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A1 noun #4,500 más común 10 min de lectura

دستور

dustur Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos دستور en 30 segundos

Explicación دستور in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Dustūr' means 'Constitution'. It is a big, important book of rules for a country. Think of it like the 'rules of the game' for a nation. You might see it in simple news headlines or on a sign in a museum. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember that it is a masculine noun. For example, 'The constitution is good' would be 'Al-dustūr jayyid'. It is a foundational word for anyone interested in how countries work. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you recognize important topics in Arabic media. It sounds a bit like 'door' at the beginning, which can help you remember it—it is the 'door' to the laws of the country. Focus on the pronunciation: Dus-toor. The 'u' is long like in 'moon'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Dustūr' in basic sentences with adjectives. You should know that it refers to the most important law. You might say 'The constitution of Egypt' (Dustūr Miṣr) or 'A new constitution' (Dustūr jadīd). You are beginning to see how it fits into the structure of a country. You might learn that countries have a 'Dustūr' to protect people. At this level, you should also be aware of the plural 'Dasātīr', although you won't use it much. You can understand simple sentences like 'The president wrote the constitution.' You are also learning that it is a formal word, not something you use to talk about your kitchen rules, but rather the big rules of a state. You can pair it with basic verbs like 'to read' (qara'a) or 'to see' (ra'ā). 'I read the constitution' is 'Qara'tu ad-dustūr'.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Dustūr' in discussions about rights and duties. You can explain what a constitution does using words like 'rules' (qawā‘id) and 'rights' (ḥuqūq). You can talk about 'Constitutional rights' (ḥuqūq dustūriyya) and understand that the adjective form ends in 'ī'. You can participate in simple debates about whether a law is fair based on the constitution. You should know common collocations like 'drafting the constitution' (ṣiyāghat ad-dustūr). Your vocabulary is expanding to include the people who work with it, like 'lawyers' (muḥāmūn) and 'judges' (quḍāh). You understand that the 'Dustūr' is the source of power in a democracy. You can also use it in the possessive 'Idafa' structure more naturally, such as 'The articles of the constitution' (mawādd ad-dustūr).

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At the B2 level, you can use 'Dustūr' to discuss complex political and legal issues. You should be able to talk about 'Constitutional amendments' (ta‘dīlāt dustūriyya) and the 'Constitutional Court' (al-maḥkama ad-dustūriyya). You can understand and use the word in the context of political history, such as the transition to a constitutional monarchy. You can use verbs like 'to violate' (khālafa) or 'to stipulate' (naṣṣa ‘alā) in relation to the constitution. You can follow news reports that discuss the 'constitutionality' (dustūriyya) of a new government decree. You are also aware of the word's Persian etymology and how it differs from 'Qānūn' (statutory law). You can write a short essay about why a country needs a strong 'Dustūr' to ensure stability and justice. Your use of the word is now precise and context-aware.

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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'Dustūr' and its related legal terminology. You can engage in high-level academic or professional discussions about 'Constitutional Jurisprudence' (al-fiqh ad-dustūrī). You understand the subtle differences between a 'Dustūr' and a 'Mīthāq' (Charter) or 'Niẓām' (System). You can analyze the rhetoric used by politicians when they invoke the 'Dustūr' to justify their actions. You are familiar with historical documents and can read 19th-century texts that discuss the introduction of the first 'Dasātīr' in the Arab world. You can use the word metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism. You understand the 'spirit of the constitution' (rūḥ ad-dustūr) and can debate the interpretation of its articles. Your pronunciation and grammatical application are flawless, including the correct use of case endings in formal speech.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of the word 'Dustūr' and its place in the broader linguistic and cultural landscape. You can compare the 'Constitutional traditions' of various Arab countries, discussing the 'Constitutional heritage' (at-turāth ad-dustūrī). You can identify the word's archaic meanings in classical texts, where it might mean 'permission' or 'manual'. You can use the word in complex legal drafting or high-level diplomatic negotiations. You are aware of the philosophical debates surrounding 'Constitutionalism' (ad-dustūriyya) as a western-imported concept versus indigenous forms of governance. You can effortlessly switch between formal legal usage and metaphorical literary usage. You can critique the translation of constitutional terms between Arabic and other languages, noting the cultural baggage that the word 'Dustūr' carries in the modern Middle East.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

دستور en 30 segundos

Dustur means 'Constitution'. It is the supreme law of a country that defines government power and citizen rights.
The word has Persian roots and originally meant a manual or permission, but now it is strictly political.
It is a masculine noun with the broken plural 'Dasatīr'. It is used in very formal and legal contexts.
Commonly paired with words like 'amendment', 'article', and 'unconstitutional', it is central to Arabic news and politics.

