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عَقَبَة

B2 noun #4,000 más común 9 min de lectura

عَقَبَة

aqaba Top 4,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos عَقَبَة en 30 segundos

Explicación عَقَبَة in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) yet, as it is quite advanced. Instead, you would use simple words like 'مشكلة' (mushkila) which means 'problem' or 'صعب' (sa'b) which means 'difficult'. If you see 'aqabah', just think of it as a 'big problem' that stops someone from doing something. For example, if you want to go to the park but it is raining, the rain is like a 'problem'. In a very simple way, 'aqabah' is a thing that says 'No' to your plans. You might hear it in a simple story about a hero who has to cross a mountain. The mountain is the 'aqabah'. Just remember: Aqabah = a big challenge.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific nouns. 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) is a noun for 'obstacle'. You can use it to describe why you can't finish your homework or why you are late. For example: 'The traffic was an obstacle' (الزحام كان عقبة). It is a more 'grown-up' word than just saying 'مشكلة'. You will mostly see it in short news clips or simple articles. When you see it, look for the word 'أمام' (in front of) right after it. This helps you understand what the obstacle is blocking. It’s a useful word to describe a physical or simple abstract challenge in your daily life.

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At the B1 level, you should begin using 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) to describe social or educational challenges. Instead of saying 'Learning Arabic is hard', you can say 'Grammar is an obstacle in my way' (القواعد عقبة في طريقي). This shows you can use metaphorical language. You will encounter this word in intermediate reading passages about travel, history, or biographies. You should also learn its plural form 'عَقَبات' (aqabat). At this stage, you start to see it in phrases like 'overcoming obstacles' (تجاوز العقبات). It is a key word for moving from basic communication to more descriptive and expressive Arabic.

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At the B2 level, 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) is a core part of your vocabulary. You are expected to use it in academic essays, business presentations, and formal discussions. You should understand the nuance that an 'aqabah' is a hurdle that can be surpassed, unlike a 'hajiz' (barrier) which might be permanent. You will use it with sophisticated adjectives like 'مالية' (financial), 'سياسية' (political), or 'قانونية' (legal). You should also be familiar with the common verb 'تذليل العقبات' (to smooth out/facilitate obstacles). This level requires you to distinguish 'aqabah' from its root-relatives like 'aaqibah' (consequence).

At the C1 level, you use 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) with precision and stylistic flair. You might use the classical idiom 'عقبة كأداء' (a formidable/insurmountable obstacle) to describe a very difficult situation in a literary or high-level political context. You understand the historical and religious connotations of the word, such as the 'Pledge of al-Aqaba'. You can use the word to discuss complex systemic bottlenecks in sociology, economics, or philosophy. Your usage is natural, and you can swap it with synonyms like 'عائق' or 'غصة' depending on the desired emotional or formal impact of your sentence.

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At the C2 level, 'عَقَبَة' (aqabah) is used with total mastery of its etymological roots and metaphorical breadth. You can use it in high-level rhetoric to describe the 'uphill battle' of societal progress. You are aware of its occurrences in classical poetry and the Quran, and you can use it to create sophisticated imagery. You might use it to discuss the 'obstacles of the soul' in a philosophical treatise or the 'structural hurdles' in a PhD-level economic analysis. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise, nuanced, and culturally resonant communication.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

عَقَبَة en 30 segundos

A formal Arabic word for 'obstacle' or 'hurdle'.
Derived from the root meaning 'to follow' or 'heel'.
Commonly used in academic, business, and political contexts.
Implies a challenge that can be overcome with effort.

The Arabic word عَقَبَة (pronounced 'aqabah) is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'obstacle', 'hurdle', or 'impediment'. In its most literal sense, it refers to a difficult mountain pass or a steep road that is hard to traverse. However, in modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is predominantly used metaphorically to describe any challenge that stands in the way of progress, success, or the completion of a task. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it moves beyond the simple word for 'problem' (مشكلة) and enters the realm of professional, academic, and literary discourse.

Literal Origin: Historically, an 'aqabah was a rugged, uphill path. If you imagine a traveler in the desert encountering a steep ridge, that physical barrier is the 'aqabah. This imagery remains in the word today; it implies that the obstacle is not just a nuisance but something that requires effort to 'climb' or overcome.

