطع وعداً (yaqta'u wa'dan)

    It's more natural to use the indefinite form 'wa'dan' (a promise) rather than 'the promise' when making a new one.

نصائح

Object Marking

Always remember that the thing being cut takes a fatha at the end in formal Arabic because it is the direct object.

Tool Preposition

Use the prefix 'bi-' before the tool. Example: 'bi-al-sikkin' (with the knife).

Tickets

When at a station, say 'Urīdu an aqta'a tadhkirah' to sound like a native speaker.

The Qaf

The 'q' is uvular. Practice by making a clicking sound at the back of your throat.

Kinship

Be careful with 'yaqta'u صلة الرحم'; it's a very strong negative statement in social contexts.

Form I vs II

If you are writing a recipe, use Form II (yuqatti'u) for chopping or dicing.

Dialect Watch

In Egypt, you will hear 'ya'ta'. Don't let the missing 'q' confuse you!

Visualizing

Visualize the root Q-T-' as a sharp blade. Any word with these letters usually involves separation.

Crossing

Use 'yaqta'u al-shari' for crossing streets, it's the most common way to say it.

Interrupting

To be polite, say 'Asif li-qat'i kalamika' (Sorry for interrupting your speech).

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine a **Y**ellow **A**xe **Q**uickly **T**ouching **A**nd **U**nder-cutting a tree. Y-A-Q-T-A-U.

ربط بصري

Visualize a chef with a large knife cutting a red ribbon to open a new restaurant. The knife represents the literal cut, and the ribbon represents the 'cutting' of a new path.

Word Web

Knife Ticket Street Connection Promise Piece Interruption Distance

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'yaqta'u' in three different ways today: once for food, once for movement, and once for a social interaction.

أصل الكلمة

From the Proto-Semitic root Q-T-', which fundamentally relates to the action of severing or dividing. It is found in almost all Semitic languages including Hebrew (qata') and Syriac.

المعنى الأصلي: To sever or divide a physical object.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> West Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

السياق الثقافي

Avoid using 'yaqta'u' when referring to minor injuries; 'yajrahu' is more appropriate and less alarming.

English speakers often say 'buy a ticket,' but in Arabic, 'cut a ticket' is the natural idiom. Also, English uses 'cut' for hair, but Arabic uses 'quss' (clip/shear).

Quranic verse: '...and cut the ties of kinship' (wa yuqatti'una ma amara Allahu bihi...) Proverb: 'يقطع الشك باليقين' (He cuts doubt with certainty). Modern song: 'يا مسافر وحدك' (Oh traveler alone) often mentions 'cutting' distances.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Kitchen

  • يقطع الخضار
  • يقطع اللحم
  • يقطع الخبز
  • يقطع الفاكهة

Travel

  • يقطع تذكرة
  • يقطع الشارع
  • يقطع مسافة
  • يقطع الطريق

Social

  • يقطع العلاقة
  • يقطع الكلام
  • يقطع الوعد
  • يقطع صلة الرحم

Technology

  • يقطع الاتصال
  • يقطع التيار
  • يقطع البث
  • يقطع الصوت

Legal/Decision

  • يقطع بالرأي
  • يقطع الشك باليقين
  • يقطع في الحكم
  • دليل قاطع

بدايات محادثة

"هل تقطع تذكرة السينما عبر الإنترنت؟ (Do you buy cinema tickets online?)"

"كيف تقطع اللحم في بلدك؟ (How do you cut meat in your country?)"

"هل يقطع التيار الكهربائي كثيراً في مدينتك؟ (Does the electricity cut out often in your city?)"

"متى يقطع الطالب الشارع بمفرده؟ (When does a student cross the street by themselves?)"

"لماذا يقطع بعض الناس علاقاتهم فجأة؟ (Why do some people cut their relationships suddenly?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

اكتب عن مرة قطعت فيها وعداً لشخص ما. (Write about a time you made a promise to someone.)