The Arabic word دستور (Dustūr) is a profound and multi-layered term that primarily translates to 'Constitution' in a political and legal context. However, its journey through history and linguistics reveals a much broader scope of meaning than its English counterpart. At its core, a dustūr represents a foundational set of principles, a guide, or a regulatory framework that governs an entity, whether that entity is a sovereign nation, a small organization, or even an individual's personal code of conduct. To understand this word, one must look beyond the sterile legal definition and see it as the 'DNA' of a system. When an Arabic speaker mentions the word دستور, they are usually referring to the supreme law of the land—the document that defines the relationship between the government and its citizens, outlines the distribution of power, and enshrines fundamental rights and liberties.

Political Context: In modern political discourse, the word is used to describe the written document adopted by states. For example, 'The Egyptian Constitution' is 'الدستور المصري'. It is the highest authority in the legal hierarchy.

يجب أن يتماشى القانون الجديد مع مواد الدستور لضمان شرعيته.

Translation: The new law must align with the articles of the constitution to ensure its legitimacy.

Historically, the term has Persian roots ('dast' meaning hand or power, and 'ur' meaning rule or authority). Before it became synonymous with political constitutions in the 19th century, it referred to a 'manual' or a 'list'—essentially a guide for how things should be done. In some older dialects and classical literature, you might find it used to mean 'permission' or 'leave'. For instance, in some traditional settings, a person might say 'Dastūr!' before entering a room or a space occupied by others, effectively asking for permission or 'the rule of entry'. This usage highlights the word's underlying theme of order and established protocol.

Metaphorical Usage: People often use dustūr metaphorically to describe their personal set of non-negotiable rules. If someone says, 'Honesty is my constitution,' they mean it is the fundamental law that governs their life choices.

In the contemporary Arab world, the word carries immense weight during times of social change. During the Arab Spring, the demand for a 'new constitution' (دستور جديد) was a central cry of protesters seeking reform. This illustrates that the word is not just a legal term but a symbol of hope, justice, and the restructuring of society. It is the yardstick by which the fairness of a regime is measured. Furthermore, the adjective form دستوري (dustūrī) is frequently used to describe actions or laws as 'constitutional', while its negation غير دستوري (ghayr dustūrī) is the standard term for 'unconstitutional'. Understanding this word provides a window into the legal and social aspirations of Arabic-speaking societies.

المحكمة الدستورية العليا هي التي تفصل في دستورية القوانين.

Professional Usage: In professional environments, a 'dustūr' can refer to the bylaws or the charter of a corporation or a non-profit organization. It sets the internal governance rules.

Using the word دستور correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its typical collocations. As a masculine noun, it takes masculine adjectives and verbs. It is most commonly found in formal writing, news reports, and political discussions, but it can also appear in academic or daily settings when discussing rules. Below are several ways to integrate this word into your Arabic vocabulary, ranging from simple statements to complex legal arguments.

تم تعديل الدستور في العام الماضي.

The constitution was amended last year.

When you want to describe something as being based on the constitution, you use the adjective دستوري. For instance, a 'constitutional right' is 'حق دستوري' (haqq dustūrī). If you are discussing the legality of a government action, you might say 'هذا الإجراء غير دستوري' (This procedure is unconstitutional). Notice how the adjective follows the noun it describes and matches it in gender and definiteness. This is a standard rule in Arabic grammar that applies perfectly to this word.

Common Verbs Used with Dustūr

وضع (Waḍa‘a): To draft or establish (literally 'to put'). 'وضعوا دستوراً جديداً' (They drafted a new constitution).
عدّل ( ‘Addala): To amend. 'البرلمان يعدل الدستور' (The parliament amends the constitution).
خالف (Khālafa): To violate or contradict. 'هذا القانون يخالف الدستور' (This law violates the constitution).
احترم (Iḥtarama): To respect. 'يجب احترام الدستور' (The constitution must be respected).

In more advanced contexts, you will encounter the word in the 'Idafa' construction (possessive structure). For example, 'مواد الدستور' (mawādd ad-dustūr) means 'the articles of the constitution'. Here, 'mawādd' (articles) is the first part, and 'ad-dustūr' is the second part, which is always in the genitive case (majruur). Another common phrase is 'حامي الدستور' (ḥāmī ad-dustūr), meaning 'the protector of the constitution', often referring to the supreme court or the head of state.

تنص المادة الخامسة من الدستور على حرية التعبير.

Article five of the constitution stipulates freedom of expression.