تُعتبر اللغة أكبر عَقَبَة أمام المهاجرين في سوق العمل.
Language is considered the biggest obstacle for immigrants in the labor market.

In academic contexts, particularly in TOEFL or IELTS-style Arabic proficiency tests, you will see this word used to discuss scientific breakthroughs or historical shifts. For instance, a researcher might discuss 'financial obstacles' (عقبات مالية) or 'bureaucratic hurdles' (عقبات بيروقراطية). Unlike a 'barrier' (حاجز) which might completely stop you, an 'aqabah' is something that can be surpassed with enough persistence and strategy.

Synonym Nuance: While 'عائق' (a'iq) also means obstacle, 'عقبة' often carries a more daunting, heavy connotation, suggesting a significant milestone that must be crossed to reach a higher level or a new stage.

واجه العلماء عَقَبَة تقنية غير متوقعة أثناء التجربة.
The scientists faced an unexpected technical hurdle during the experiment.

Furthermore, the word appears in religious and historical contexts. The 'Pledge of al-Aqaba' (بيعة العقبة) is a pivotal moment in Islamic history, referring to a specific location (the mountain pass) where early Muslims met the Prophet Muhammad. This dual nature—geographic and metaphorical—makes it a rich word for learners to master. In daily life, you might hear a student say that a specific exam is the 'last obstacle' before graduation.

Collocation: Commonly paired with verbs like 'تجاوز' (to surpass/overcome) or 'ذلّل' (to pave/smooth out). For example: 'تجاوزنا العقبة بنجاح' (We successfully overcame the obstacle).

كان نقص التمويل عَقَبَة كأداء في طريق المشروع.
Lack of funding was a formidable obstacle in the project's path.

Using 'عَقَبَة' correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that often takes adjectives to specify the nature of the difficulty. Whether you are writing a business report or a personal essay, this word adds a level of precision to your Arabic. It is almost always followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'أمام' (in front of) or 'في طريق' (in the path of) to indicate what is being blocked.

Business Context: In the corporate world, 'aqabah' is used to identify bottlenecks. 'الروتين الإداري يمثل عقبة أمام الاستثمار' (Administrative routine represents an obstacle to investment). Here, it highlights a systemic issue rather than a personal failing.

تُشكل الضرائب المرتفعة عَقَبَة أمام نمو الشركات الناشئة.
High taxes constitute an obstacle to the growth of startups.

When discussing personal growth or education, 'aqabah' takes on a more psychological tone. You might talk about 'psychological obstacles' (عقبات نفسية) that prevent someone from speaking a new language fluently. The word implies that once this 'hill' is climbed, the rest of the journey will be smoother. It is a word of transition.

Academic Context: In historical analysis, you might read: 'كانت الجغرافيا عقبة طبيعية أمام التوسع الإمبراطوري' (Geography was a natural obstacle to imperial expansion). This demonstrates the word's utility in formal non-fiction.

لا تجعل الفشل عَقَبَة في طريق طموحك.
Do not let failure be an obstacle in the path of your ambition.

Interestingly, 'aqabah' is also used in the context of international relations. Diplomats speak of 'obstacles to peace' (عقبات أمام السلام). In these high-stakes environments, the word carries the weight of serious, multi-faceted problems that require negotiation and diplomacy to resolve.

Scientific Context: Scientists often describe 'technical hurdles' (عقبات تقنية) when discussing the limitations of current technology in solving global issues like climate change or disease.

تجاوزت البشرية عَقَبات طبية كثيرة في القرن الماضي.
Humanity has overcome many medical obstacles in the last century.

You will encounter 'عَقَبَة' most frequently in formal news broadcasts, podcasts, and documentaries. If you listen to Al Jazeera or BBC Arabic, the word is a staple in political analysis. Analysts use it to describe why a treaty hasn't been signed or why a government's economic plan is failing. It is the language of the 'intellectual' and the 'professional'.

News Media: Anchors often say: 'لا تزال الخلافات الحدودية تشكل عقبة رئيسية...' (Border disputes still constitute a major obstacle...). It provides a more neutral, analytical tone than saying 'there is a fight'.

ما هي أكبر عَقَبَة تواجه الاقتصاد العالمي اليوم؟
What is the biggest obstacle facing the global economy today?

