At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures. They can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live and people they know. They interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Words like 'يحتقر' are generally beyond the scope of A1 learners as they involve complex emotions and social judgments.
A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. 'يحتقر' at this level is introduced as a verb related to expressing strong negative feelings about someone or something perceived as inferior. Learners are expected to recognize its meaning in simple contexts and perhaps use it in basic negative sentences or in response to direct questions about feelings of disdain.
B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. At B1, 'يحتقر' is used more extensively. Learners can understand its nuances in more complex sentences and are expected to use it to express personal opinions and judgments about social issues, character flaws, or behaviors they find unacceptable. They can form more varied sentence structures, including conditional clauses and more descriptive language, to articulate the reasons for their contempt.
B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. At B2, 'يحتقر' is used in sophisticated discussions about societal attitudes, moral failings, and philosophical concepts. Learners can analyze the roots of contempt, discuss its impact, and compare it with other negative emotions. They can use it in formal writing and debates, demonstrating a deep understanding of its implications in various cultural and ethical contexts.
C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. At C1, 'يحتقر' is used with great precision, often in literary analysis, psychological studies, or high-level socio-political commentary. Learners can dissect the subtle psychological underpinnings of contempt, explore its historical manifestations, and articulate its role in power dynamics. They can employ it in nuanced arguments, demonstrating mastery over its connotations and denotations.
C2 learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. At C2, 'يحتقر' is used to express the most subtle distinctions in meaning, often in highly specialized academic or literary contexts. Learners can discuss the philosophical implications of contempt, its role in existentialism, or its portrayal in canonical literature. They can use it to convey the most nuanced forms of disdain, scorn, and revulsion with absolute precision, demonstrating a mastery of the language that mirrors native intuition.

يحتقر en 30 segundos

  • To look down on someone with contempt.
  • To consider someone unworthy of respect.
  • To feel disdain or scorn.
  • To treat with disrespect and scorn.

The Arabic verb يحتقر (yaḥtaqir), which falls under CEFR level A2, signifies a strong negative emotion: to regard with contempt or disdain. It's about looking down on someone or something, believing them to be inferior, worthless, or undeserving of respect. This feeling can stem from perceived differences in social status, wealth, intelligence, or moral character. When someone 'يحتقر' another, they are not simply disagreeing; they are actively devaluing them. This can manifest in subtle ways, like dismissive gestures or tones, or more overtly through insults and public criticism. It's a powerful word that describes a deep-seated sense of superiority over another individual or entity. People might use this word to describe how they feel about someone who acts arrogantly, unfairly, or immorally. It can also be used to describe a negative societal attitude towards certain groups or behaviors. For instance, a person might 'يحتقر' those who cheat or lie, seeing them as fundamentally flawed. Similarly, a society might 'يحتقر' certain practices deemed unethical or harmful. The core of 'يحتقر' is the judgment of worthlessness and the accompanying feeling of scorn. It’s important to note that this verb implies a strong emotional and judgmental stance, often rooted in personal values or societal norms. It’s not a neutral observation but a declaration of profound disapproval and a belief in the inferiority of the object of contempt. The feeling of contempt is often accompanied by a desire to distance oneself from the person or thing being despised.

Usage Context
Used when describing strong feelings of disdain, scorn, or looking down on someone/something.
Emotional Tone
Highly negative, judgmental, and dismissive.
Social Implications
Often implies a sense of perceived superiority of the speaker or subject.

بعض الناس يحتقرون الفقراء، وهذا سلوك سيء.

Some people look down on the poor, and this is bad behavior.

لا يحتقر أحدًا مهما كان وضعه.

Do not look down on anyone, no matter their situation.

هو يحتقر كل من يخالف رأيه.

He despises everyone who disagrees with his opinion.

Using يحتقر (yaḥtaqir) correctly involves understanding its strong negative connotation. It's a verb that describes an action of the heart and mind, often leading to outward expressions of disdain. The subject of the verb is typically a person or a group who feels superior, while the object is someone or something they deem inferior. For example, a wealthy person might 'يحتقر' someone less fortunate, or a person with strong political views might 'يحتقر' those with opposing ideas. The verb conjugates based on the subject (who is doing the despising) and the tense. In the present tense, for a male subject, it's 'يحتقر'. For a female subject, it's 'تحتقر' (taḥtaqir). For plural subjects, it varies. The construction usually follows the pattern: Subject + يحتقر + Object. For instance, 'الرجل يحتقر الكاذب' (The man despises the liar). It can also be used in negative sentences: 'لا يجب أن نحتقر الآخرين' (We should not despise others). The object of contempt can be a person, a group, an idea, or even an action. For example, someone might 'يحتقر' laziness, dishonesty, or cowardice. The intensity of the word suggests that it's not used lightly. It implies a conscious decision to devalue someone or something. When learning this word, practice forming sentences with different subjects and objects to grasp its full range. Consider the context: is the speaker describing their own feelings, someone else's, or a general societal attitude? The nuances of 'يحتقر' lie in the depth of the contempt and the reasons behind it. It’s more than just dislike; it's a fundamental rejection of worth. Think about situations where someone might feel they are above another person or group, and that’s where 'يحتقر' fits perfectly. It’s crucial to remember that using this word implies a strong moral or social judgment. It’s a powerful tool to express extreme disapproval and a sense of superiority. The key is to pair the feeling of contempt with the specific target of that feeling, forming a complete thought that conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Sentence Structure
Subject + يحتقر + Object (e.g., هو يحتقر الكسل).
Conjugation
Present tense: يحتقر (he despises), تحتقر (she despises).
Negative Forms
لا + Subject + يحتقر + Object (e.g., لا تحتقر أحدًا).