Finally, consider the plural form دساتير (dasātīr). It is a 'broken plural' (jam‘ taksīr). You might use it when comparing the legal systems of different countries: 'تختلف الدساتير من دولة إلى أخرى' (Constitutions differ from one country to another). Using the plural effectively demonstrates a higher level of fluency and an understanding of Arabic's complex noun patterns.

If you turn on an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you are almost guaranteed to hear the word دستور within the first thirty minutes. It is a staple of the 'News Arabic' register. Reporters use it when discussing elections, parliamentary debates, or judicial rulings. In the 'Real World', this word is the heartbeat of political life. You will hear it in the hallowed halls of parliament, in the lecture rooms of law faculties, and in the passionate debates of political activists in cafes from Cairo to Casablanca.

News & Media: The word is frequently paired with verbs like 'صوّت' (to vote). You will hear: 'الشعب يصوت على الدستور الجديد' (The people are voting on the new constitution).

أعلن الرئيس عن بدء صياغة دستور جديد للبلاد.

The President announced the start of drafting a new constitution for the country.

In academic settings, specifically in Kulliyat al-Huquq (Faculty of Law), الدستور is the subject of intense study. Students learn about 'Constitutional Law' (القانون الدستوري). Here, the word is treated with scientific precision, analyzed article by article. You might hear a professor say, 'The constitution is the social contract that binds us all.' This academic usage reinforces the word's status as the ultimate reference point for order.

Interestingly, you might also hear the word in historical dramas or period pieces set in the late Ottoman era or the early 20th century. In these contexts, the 'Dustūr' often represents the transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional system. Characters might speak of the 'Mashrutiyya' (constitutionalism) and the struggle to establish a 'Dustūr'. In these stories, the word is charged with the energy of revolution and modernization. Even in modern TV dramas that deal with legal or political intrigue, the word serves as a plot device—a hidden article in the constitution or a legal loophole that changes everything.

لا أحد فوق الدستور، حتى الملك نفسه.

No one is above the constitution, not even the king himself.

Daily Social Interactions: While less common in casual banter, you might hear it when someone wants to emphasize that a rule is absolute. 'In this house, the constitution says no TV after 9 PM!'

When learning Arabic, it is easy to confuse دستور (Dustūr) with other legal or regulatory terms. One of the most common mistakes is using it interchangeably with قانون (Qānūn). While both relate to law, they are not the same. A 'Qānūn' is a specific law or legislation passed by a parliament (like a traffic law or a tax law), whereas the 'Dustūr' is the supreme framework that dictates how those laws should be made and what they cannot violate. Think of the Dustūr as the parent and the Qānūn as the child.

Distinction Error: Mistake: 'The traffic constitution is strict.' Correct: 'The traffic law (قانون المرور) is strict.' You only use Dustūr for the foundational document of a state or entity.

الفرق بين الدستور والقانون هو أن الدستور أسمى.

The difference between the constitution and the law is that the constitution is supreme.

Another mistake involves the plural form. Students often try to apply a regular masculine plural ending (dustūrūn) or a regular feminine plural (dustūrāt). This is incorrect. The plural is a broken plural: دساتير (dasātīr). Forgetting this can make your Arabic sound elementary. Additionally, some learners confuse the word with مرسوم (marsūm), which means a 'decree'. A decree is an order issued by a leader, while a constitution is usually a broader, more permanent document often ratified by the people or a constituent assembly.

A subtle mistake is misusing the historical meaning of 'permission'. While 'Dastūr' historically meant permission, using it this way in a modern business meeting in Dubai or Riyadh might sound archaic or even comical unless you are consciously using it as a traditional idiom. In modern settings, use 'Izn' (إذن) for permission. Using 'Dastūr' to mean 'excuse me' is mostly reserved for very specific cultural contexts or old-fashioned literature. Stick to the political meaning in 99% of your interactions to avoid confusion.

لا تخلط بين دستور الدولة ولائحة العمل.

Don't confuse the state constitution with the work regulations.

While دستور is the most common word for 'Constitution', several other terms occupy the same semantic space and can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these synonyms will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to understand more complex texts. The most frequent 'cousin' of dustūr is قانون أساسي (qānūn asāsī), which literally means 'Basic Law'. In some countries, like Oman or Saudi Arabia, the foundational document is officially referred to as the Basic Law rather than the Constitution.

Comparison: Dustur vs. Mithaq: ميثاق (Mīthāq): Usually translated as 'Charter' or 'Covenant'. While a dustūr is a legal document, a mīthāq often has a more moral or social connotation, like the 'National Charter'.

وقعوا على ميثاق شرف وطني.

They signed a national charter of honor.