In the world of Arabic literature and motivational speaking, 'aqabah' is used to build a narrative of struggle and triumph. Authors use it to describe the protagonist's journey. In a podcast about self-improvement, you might hear a coach say: 'كل عقبة هي فرصة للتعلم' (Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn). This usage is very close to the English 'hurdle'.

Documentaries: In nature or engineering documentaries, 'aqabah' describes physical barriers. For example, describing how salmon jump over waterfalls or how engineers build tunnels through mountains.

كانت الجبال عَقَبَة أمام وصول المساعدات للمتضررين.
The mountains were an obstacle to aid reaching those affected.

In the Gulf region, the word 'Aqaba' is also a famous port city in Jordan. While the city name is a proper noun, it shares the same root and meaning—referring to the difficult mountain pass that leads to the sea. Hearing the city name in travel contexts will reinforce the word's meaning of a 'gateway' or 'pass'.

Public Speaking: Politicians often promise to 'remove all obstacles' (إزالة كافة العقبات) to ensure the success of a project or a law.

سنعمل على تذليل كل عَقَبَة تقف في طريقكم.
We will work on smoothing out every obstacle that stands in your way.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'عَقَبَة' is confusing it with words that share the same root (ع-ق-ب) but have very different meanings. The root generally relates to 'following' or 'coming after', which leads to a family of words that look similar but function differently in a sentence.

Confusion with 'عاقبة' (Aaqibah): Learners often mix up 'عقبة' (obstacle) with 'عاقبة' (consequence/outcome). While an 'aqabah' is something you face *during* a process, an 'aaqibah' is what happens *after* the process. Example: 'عاقبة الصبر خير' (The consequence of patience is good).

خطأ: كانت النتائج عَقَبَة سيئة.
صح: كانت النتائج عاقبة سيئة.
Mistake: The results were a bad obstacle. Correct: The results were a bad consequence.

Another error involves the preposition. Many learners try to use 'لـ' (for) after 'aqabah', but the standard preposition is 'أمام' (in front of) or 'في' (in). Saying 'عقبة للنجاح' is understandable but 'عقبة أمام النجاح' is much more idiomatic and professional. Think of the obstacle physically standing in front of the goal.

Confusion with 'عقوبة' (Uqubah): Because of the similar spelling, some confuse it with 'عقوبة' (punishment). An 'aqabah' is a challenge, while an 'uqubah' is a legal or disciplinary penalty. Mixing these up in a business or legal context can lead to major misunderstandings.

واجه المجرم عَقَبَة قانونية.
The criminal faced a legal hurdle (Correct).
The criminal faced a legal punishment (Use 'عقوبة' instead).

Finally, overusing the word is a mistake. While it is a great word, using it for every small problem makes your Arabic sound overly dramatic. For a small issue like a broken pen, use 'مشكلة' (problem). Reserve 'عقبة' for significant things like 'lack of funding', 'language barriers', or 'political instability'.

Pronunciation Error: Learners often forget the 'shadda' or emphasis logic in Arabic roots. Ensure you pronounce the 'q' clearly; don't let it slide into a 'k' sound, as it changes the weight and clarity of this formal word.

تجاوزنا الـ عَقَبَة الأولى بنجاح.
We overcame the first hurdle successfully.

Arabic is a language of synonyms, each with a slightly different 'flavor'. Understanding the alternatives to 'عَقَبَة' will help you choose the right word for the right situation. While 'عقبة' implies a hurdle to be climbed, other words focus on different aspects of being 'stuck'.

عائق (A'iq): This is the closest synonym. It comes from the verb 'عاق' (to hinder). While 'aqabah' is the hurdle itself, 'a'iq' is anything that delays or holds you back. It is often used for physical or health impairments (ذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة was formerly termed ذوي العوائق).

الخوف هو أكبر عائق أمام الإبداع.
Fear is the biggest hindrance to creativity.

Another common alternative is 'حاجز' (Hajiz), which means 'barrier' or 'fence'. A 'hajiz' is usually something that physically stops movement, like a border checkpoint or a sound barrier. It is more absolute than an 'aqabah'. If you can't go through it at all, it's a 'hajiz'. If you can climb over it with effort, it's an 'aqabah'.

مانع (Mani'): This means 'preventative' or 'objection'. In legal or social contexts, if someone has 'no objection', they say 'لا مانع'. It is a formal way of saying something is allowed. 'Aqabah' is a difficulty; 'Mani' is a prohibition or a total stop.