المعلم يحتقر الغش في الامتحانات.

The teacher despises cheating in exams.

إنها تحتقر أي شكل من أشكال الظلم.

She despises any form of injustice.

لماذا يحتقر الناس بعضهم البعض؟

Why do people despise each other?

The word يحتقر (yaḥtaqir), meaning to despise or look down upon, is encountered in various real-world scenarios, primarily in discussions about social dynamics, personal character, and moral judgments. You'll frequently hear it in news reports or documentaries discussing social inequality, where commentators might describe how certain groups 'يحتقر' others based on economic status, ethnicity, or religion. For instance, a report on discrimination might state that 'بعض فئات المجتمع تحتقر المهاجرين' (Some segments of society despise immigrants). In personal narratives or autobiographical accounts, individuals might use 'يحتقر' to describe past feelings or experiences, such as 'كنت أحتقر نفسي عندما كنت أفعل ذلك' (I used to despise myself when I did that). This highlights its use in self-reflection and self-criticism. In public discourse, especially during political debates or social commentary, 'يحتقر' is often employed to condemn actions or ideologies. A politician might say, 'نحن لا نحتقر آراء الآخرين، لكننا نختلف معها' (We do not despise the opinions of others, but we disagree with them), emphasizing a distinction between disagreement and contempt. You might also hear it in literature and film, where characters express their deep-seated animosity or disdain towards antagonists. For example, a character might declare, 'أنا أحتقر كل من يسيء إلى الضعفاء' (I despise everyone who harms the weak). This word carries significant weight, so its usage often signals a strong emotional stance. It's less common in casual, everyday small talk unless the topic is specifically about strong moral judgments or social critiques. However, in more serious conversations about ethics, justice, or personal integrity, 'يحتقر' is a potent and fitting term. It's also a word that educators might use when discussing values with students, cautioning them against developing attitudes of contempt towards others. The context is key: 'يحتقر' is reserved for situations where contempt is genuinely felt and expressed, reflecting a significant emotional and judgmental divide.

Social Commentary
Used when discussing social issues, discrimination, or inequality.
Personal Reflection
Found in autobiographies or confessions about self-criticism or past mistakes.
Moral and Ethical Discussions
Common in debates about right and wrong, justice, and character.

سمعت في الأخبار أن بعض القادة يحتقرون حقوق الإنسان.

I heard on the news that some leaders despise human rights.

في القصة، كانت البطلة تحتقر كل من يتحدث بالسوء عن عائلتها.

In the story, the heroine despised everyone who spoke ill of her family.

المحاضر قال: لا تحتقروا عمل أي شخص، فكل عمل له قيمته.

The lecturer said: Do not despise anyone's work, for every job has its value.

When learning يحتقر (yaḥtaqir), learners might make a few common mistakes, primarily stemming from underestimating its strong negative connotation or confusing it with milder terms of disapproval. One frequent error is using 'يحتقر' when a simpler word like 'لا يحب' (does not like) or 'لا يوافق' (disagrees) would be more appropriate. 'يحتقر' implies a deep sense of contempt and superiority, not just a simple dislike. For example, saying 'أنا أحتقر الطقس الحار' (I despise the hot weather) is an overstatement; one might dislike it, but despising it is too strong. Another mistake is misconjugating the verb. While 'يحتقر' is for a male subject, learners might incorrectly use it for a female subject, who would use 'تحتقر'. Getting the gender and number correct is crucial for accurate communication. Furthermore, learners might sometimes confuse 'يحتقر' with words that mean 'to criticize' or 'to blame'. While contempt can lead to criticism, 'يحتقر' itself is about the internal feeling and judgment of worthlessness, not necessarily the act of criticizing. For instance, someone might criticize a policy without despising the people who made it. Using 'يحتقر' when the intended meaning is simply 'to criticize' can sound overly aggressive and misrepresent the speaker's true feelings. Finally, an error can occur in understanding the object of contempt. 'يحتقر' is typically directed towards people, their actions, or their characteristics, often implying a perceived moral or social failing. Using it for inanimate objects or abstract concepts without strong personification can sound unnatural. For instance, while one might 'hate' a difficult task, 'despising' it is less common phrasing. Understanding these nuances helps learners use 'يحتقر' precisely and effectively, avoiding unintentional exaggeration or miscommunication.