Another term is نظام (Niẓām), which means 'system' or 'regulations'. In Saudi Arabia, the term An-Niẓām al-Asāsī lil-Ḥukm (The Basic System of Governance) is used. It functions like a constitution but avoids the specific term dustūr for historical and theological reasons. Then there is لائحة (Lā'iḥa), which means 'bylaw' or 'regulation'. This is used for smaller-scale rules, like those of a club or a company. You wouldn't call a country's constitution a lā'iḥa, as it would diminish its importance.

Comparison: Dustur vs. Shari'a: In some Islamic contexts, people might say 'The Quran is our constitution' (القرآن دستورنا). Here, dustūr is used metaphorically to mean the ultimate source of guidance, contrasting with a man-made legal document.

Finally, consider the word عهد (‘Ahd), which means 'covenant' or 'pledge'. This is often used in historical or religious contexts. While dustūr is modern and technical, ‘ahd feels ancient and solemn. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the 'register' of your conversation. For a legal paper, use dustūr or qānūn asāsī. For a philosophical discussion about social bonds, mīthāq or ‘ahd might be more appropriate. Mastering these distinctions marks the transition from an intermediate to an advanced Arabic learner.

يعتبر القانون الأساسي مرجعاً للقضاء.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"يؤكد الدستور على الفصل بين السلطات."

Neutral

"هل قرأت أخبار الدستور الجديد؟"

Informal

"هذا هو دستوري في الحياة: الصدق."

Child friendly

"الدستور هو كتاب القواعد لبلدنا."

Jerga

"دستور يا أسيادنا!"

Dato curioso

Before it meant a national constitution, 'Dastur' was used by sailors in the Indian Ocean to refer to their navigation manuals and by musicians to refer to a musical mode or 'Maqam'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /dʊsˈtuːr/

US /dʊsˈtʊr/

The stress is on the second syllable: dus-TOOR.

Rima con

Sutūr (lines) Nūr (light) Surūr (happiness) Juhūr (public) Zuhūr (flowers) Quṣūr (palaces) Jusūr (bridges) Ghurūr (vanity)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'u' as a short 'u' like in 'bus'. It should be 'oo' like 'moon'.
Failing to roll the final 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'd' too softly; it is a clear dental 'd'.
Confusing the stress and putting it on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word itself is easy to read, but the texts it appears in are often complex legal documents.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the broken plural 'Dasātīr' and the adjective 'Dustūrī'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the long 'u' and rolled 'r'.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in news, making it easy to recognize once learned.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

قانون (Law) دولة (State) حكم (Rule) كتاب (Book) جديد (New)

Aprende después

برلمان (Parliament) انتخابات (Elections) سيادة (Sovereignty) مواطنة (Citizenship) عدالة (Justice)

Avanzado

فقه (Jurisprudence) تشريع (Legislation) استفتاء (Referendum) ديباجة (Preamble) بند (Article/Clause)

Gramática que debes saber

Broken Plurals

دستور -> دساتير (Pattern: Fa‘ālīl)

Nisba Adjectives

دستور -> دستوري (Adding 'ī' to create 'Constitutional')

Idafa (Possessive)

مواد الدستور (The articles of the constitution)

Agreement in Gender

الدستور الجديد (Masculine noun + Masculine adjective)

Abstract Noun Formation

دستور -> دستورية (Adding 'iyya' for 'Constitutionality')

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Ejemplos por nivel

هذا هو الدستور.

This is the constitution.

Simple demonstrative sentence. 'Hādha' (this) matches the masculine 'Dustūr'.

الدستور مهم جداً.

The constitution is very important.

Subject-predicate sentence. 'Muhimm' (important) is the adjective.

أين الدستور؟

Where is the constitution?

Interrogative sentence using 'Ayna' (where).

قرأت الدستور اليوم.

I read the constitution today.

Past tense verb 'qara'tu' (I read) with the noun as the object.

الدستور كتاب القوانين.

The constitution is the book of laws.

Equational sentence defining the noun.

هذا دستور البلاد.

This is the constitution of the country.

Idafa structure: 'Dustūr al-bilād'.

أحب الدستور الجديد.

I like the new constitution.

Verb 'uḥibbu' (I like/love) with an adjective 'al-jadīd'.

الدستور يحمينا.

The constitution protects us.

Present tense verb 'yaḥmī' (protects) with object 'nā' (us).

كتبت اللجنة دستوراً جديداً.

The committee wrote a new constitution.

Past tense 'katabat' (wrote) feminine to match 'al-lajna' (committee).

يجب أن نحترم الدستور.

We must respect the constitution.