ليس لدي أي مانع من الحضور.
I have no objection to attending.

Lastly, 'صعوبة' (Su'ubah) simply means 'difficulty'. This is the most general word. While every 'aqabah' is a 'su'ubah', not every 'su'ubah' is an 'aqabah'. 'Su'ubah' describes the quality of a task, whereas 'aqabah' identifies the specific thing making it hard.

Summary Table: - Aqabah: Hurdle/Mountain pass (Abstract/Formal).
- A'iq: Hindrance/Delay (Health/Physical).
- Hajiz: Barrier/Wall (Physical/Absolute).
- Mani': Objection/Prevention (Legal/Social).

تجاوزنا عَقَبات كثيرة للوصول إلى هذا الاتفاق.
We overcame many hurdles to reach this agreement.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"تشكل البيروقراطية عقبة أمام الاستثمار الأجنبي."

Neutral

"واجهنا عقبة في إنهاء المشروع في وقته."

Informal

"عندي عقبة صغيرة في الشغل اليوم."

Child friendly

"كان هناك عقبة كبيرة في طريق البطل."

Jerga

"هذا الموضوع صار عقبة في حلقي."

Dato curioso

The Jordanian city of Aqaba is named after this word because it sits at the end of a difficult mountain pass leading to the Red Sea.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈæ.kə.bə/

US /ˈɑː.kə.bə/

The stress is on the first syllable: 'AQ-a-bah'.

Rima con

رقبة (Raqabah - neck) حقبة (Huqbah - era) نكبة (Nakbah - catastrophe) وجبة (Wajbah - meal) رغبة (Raghbah - desire) عتبة (Atabah - doorstep) رهبة (Rahbah - dread) صحبة (Suhbah - companionship)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'q' as a soft 'k'.
Confusing the vowels with 'u' (uqubah).
Missing the feminine 'h' sound at the end in pause.
Over-emphasizing the middle 'a'.
Mixing it with 'Aaqibah' (long first 'a').

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of the 'Qaf' and root system.

Escritura 5/5

Requires correct spelling of 'Qaf' and 'Ta Marbuta', and understanding prepositions.

Expresión oral 5/5

The 'Qaf' sound can be difficult for English speakers to pronounce deeply.

Escucha 4/5

Easily recognized in formal speech due to its distinct rhythm.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

مشكلة صعب طريق أمام كان

Aprende después

عائق تجاوز تذليل مسيرة نمو

Avanzado

عاقبة معضلة شائكة عرقلة تثبيط

Gramática que debes saber

Feminine Nouns

العقبة كبيرة (The obstacle is big - matching feminine).

Root System (A-Q-B)

عقبة (obstacle) vs عاقبة (consequence).

Prepositions (Amam)

عقبة أمام النجاح (Obstacle to success).

Idafa Construction

عقبةُ الطريقِ (The road's obstacle).

Pluralization (at)

عقبات كثيرة (Many obstacles).

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Ejemplos por nivel

هذه عقبة كبيرة.

This is a big obstacle.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

الجبل عقبة.

The mountain is an obstacle.

Subject-predicate structure.

لا توجد عقبة هنا.

There is no obstacle here.

Negation using 'la'.

أين العقبة؟

Where is the obstacle?

Question with 'ayna'.

هناك عقبة في الطريق.

There is an obstacle in the road.

Using 'hunaka' for 'there is'.

أنا أرى عقبة.

I see an obstacle.

Simple verb-object sentence.

العقبة صغيرة.

The obstacle is small.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

تجاوز العقبة.

Cross the obstacle.

Imperative verb.

الزحام عقبة أمام الوصول باكراً.

Traffic is an obstacle to arriving early.

Using 'amam' (in front of).

اللغة ليست عقبة كبيرة.

Language is not a big obstacle.

Negation with 'laysat' for feminine nouns.

واجهنا عقبة في العمل.

We faced an obstacle at work.

Past tense verb 'wa-jah-na'.

هل هذه العقبة صعبة؟

Is this obstacle difficult?

Interrogative sentence.

أريد حل هذه العقبة.

I want a solution for this obstacle.

Verb 'uridu' followed by a noun.

كانت العقبة هي المال.

The obstacle was money.

Using 'kanat' for past tense.