Overuse
Using 'يحتقر' for mild dislikes instead of strong contempt.
Misconjugation
Incorrectly conjugating the verb for gender or number.
Confusing with Criticism
Using 'يحتقر' when the intention is merely to criticize or disagree.

خطأ: أنا أحتقر صوت المطر. صحيح: أنا لا أحب صوت المطر كثيرًا.

Mistake: I despise the sound of rain. Correct: I don't like the sound of rain very much.

خطأ: هي يحتقر. صحيح: هي تحتقر.

Mistake: She despises (male form). Correct: She despises (female form).

خطأ: هو يحتقر الأفكار الجديدة. صحيح: هو ينتقد الأفكار الجديدة.

Mistake: He despises new ideas. Correct: He criticizes new ideas.

Understanding the nuances of يحتقر (yaḥtaqir) is best achieved by comparing it with similar words. While يحتقر signifies deep contempt and a sense of superiority, other words convey related but distinct meanings. يزدري (yazdari) is very close in meaning and often interchangeable with 'يحتقر'. Both imply looking down on someone with scorn. However, 'يزدري' might sometimes lean more towards a dismissive attitude, while 'يحتقر' can feel more intensely emotional. يستهين (yastahīn) means to underestimate or to make light of something. It's about perceiving something as less important or difficult than it is, rather than despising its inherent worth. For instance, one might 'يستهين' a challenge, but they wouldn't typically 'يحتقر' it unless it represented something they found morally reprehensible. يُهين (yuhīn) means to insult or to humiliate. This is an outward action of disrespect, whereas 'يحتقر' is primarily an internal feeling that can lead to such actions. You can 'يُهين' someone without necessarily 'يحتقر' them (though contempt often fuels humiliation), and you can 'يحتقر' someone without publicly humiliating them. يَكره (yakrah) means to hate. Hate is a strong emotion of dislike and aversion, but it doesn't always carry the same implication of superiority or deeming someone worthless as 'يحتقر' does. One can hate a situation or a person without necessarily feeling they are beneath them. يُقلل من شأن (yuqallil min sha'n) means to belittle or to diminish someone's importance. This is similar to 'يحتقر' in that it devalues the person, but it focuses more on reducing their perceived status or significance. Finally, يشمئز (yashma'izz) means to be disgusted. Disgust is a strong feeling of revulsion, often related to something perceived as unclean or offensive, whereas contempt is more about a judgment of inferiority and worthlessness. Choosing the right word depends on the specific shade of negative feeling you wish to convey. If the core is a sense of superiority and deeming someone worthless, 'يحتقر' or 'يزدري' are appropriate. If it's about making someone feel small, 'يُهين' or 'يُقلل من شأن' might be better. If it's a strong dislike, 'يكره' is suitable. And for revulsion, 'يشمئز' is the word.

يحتقر vs يزدري
Both mean to despise or scorn. 'يحتقر' can feel more intense, while 'يزدري' might imply more dismissal.
يحتقر vs يستهين
'يحتقر' is about deeming someone worthless; 'يستهين' is about underestimating their importance or difficulty.
يحتقر vs يُهين
'يحتقر' is the feeling of contempt; 'يُهين' is the act of humiliating or insulting.
يحتقر vs يَكره
'يحتقر' implies superiority and worthlessness; 'يكره' is a strong dislike or aversion.
يحتقر vs يُقلل من شأن
Both devalue someone. 'يحتقر' is about fundamental worthlessness; 'يُقلل من شأن' is about diminishing importance.
يحتقر vs يشمئز
'يحتقر' is contempt based on perceived inferiority; 'يشمئز' is revulsion, often due to perceived uncleanliness or offensiveness.

هو يزدري كل من يتكلم عنه من وراء ظهره.

He scorns everyone who talks about him behind his back.

لا تستهن بقدرات صديقك.

Do not underestimate your friend's abilities.

كلماته كانت مهينة له.

His words were humiliating to him.

How Formal Is It?