Modal phrase 'yajibu an' (must) followed by subjunctive verb.

هل قرأت الدستور المصري؟

Have you read the Egyptian constitution?

Question with 'hal' and a proper adjective 'al-miṣrī'.

الدستور يحفظ حقوق الناس.

The constitution preserves people's rights.

Present tense verb 'yaḥfaẓ' (preserves).

لا يمكن تغيير الدستور بسهولة.

The constitution cannot be changed easily.

Negated passive-like construction 'lā yumkin taghyīr'.

هذا الدستور قديم جداً.

This constitution is very old.

Adjective 'qadīm' (old) following the noun.

الدستور يحدد سلطة الملك.

The constitution defines the king's power.

Verb 'yuḥaddid' (defines/limits).

نحن نعيش في ظل الدستور.

We live under the shadow (protection) of the constitution.

Metaphorical use of 'ẓill' (shadow).

تضمن المادة الأولى من الدستور سيادة الدولة.

The first article of the constitution guarantees the state's sovereignty.

Feminine verb 'taḍman' matching 'al-mādda' (the article).

هناك نقاش حول تعديل الدستور.

There is a debate about amending the constitution.

Preposition 'ḥawla' (about) followed by 'ta‘dīl' (amending).

الحقوق الدستورية مكفولة للجميع.

Constitutional rights are guaranteed for all.

Plural noun 'al-ḥuqūq' with feminine singular adjective 'al-dustūriyya'.

يعتبر الدستور المرجع الأعلى للقوانين.

The constitution is considered the highest reference for laws.

Passive verb 'yu‘tabar' (is considered).

يجب أن يتوافق القانون مع الدستور.

The law must be consistent with the constitution.

Verb 'yatawāfaq' (to be consistent/agree) with 'ma‘a' (with).

صوت الشعب بنعم للدستور الجديد.

The people voted yes for the new constitution.

Preposition 'li' (for) attached to the noun.

الدستور هو العقد الاجتماعي بين الحاكم والمحكوم.

The constitution is the social contract between the ruler and the ruled.

Philosophical definition using 'huwa' (it is).

يحظر الدستور التمييز بين المواطنين.

The constitution prohibits discrimination between citizens.

Verb 'yaḥẓur' (prohibits).

رفعت المحكمة دعوى لعدم دستورية القانون.

The court filed a lawsuit for the unconstitutionality of the law.

Abstract noun 'dustūriyya' (constitutionality) with 'adam' (lack of).

تم الاستفتاء على الدستور في أجواء ديمقراطية.

The referendum on the constitution took place in a democratic atmosphere.

Noun 'istiftā'' (referendum) with preposition '‘alā'.

تؤكد الديباجة على مبادئ الثورة.

The preamble (of the constitution) emphasizes the principles of the revolution.

Specific legal term 'dībāja' (preamble).

يسعى البرلمان إلى صياغة دستور شامل.

The parliament seeks to draft a comprehensive constitution.

Verb 'yas‘ā' (seeks) followed by 'ilā' and 'ṣiyāgha' (drafting).

تعتبر هذه المادة مخالفة صريحة للدستور.

This article is considered an explicit violation of the constitution.

Noun 'mukhālafa' (violation) followed by 'li' (of).

توزع السلطات وفقاً لأحكام الدستور.

Powers are distributed according to the provisions of the constitution.

Phrase 'wifqan li' (according to) and 'aḥkām' (provisions).

الدستور ليس مجرد حبر على ورق.

The constitution is not just ink on paper.

Idiomatic expression 'ḥibr ‘alā waraq' (meaningless/not enforced).

أقسم الرئيس على حماية الدستور.

The President swore to protect the constitution.

Verb 'aqsama' (swore) with '‘alā'.

تتجلى عبقرية الدستور في توازنه بين السلطات.

The genius of the constitution is evident in its balance between powers.

Advanced verb 'tatajallā' (to manifest/be evident).

أثارت التعديلات الدستورية جدلاً واسعاً في الأوساط القانونية.

The constitutional amendments sparked widespread controversy in legal circles.

Collocation 'athārat jadalan' (sparked controversy).

يجب قراءة النص في سياق روح الدستور لا حرفيته فقط.

The text must be read in the context of the spirit of the constitution, not just its letter.

Contrast between 'rūḥ' (spirit) and 'ḥarfiyya' (literality).

تعتبر المحكمة الدستورية الحارس الأمين على الشرعية.

The Constitutional Court is considered the faithful guardian of legitimacy.

Metaphorical title 'al-ḥāris al-amīn'.

إن دستورية القوانين هي حجر الزاوية في دولة المؤسسات.