ابتعد عن هذه العقبة.

Move away from this obstacle.

Preposition 'an' with the noun.

شكراً لمساعدتي في تجاوز العقبة.

Thanks for helping me overcome the obstacle.

Masdar 'tajawuz' used as a noun.

تعتبر الأمية عقبة أمام التنمية.

Illiteracy is considered an obstacle to development.

Passive-style verb 'tu'tabar'.

يجب أن نتجاوز كل عقبة تقابلنا.

We must overcome every obstacle we meet.

Modal 'yajibu' with subjunctive 'an'.

كانت هناك عقبات كثيرة في المشروع.

There were many obstacles in the project.

Plural form 'aqabat' with adjective 'kathira'.

البيروقراطية عقبة في طريق النجاح.

Bureaucracy is an obstacle in the path of success.

Metaphorical use of 'path'.

كيف يمكننا تذليل هذه العقبة؟

How can we smooth out this obstacle?

Specific verb 'tadhlil' for obstacles.

لم تكن العقبة مستحيلة.

The obstacle was not impossible.

Negation 'lam takun'.

العقبة الوحيدة هي الوقت.

The only obstacle is time.

Adjective 'al-wahida'.

سنتحدث عن العقبات التي واجهت الشركة.

We will talk about the obstacles the company faced.

Relative clause 'allati wa-jahat'.

تشكل الديون عقبة أمام النمو الاقتصادي.

Debts constitute an obstacle to economic growth.

Formal verb 'tushakkil'.

لا تزال هناك عقبات فنية تعيق الإنتاج.

There are still technical obstacles hindering production.

Using 'la tazal' for 'still'.

تجاوزت الدولة عقبة التضخم بنجاح.

The state successfully overcame the hurdle of inflation.

Idafa construction 'aqabat al-tadhakhum'.

يعد نقص الخبرة عقبة رئيسية للشباب.

Lack of experience is a major obstacle for youth.

Verb 'yu'ad' (is considered).

علينا تحديد العقبات قبل البدء بالتنفيذ.

We must identify the obstacles before starting implementation.

Masdar 'tahdid' (identifying).

كانت القوانين القديمة عقبة أمام التغيير.

Old laws were an obstacle to change.

Adjective 'al-qadima' matching 'al-qawanin'.

هل تعتقد أن المسافة ستكون عقبة؟

Do you think the distance will be an obstacle?

Future tense 'sa-takun'.

تعتبر هذه العقبة نقطة تحول في تاريخنا.

This obstacle is considered a turning point in our history.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

مثلت تلك الأزمة عقبة كأداء في مسيرة الإصلاح.

That crisis represented a formidable obstacle in the reform process.

Using the idiom 'aqabah ka'da'.

يجب تذليل كافة العقبات البيروقراطية لجذب المستثمرين.

All bureaucratic obstacles must be smoothed out to attract investors.

Use of 'kaffat' for 'all/entirety'.

انعدام الشفافية يظل العقبة الأكبر أمام الديمقراطية.

Lack of transparency remains the biggest obstacle to democracy.

Superlative 'al-akbar'.

رغم العقبات، استطاع الفريق تحقيق إنجاز غير مسبوق.

Despite the obstacles, the team achieved an unprecedented feat.

Concessive phrase 'raghma al-aqabat'.

تتجلى العقبات النفسية في الخوف من المجهول.

Psychological obstacles manifest in the fear of the unknown.

Reflexive verb 'tatajalla'.

لا بد من إزالة العقبات القانونية التي تحول دون المساواة.

Legal obstacles that prevent equality must be removed.

Phrase 'tahul duna' (prevents/stands in the way of).

كانت العقبات الجغرافية سبباً في عزلة القبائل.

Geographical obstacles were a reason for the tribes' isolation.

Noun-adjective pair 'al-aqabat al-jughrafiyya'.

إن العقبة ليست في الموارد بل في الإرادة.

The obstacle is not in resources but in the will.

Emphasis with 'Inna' and contrast 'bal'.

تعتبر هذه المعضلة الأخلاقية عقبة بنيوية في الفلسفة الحديثة.

This ethical dilemma is considered a structural obstacle in modern philosophy.

Sophisticated adjective 'bunyuwiyya' (structural).

لقد أضحت التوترات الجيوسياسية عقبة أمام التعاون الكوني.