صف كيف تقطع الخضروات لعمل طبقك المفضل. (Describe how you cut vegetables for your favorite dish.)

هل تفضل أن تقطع المسافات الطويلة بالقطار أم بالطائرة؟ ولماذا؟ (Do you prefer to cover long distances by train or plane? Why?)

اكتب عن موقف قطع فيه شخص ما كلامك. كيف شعرت؟ (Write about a situation where someone interrupted your speech. How did you feel?)

ما رأيك في أهمية عدم قطع صلة الرحم؟ (What is your opinion on the importance of not severing kinship ties?)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Technically you can, but it's not natural. Arabs use 'yaqussu' for hair because it involves scissors. 'Yaqta'u' sounds like you are using a knife or an axe.

Only in the specific context of tickets (tadhkirah). It's an idiom. For anything else like food or clothes, use 'yashtari'.

You can say 'al-internet yaqta'u' or 'al-ittisal yanqati'u'. Both are common in daily life.

Yes, 'yaqta'u al-jisr' is perfectly correct, though 'ya'buru' (to cross) is also very common.

Use 'yaqta'u' for objects (bread, wood). Use 'yajrahu' for people (wounding a hand or heart).

Yes, it follows the standard Form I conjugation for sound roots (Q-T-').

The verb itself means 'to cut,' but the Form III verb 'yuqati'u' specifically means 'to boycott.' They share the same root.

This is usually expressed as 'yaqta'u al-tawur' or 'yakhariqu al-tawur' (breaks the line).

It can mean 'to cross the road' or, more darkly, 'to waylay/rob travelers' depending on context.

Yes, 'yaqta'u al-waqt' means to spend or pass time, often used when doing something to make time go faster.

اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة

writing

Write a sentence using 'يقطع' for cutting food.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about crossing the street.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'He makes a promise to his friend.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Explain the difference between 'يقطع' and 'يقص' in Arabic.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a formal sentence using 'يقطع الشك باليقين'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

How do you say 'The internet is cut off'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about buying a train ticket.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'يقطع' in a poetic context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe a butcher's job using the verb.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a negative command: 'Don't interrupt me!'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'We cover long distances by car.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write about a carpenter cutting wood.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

What does 'يقطع صلة الرحم' mean to you?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence with 'يقطّع' (Form II).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The electricity cuts out in the summer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'قاطع' as an adjective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence about a tailor.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Translate: 'The swimmer crosses the river.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'يقطع شوطاً'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

How do you say 'I cut the paper'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I cut the bread' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'He crosses the street' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I want to buy a ticket' idiomatically.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Ask 'Why did the power cut out?'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Don't interrupt me' politely.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce 'yaqta'u' focusing on the 'qaf'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'The butcher cuts the meat'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'We cover a long distance'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'He makes a promise'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'The internet is cutting out'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'He cuts the wood with an axe'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Severing family ties is bad'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'This is a decisive opinion'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'I cut the paper with scissors' (use synonym).

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'The swimmer crosses the river'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'He cuts the cake'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'Wait, don't cut the connection'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'The judge decides the verdict'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'He cuts the fruit'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say 'That is heart-wrenching'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع الجزار اللحم' and identify the object.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع المسافر تذكرة' and identify the action.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'لا تقطع صلة الرحم' and identify the moral advice.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the tool in: 'يقطع الخشب بالمنشار'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What is being crossed in: 'يقطع الولد الشارع'?

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع الاتصال' and explain the situation.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع الشك باليقين' and explain the meaning.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'نحن نقطع مسافة طويلة' and identify the subject.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع كلامي' and identify the social action.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع دابر الظلم' and identify the result.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the verb tense in: 'قطع الرجل اللحم'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع التيار' and identify the utility.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع تذكرة السينما' and identify the destination.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع الوعد' and identify the abstract noun.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen to 'يقطع السكين يدي' and identify the danger.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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لا توجد تعليقات بعد. كن أول من يشارك أفكاره!