The constitutionality of laws is the cornerstone of a state of institutions.

Idiom 'ḥajar al-zāwiya' (cornerstone).

ناقش الباحثون التطور التاريخي للدساتير العربية.

Researchers discussed the historical evolution of Arab constitutions.

Plural 'dasātīr' used in an academic context.

لا يمكن المساس بالحقوق والحريات التي كفلها الدستور.

The rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution cannot be infringed upon.

Phrase 'lā yumkin al-masās bi' (cannot be touched/infringed).

يمثل الدستور الإرادة الجماعية للأمة.

The constitution represents the collective will of the nation.

Abstract concept 'al-irāda al-jamā‘iyya'.

تخضع كافة التشريعات لرقابة دستورية صارمة.

All legislations are subject to strict constitutional oversight.

Advanced term 'raqāba' (oversight/monitoring).

إن الفراغ الدستوري قد يؤدي إلى منزلقات سياسية خطيرة.

A constitutional vacuum could lead to dangerous political pitfalls.

Complex concept 'al-farāgh ad-dustūrī' (constitutional vacuum).

استند المحامي في دفاعه إلى ثغرة في الدستور.

The lawyer based his defense on a loophole in the constitution.

Legal term 'thaghra' (loophole/gap).

يتطلب تعديل الدستور توافقاً وطنياً عريضاً.

Amending the constitution requires a broad national consensus.

Verb 'yataṭallab' (requires) with 'tawāfuq' (consensus).

تعد الفلسفة الدستورية مادة خصبة للبحث الأكاديمي.

Constitutional philosophy is a fertile subject for academic research.

Metaphorical 'mādda khaṣba' (fertile subject).

تم تكريس مبدأ الفصل بين السلطات في صلب الدستور.

The principle of separation of powers was enshrined in the heart of the constitution.

Verb 'takrīs' (enshrining/dedicating) and 'ṣulb' (heart/core).

إن سمو الدستور يعلو فوق كل الاعتبارات السياسية الضيقة.

The supremacy of the constitution rises above all narrow political considerations.

Abstract noun 'sumū' (supremacy/highness).

أدت الأزمة إلى تعطيل بعض مواد الدستور مؤقتاً.

The crisis led to the temporary suspension of some articles of the constitution.

Noun 'ta‘ṭīl' (suspension/disabling).

Colocaciones comunes

تعديل الدستور

مواد الدستور

المحكمة الدستورية

صياغة الدستور

حماية الدستور

مخالفة الدستور

الاستفتاء على الدستور

روح الدستور

خرق الدستور

دستور دائم

Frases Comunes

بموجب الدستور

— By virtue of the constitution or according to the constitution.

بموجب الدستور، يملك الرئيس حق الفيتو.

حامي الدستور

— The guardian of the constitution.

تعتبر المحكمة العليا حامي الدستور.

دستور البلاد

— The country's constitution.

دستور البلاد يضمن حرية الصحافة.

تعديلات دستورية

— Constitutional amendments.

أقر البرلمان تعديلات دستورية جديدة.

فراغ دستوري

— A constitutional vacuum (when laws or leadership are unclear).

تخشى البلاد من حدوث فراغ دستوري.

حق دستوري

— A constitutional right.

التظاهر السلمي حق دستوري.

أزمة دستورية

— A constitutional crisis.

دخلت الحكومة في أزمة دستورية مع البرلمان.

مشروع دستور

— A draft constitution.

تم الانتهاء من مشروع الدستور الجديد.

مبادئ دستورية

— Constitutional principles.

هذه المبادئ الدستورية لا تتغير.

نص الدستور

— The text of the constitution.

يجب الالتزام بنص الدستور.

Se confunde a menudo con

دستور vs قانون

A specific law, whereas 'Dustur' is the foundational framework.

دستور vs مرسوم

A decree issued by a leader, usually less permanent than a constitution.

دستور vs لائحة

Bylaws or regulations for a smaller group or organization.

Modismos y expresiones

"حبر على ورق"

— Meaningless words on paper; not enforced. Often used for constitutions that aren't followed.

الدستور في تلك الدولة مجرد حبر على ورق.

Informal/Critical

"دستور يا أسيادنا"

— A traditional phrase used to ask permission from 'unseen' spirits or simply to announce one's arrival.

قال الرجل 'دستور' قبل دخول البيت المهجور.

Folkloric/Archaic

"القرآن دستورنا"

— A religious and political slogan meaning 'The Quran is our constitution/guide'.

رفع المتظاهرون شعار 'القرآن دستورنا'.

Religious/Political

"فوق الدستور"

— To be above the constitution (usually used negatively to describe a tyrant).