Geopolitical tensions have become an obstacle to global cooperation.

Verb 'adhat' (to become/start to be).

تكمن العقبة الحقيقية في العقلية التقليدية الرافضة للتجديد.

The real obstacle lies in the traditional mindset that rejects renewal.

Verb 'takmun' (to lie/be hidden in).

يحلل الكتاب العقبات التي اعترضت سبيل النهضة العربية.

The book analyzes the obstacles that stood in the way of the Arabic Renaissance.

Phrase 'i'taradat sabil' (blocked the path).

إنها عقبة تتطلب رؤية استراتيجية لتجاوزها.

It is an obstacle that requires a strategic vision to overcome.

Object pronoun 'ha' referring back to 'aqabah'.

لم تكن تلك العقبات إلا حوافز لمزيد من الإبداع.

Those obstacles were nothing but incentives for more creativity.

Exclusionary structure 'lam... illa' (nothing but).

تستعرض الدراسة العقبات السوسيو-اقتصادية في المجتمعات النامية.

The study reviews the socio-economic obstacles in developing societies.

Compound adjective 'susiyu-iqtisadiyya'.

يُعد هذا القانون بمثابة عقبة قانونية تعيق الحريات.

This law serves as a legal obstacle hindering freedoms.

Phrase 'bi-mathabat' (serving as/acting as).

Sinónimos

عائق حاجز صعوبة مانع مشكلة

Antónimos

تسهيل مساعدة

Colocaciones comunes

عقبة كأداء

تجاوز العقبة

عقبة مالية

عقبة قانونية

عقبة أمام

تذليل العقبات

إزالة العقبات

عقبة فنية

عقبة رئيسية

عقبة في طريق

Frases Comunes

تجاوز العقبات

— To overcome hurdles in a process.

الناجح هو من يتجاوز العقبات.

عقبة في سبيل

— An obstacle in the way/cause of something.

الجهل عقبة في سبيل الحرية.

أول عقبة

— The first challenge faced.

كانت اللغة أول عقبة واجهتني.

عقبة غير متوقعة

— An unforeseen challenge.

واجهنا عقبة غير متوقعة في الرحلة.

تذليل الصعاب والعقبات

— To smooth out difficulties and hurdles.

بفضل تعاونكم، تم تذليل العقبات.

عقبة نفسية

— An internal or mental barrier.

الخوف من الفشل عقبة نفسية.

عقبة بيروقراطية

— Administrative delays or red tape.

نعاني من عقبات بيروقراطية كثيرة.

عقبة في وجه التطور

— An obstacle against progress/evolution.

التقاليد القديمة قد تكون عقبة في وجه التطور.

لا توجد أي عقبة

— There is no hindrance at all.

لا توجد أي عقبة تمنعنا من البدء.

عقبة كبرى

— A major or huge obstacle.

التمويل هو العقبة الكبرى حالياً.

Se confunde a menudo con

عَقَبَة vs عاقبة

Means 'consequence' or 'outcome'. Use it for the result, not the hurdle.

عَقَبَة vs عقوبة

Means 'punishment'. Use it for legal penalties.

عَقَبَة vs عقب

Means 'heel' or 'immediately following'. It's a preposition or body part.

Modismos y expresiones

"عقبة كأداء"

— A extremely difficult or insurmountable hurdle.

كانت الامتحانات عقبة كأداء.

Formal/Literary

"بيعة العقبة"

— A historical pledge in Islamic history (The Pledge of al-Aqaba).

درسنا بيعة العقبة الأولى في المدرسة.

Historical

"حجر عثرة"

— A stumbling block (synonymous idiom).

كان هذا القانون حجر عثرة أمامنا.

Literary

"عقبة في الحلق"

— A thorn in the throat (something very annoying and blocking).

هذا الشخص عقبة في الحلق.

Informal

"تجاوز عقبة الزمن"

— To stand the test of time.

هذا الكتاب تجاوز عقبة الزمن.

Poetic

"عقبة الشيطان"

— The devil's hurdle (spiritual temptation).

استعذ بالله من عقبات الشيطان.

Religious

"كسر العقبة"

— To break the obstacle (to decisively overcome it).

تمكن الجيش من كسر العقبة الدفاعية.

Military/Formal

"عقبة في مهب الريح"

— A hurdle in the wind (a challenge easily blown away).

تلاشت العقبة في مهب الريح.

Poetic

"واجه العقبة بصدر رحب"

— To face the obstacle with an open heart (patience).

عليك أن تواجه العقبات بصدر رحب.

Motivational

"عقبة الموت"

— The hurdle of death (the ultimate challenge).

كلنا سنجتاز عقبة الموت.

Philosophical

Fácil de confundir

عَقَبَة vs عاقبة

Same root (A-Q-B) and similar spelling.

Aqabah is the hurdle during the race; Aaqibah is the result after the race.

عقبة في الطريق، وعاقبة الصبر.

عَقَبَة vs عقوبة

Similar sound and spelling.

Aqabah is a challenge; Uqubah is a punishment for a crime.

واجه عقبة مالية، ونال عقوبة قانونية.

عَقَبَة vs عائق

Synonym meaning 'hindrance'.

A'iq is more general; Aqabah implies a steep hurdle or milestone.

الإعاقة عائق، والفقر عقبة.

عَقَبَة vs حاجز

Both block the way.

Hajiz is usually physical and absolute; Aqabah is often abstract and surmountable.

حاجز أمني، وعقبة ديبلوماسية.

عَقَبَة vs مشكلة

Both mean something is wrong.

Mushkila is generic; Aqabah is formal and specific to progress being blocked.

عندي مشكلة في السيارة، والديون عقبة للاستثمار.

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun] + كان + عقبة

المال كان عقبة.

واجهنا + عقبة + [Adjective]

واجهنا عقبة كبيرة.

تعد + [Noun] + عقبة أمام + [Noun]

تعد اللغة عقبة أمام العمل.

يجب تذليل العقبات لـ + [Verb]

يجب تذليل العقبات للبدء.

تمثل تلك الأزمة عقبة كأداء في مسيرة...

تمثل الأزمة عقبة كأداء في مسيرة الإصلاح.

لا تزال هناك عقبات في...

لا تزال هناك عقبات في الطريق.

تجاوزت + [Subject] + العقبة

تجاوزت الشركة العقبة.

هذه عقبة + [Adjective]

هذه عقبة صعبة.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in news and academic writing; moderate in daily speech.

Errores comunes

Using 'عقوبة' instead of 'عقبة'. → عقبة
'Uqubah' means punishment. If you say 'the debt was a punishment', it means something different than 'the debt was an obstacle'.
Saying 'عقبة للنجاح'. → عقبة أمام النجاح
While 'li' (for) is understood, 'amam' (in front of) is the idiomatic preposition for obstacles.
Using masculine adjectives with it. → عقبة كبيرة
'Aqabah' ends in Ta Marbuta and is feminine. Adjectives must match.
Confusing it with 'عاقبة'. → عاقبة
'Aaqibah' is the result; 'Aqabah' is the hurdle. Don't use 'aqabah' to describe the end of a story.
Pronouncing it like 'Akaba'. → Aqaba (with deep Q)
The 'Qaf' sound is distinct. Softening it to a 'K' can make it sound like other unrelated roots.

Consejos

Upgrade your 'Mushkila'

Whenever you want to say 'problem' in a formal context, try using 'aqabah' instead. It makes your Arabic sound much more advanced and precise.

Feminine Agreement

Don't forget that 'aqabah' is feminine. Any adjective you use with it must also be feminine (e.g., عقبة كبيرة, not عقبة كبير).

The Deep Qaf

The 'Q' in Aqabah is a Qaf (ق). Practice making the sound from the very back of your throat to distinguish it from the 'K' in words like 'Kitab'.

The Preposition 'Amam'

Think of the obstacle as standing 'in front of' your goal. This will help you remember to use the preposition 'amam' (أمام) correctly.

Historical Context

Remember the 'Pledge of al-Aqaba' when studying history. It will help you see the word as a 'pivotal point' of change.

Use 'Ka'da'

To impress native speakers, use the phrase 'عقبة كأداء'. It's a high-level literary term that shows deep knowledge of the language.

News Staples

Listen for the word in economic reports. Phrases like 'عقبات مالية' (financial obstacles) are staples of Arabic business news.

The Mountain Image

Always visualize a mountain pass. This literal meaning is the key to understanding all its metaphorical uses.