لا يوجد أحد فوق الدستور.

Political

"روح الدستور"

— The underlying intent or spirit of the law, rather than just the literal words.

القاضي العادل يحكم بروح الدستور.

Legal/Philosophical

"ضرب بالدستور عرض الحائط"

— To completely ignore or disregard the constitution (literally: to hit the wall with it).

ضرب الحاكم بالدستور عرض الحائط.

Journalistic/Critical

"دستور العمل"

— A manual or a set of guidelines for a specific task or job.

هذا الكتاب هو دستور العمل للمهندسين.

Professional

"المسّ بالدستور"

— To infringe upon or undermine the constitution.

أي مسّ بالدستور هو تهديد للديمقراطية.

Formal

"دستور الأخلاق"

— The code of ethics or moral principles one lives by.

الصدق هو دستور الأخلاق عندي.

Literary

"في صلب الدستور"

— In the very heart/core of the constitution.

هذه المادة تقع في صلب الدستور.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

دستور vs قانون

Both mean 'law' in a general sense.

'Dustur' is the supreme law that governs how other laws are made. 'Qanun' is a specific statute like a traffic law.

The parliament passed a new law (qanun) that must follow the constitution (dustur).

دستور vs ميثاق

Both refer to foundational documents.

'Mithaq' is often a social or national agreement, while 'Dustur' is a formal legal instrument.

The National Charter (mithaq) paved the way for the new constitution (dustur).

دستور vs نظام

Used interchangeably in some contexts (e.g., Saudi Arabia).

'Nizam' means system or regulations. In some monarchies, 'Nizam' is the preferred term for foundational law.

The Basic System (nizam) of governance is their version of a constitution.

دستور vs لائحة

Both refer to rules.

'Lai'ha' is for internal company or club rules. 'Dustur' is for a whole state or a large entity's fundamental principles.

Check the company bylaws (lai'ha), not the national constitution (dustur).

دستور vs إذن

Historical meaning of 'Dustur' was 'permission'.

In modern Arabic, 'Izn' is the word for permission. 'Dustur' is almost exclusively 'constitution'.

I asked for permission (izn) to enter, I didn't say 'Dustur'.

Patrones de oraciones

هذا [اسم]

هذا دستور.

الدستور [صفة]

الدستور قديم.

يجب [فعل] الدستور

يجب احترام الدستور.

تنص المادة [رقم] من الدستور على [اسم]

تنص المادة الأولى من الدستور على الحرية.

تعتبر [اسم] مخالفة لـ [اسم]

تعتبر هذه القوانين مخالفة للدستور.

بموجب [اسم]، يتم [فعل]

بموجب الدستور، يتم توزيع السلطات.

إن [اسم] هو حجر الزاوية في [اسم]

إن سمو الدستور هو حجر الزاوية في العدالة.

لا يمكن المساس بـ [اسم] المكتسبة

لا يمكن المساس بالحقوق الدستورية المكتسبة.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High in news and education; low in casual daily gossip.

Errores comunes

Using 'Dustūr' for a traffic law. → قانون المرور (Qānūn al-murūr)
A specific regulation is a 'Qānūn'. 'Dustūr' is only for the foundational document of a state.
Saying 'al-dustūr al-jadīda'. → الدستور الجديد (al-dustūr al-jadīd)
'Dustūr' is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine (no 'ta marbuta').
Using the plural 'dustūrāt'. → دساتير (dasātīr)
The plural is broken (irregular). 'Dustūrāt' is not a word.
Confusing 'Dustūr' with 'Dars' (lesson). → دستور vs درس
They sound slightly similar to beginners, but 'Dustūr' is much longer and has a different meaning.
Using 'Dustūr' to mean 'excuse me' in a modern office. → لو سمحت (law samaḥt) or عن إذنك ( ‘an iznik)
The 'permission' meaning of 'Dustūr' is archaic and sounds out of place in modern professional settings.

Consejos

Adjective Agreement

Always remember that 'Dustur' is masculine. If you want to say 'The Great Constitution', it is 'Ad-dustūr al-‘aẓīm', not ‘aẓīma.

Don't confuse with Qanun

Think of the Dustur as the 'Boss Law'. All other laws (Qanun) must listen to the Dustur.

The Arab Spring

The word 'Dustur' became very popular during the 2011 protests. Learning it helps you understand modern Arab history.

The Long U

Make sure to stretch the 'oo' sound. It's not 'dus-ter', it's 'dus-tooor'.

Broken Plural

Memorize 'Dasātīr'. It's a common pattern (Fa'ālīl) that will help you with other words like 'Sakaakīn' (knives).