Surpassing vs Removing

Use 'Tajawuz' (تجاوز) to say you went *over* the obstacle, and 'Izala' (إزالة) to say you *removed* it entirely.

Professionalism

This is a 'B2' word. Using it correctly in a workplace setting shows you have moved beyond basic conversational Arabic.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Aqaba' as 'A-Climb-Up-A' mountain. It's a hurdle or a steep pass you must climb over.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant 'Q' shaped rock blocking a path. You have to climb over the 'Q' (the Qaf in Aqabah) to get to the other side.

Word Web

Obstacle Hurdle Mountain Pass Challenge Bottleneck Impediment Difficulty Path

Desafío

Try to use 'aqabah' in a sentence about your biggest challenge in learning Arabic this week.

Origen de la palabra

The word comes from the Arabic root 'A-Q-B' (ع-ق-ب). This root fundamentally relates to the 'heel' of the foot (عَقِب) or the act of following behind something.

Significado original: Originally, it referred to a steep, difficult path or a mountain pass that one had to climb, literally placing one heel after another in a difficult ascent.

Semitic / Afroasiatic.

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using religious terms like 'Aqabat al-Shaytan' in secular business meetings.

In English, we say 'overcoming hurdles'. In Arabic, 'aqabah' is the exact equivalent for this sports-metaphor-turned-business-term.

The Pledge of al-Aqaba (Historical) Aqaba Port (Jordanian Geography) Surah Al-Balad in the Quran (referring to 'climbing the steep path' - اقتحام العقبة)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Business

عقبة مالية
تذليل العقبات
عقبة أمام النمو
إزالة العقبات

Politics

عقبة أمام السلام
عقبات ديبلوماسية
عقبة قانونية
تجاوز الخلافات

Education

عقبة تعليمية
عقبة اللغة
تجاوز الامتحانات
أول عقبة

History

بيعة العقبة
عقبة جغرافية
طريق العقبة
عقبة الموت

Motivation

لا تجعلها عقبة
تجاوز عقباتك
كل عقبة فرصة
الإرادة تكسر العقبة

Inicios de conversación

"ما هي أكبر عقبة واجهتها في تعلم اللغة العربية؟"

"هل تعتقد أن المال هو العقبة الوحيدة أمام النجاح؟"

"كيف يمكننا تذليل العقبات في هذا المشروع؟"

"هل كانت المسافة عقبة في علاقتك؟"

"ما هي العقبات التي تواجه الشباب في بلدك؟"

Temas para diario

اكتب عن عقبة كبيرة تجاوزتها في حياتك وكيف فعلت ذلك.

هل تعتقد أن العقبات تجعل الإنسان أقوى؟ لماذا؟

صف عقبة تواجهها حالياً في عملك أو دراستك.

تخيل عالماً بلا عقبات، كيف ستكون الحياة؟

اكتب نصيحة لصديق يواجه عقبة نفسية تمنعه من تحقيق حلمه.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'مشكلة' is a general word for 'problem'. 'عقبة' is more formal and specifically means an 'obstacle' or 'hurdle' that stands in the way of a goal. You use 'aqabah' when you want to sound professional or academic.

Yes, metaphorically. If someone is blocking your progress, you can say 'هو عقبة في طريقي' (He is an obstacle in my path). However, it is more commonly used for abstract things like laws or money.

The plural is 'عَقَبات' (aqabat). It follows the regular feminine plural pattern by adding 'at' to the end.

Yes! The city of Aqaba is named after the 'aqabah' (mountain pass) that travelers had to cross to reach the Red Sea port. It literally means 'The Pass'.

The most common way is 'تجاوز العقبات' (Tajawuz al-aqabat) or 'تذليل العقبات' (Tadhil al-aqabat), which means to smooth them out or make them easier.

This is a classic Arabic idiom. 'Ka'da' means steep or rugged. Together, it means an 'insurmountable hurdle' or an extremely difficult challenge.

Yes, in Surah Al-Balad, it mentions 'fala-qtahama al-aqabah' (but he has not broken through the steep pass), referring to the spiritual effort of doing good deeds.

Yes, originally it meant a physical mountain pass. You can still use it for a physical hurdle on a track or a rock in a road.

Usually 'أمام' (amam - in front of) or 'في' (fi - in). Example: 'عقبة أمام السلام'.

Extremely common. You will hear it almost daily in political and economic news reports.

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