Metaphors

You can use 'Dustur' to describe your own life rules. 'Honesty is my dustur!'

News Keywords

If you hear 'Dustur', 'Majlis' (council), and 'Intikhabat' (elections), you know they are talking about politics.

Articles

The word for an article in the constitution is 'Mādda'. So, 'Article 1' is 'Al-mādda al-ūlā'.

Persian Roots

Knowing it comes from Persian 'Dast' (hand) helps you remember it's about the 'hand of power'.

Social Contract

In political science, the Dustur is the 'Al-‘Aqd al-Ijtimā‘ī' (Social Contract).

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Dusty Tour'. Imagine a historian taking a 'Dusty Tour' through a library to find the very first 'Dustur' (Constitution) ever written.

Asociación visual

Visualize a giant, golden book sitting on top of a mountain (the law of the land) with the word 'D-S-T-R' glowing on the cover.

Word Web

Law Government Rights Articles Court Democracy Voting Freedom

Desafío

Try to find the name of the 'Dustur' in three different Arabic-speaking countries today.

Origen de la palabra

The word originates from the Persian word 'Dastur' (دستور). In Persian, 'Dast' means hand or power, and 'Ur' is a suffix denoting a rule or authority.

Significado original: Originally, it meant a manual, a set of rules, or a model to be followed. It also referred to a Zoroastrian priest (a high-ranking authority).

Indo-European (Persian) borrowed into Semitic (Arabic).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that discussing the constitution can be a sensitive political topic in some regions. Use the word respectfully and in its proper legal context.

The term is most directly translated as 'Constitution', but in the UK, which has an unwritten constitution, the concept is slightly different than in the US or Arab states with written documents.

The Egyptian Constitution of 1923 (a landmark in Arab constitutional history). The Tunisian Constitution of 2014 (praised for its progressive stance). The slogan 'Al-Qur'an Dusturuna' used by various political movements.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Political News

تعديل الدستور
الاستفتاء الشعبي
الأزمة الدستورية
الإعلان الدستوري

Law School

القانون الدستوري
المحكمة الدستورية العليا
دستورية القوانين
تفسير الدستور

History Class

الدستور العثماني
الحركة الدستورية
تاريخ الدساتير
المطالبة بالدستور

Human Rights Activism

الحقوق الدستورية
حماية الحريات
مخالفة الدستور
سيادة القانون

Business/Organizations

دستور الجمعية
اللائحة الداخلية
قواعد العمل
ميثاق الشركة

Inicios de conversación

"ما رأيك في التعديلات الجديدة على الدستور؟"

"هل تعتقد أن الدستور يحمي حقوق المواطنين بشكل كافٍ؟"

"متى تم وضع أول دستور في بلدك؟"

"هل قرأت يوماً مواد الدستور بالتفصيل؟"

"لماذا يعتبر الدستور أهم وثيقة في الدولة؟"

Temas para diario

اكتب عن أهمية وجود دستور في أي مجتمع ديمقراطي.

تخيل أنك تضع دستوراً لجزيرة مهجورة، ما هي أول ثلاث مواد ستكتبها؟

صف شعورك عندما تسمع عن تغيير دستور البلاد.

هل لديك 'دستور شخصي' أو قواعد خاصة تعيش بها؟ اشرحها.

قارن بين الدستور والقانون العادي من وجهة نظرك.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

In modern Arabic, yes, in 99% of cases it refers to a political constitution. Historically, it meant a manual or permission, but those meanings are now rare or idiomatic.

The plural is 'Dasātīr' (دساتير). It is a broken plural, which is common for four-letter nouns in Arabic.

It is a masculine noun. Therefore, adjectives and verbs associated with it should be in the masculine form (e.g., ad-dustūr al-jadīd).

Yes, you can use it metaphorically or formally to refer to the 'charter' or 'founding principles' of an organization, though 'Lā'iḥa' is more common for specific bylaws.

It is a loanword from Persian. It entered Arabic centuries ago and evolved from meaning a 'manual' to meaning a 'national constitution' in the 1800s.

You say 'ghayr dustūrī' (غير دستوري). 'Ghayr' is the negation tool used with adjectives.

No, the word 'Dustur' is not in the Quran. It is a later addition to the Arabic language from Persian.

It is 'Al-Qānūn ad-Dustūrī' (القانون الدستوري). It is a major field of study in law schools.

This is an archaic use meaning 'permission'. It was a way of asking the inhabitants (or spirits) for leave to enter.

It is called 'Azma Dustūriyya' (أزمة دستورية). It happens when government branches disagree on the interpretation of the constitution.

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