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Child friendly

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Dato curioso

The concept of 'smallness' or 'lowliness' inherent in the root ح ق ر (ḥ-q-r) is fascinating. It suggests that contempt often arises from perceiving the object of contempt as 'small' in some fundamental way – small in stature, small in intellect, small in moral character, or small in social standing. This connection highlights the psychological basis of disdain.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /jaħˈtaqiru/
US /jaħˈtaqiru/
The stress falls on the second syllable: yaḥ-<strong>TAQ</strong>-ir-u.
Rima con
يُحاذِرُ يُباهِرُ يُساهِرُ يُناظِرُ يُساعِدُ يُواجِدُ يُقادِرُ يُسادِرُ
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'ħ' as a regular 'h'.
  • Not producing the 'q' sound correctly, often substituting a 'k'.
  • Incorrectly stressing the wrong syllable.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.
  • Confusing the short 'a' with a long 'ah'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

At A2 level, recognizing 'يحتقر' in simple sentences is achievable. However, understanding its full emotional weight and context in more complex texts requires higher proficiency. Its strong negative connotation can be challenging for beginners to fully grasp.

Escritura 4/5

Using 'يحتقر' accurately in writing requires a good understanding of its intense meaning and appropriate contexts. Learners at A2 might misuse it for milder feelings or struggle with correct conjugation. Advanced learners can use it effectively to convey strong emotions and judgments.

Expresión oral 4/5

Spontaneously using 'يحتقر' in speech requires confidence in conveying strong negative emotions. Learners might hesitate to use such a strong word or might use it incorrectly, leading to miscommunication.

Escucha 4/5

Identifying 'يحتقر' when spoken requires good listening skills, especially given the 'ħ' sound. Understanding the context is crucial to gauge the speaker's intent and the severity of the contempt expressed.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

كره (hate) احترام (respect) شخص (person) شيء (thing) فقير (poor) غني (rich) صحيح (correct) خطأ (wrong) ضعيف (weak) قوي (strong)

Aprende después

ازدراء (disdain) استهانة (underestimation) إهانة (insult) تعالي (arrogance) تكبر (haughtiness) تواضع (humility)

Avanzado

نرجسية (narcissism) تعصب (bigotry) تمييز عنصري (racism) فاشية (fascism) إمبريالية (imperialism)

Gramática que debes saber

Verb conjugation for gender and number.

هو يحتقر (he despises), هي تحتقر (she despises), هم يحتقرون (they despise).

Use of direct and indirect objects with verbs of emotion.

يحتقر الرجلُ الكاذبَ. (The man despises the liar.)

Forming negative sentences with 'لا'.

لا تحتقر الضعفاء. (Do not despise the weak.)

Using modal verbs like 'يجب' (must) or 'ينبغي' (should) with 'أن'.

يجب ألا نحتقر أحدًا. (We must not despise anyone.)

Relative clauses (الذي, التي) to describe someone who despises.

الشخص الذي يحتقر الآخرين لديه مشكلة.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

لا تحتقر الناس الفقراء.

Don't look down on poor people.

The negative imperative 'لا تحتقر' (do not despise).

2

هو يحتقر الكسل.

He despises laziness.

Subject 'هو' (he) + verb 'يحتقر' (despises) + object 'الكسل' (laziness).

3

هي تحتقر الغش.

She despises cheating.

Feminine subject 'هي' (she) + verb 'تحتقر' (despises).

4

لماذا يحتقرون بعضهم البعض؟

Why do they despise each other?

Interrogative 'لماذا' (why) + plural subject 'هم' (they) + verb 'يحتقرون' (despise).

5

أنا لا أحتقر الضعفاء.

I do not despise the weak.

Negative statement 'لا أحتقر' (I do not despise).

6

ذلك الرجل يحتقر الجميع.

That man despises everyone.

Demonstrative pronoun 'ذلك' (that) + noun 'الرجل' (man) + verb 'يحتقر' (despises).

7

لا تحتقر عمل الأخرين.

Do not despise the work of others.

Negative imperative 'لا تحتقر' (do not despise).

8

نحن نحتقر الظلم.

We despise injustice.

First-person plural 'نحن' (we) + verb 'نحتقر' (despise).

1

لا ينبغي أن يحتقر الإنسان أخاه الإنسان مهما اختلفت الأديان.

A person should not despise his fellow human, no matter how different their religions are.

Modal verb 'ينبغي' (should) + 'أن' + verb 'يحتقر'.

2

كانت تشعر بأنها تحتقر كل من يتصرف بلامبالاة تجاه الآخرين.

She felt that she despised everyone who acted indifferently towards others.

Past continuous 'كانت تشعر' (she was feeling) + 'بأنها' (that she) + verb 'تحتقر'.

3

البعض يحتقرون الثقافة المختلفة عن ثقافتهم، وهذا خطأ كبير.

Some despise cultures different from their own, and this is a big mistake.

Plural subject 'البعض' (some) + verb 'يحتقرون' (despise).

4

لقد حتقرت نفسي عندما أدركت خطئي.

I despised myself when I realized my mistake.

Past tense 'حتقرت' (I despised) + reflexive pronoun 'نفسي' (myself).

5

من السهل أن يحتقر المرء ما لا يفهمه.

It is easy for one to despise what he does not understand.

Impersonal construction 'من السهل أن' (it is easy to) + verb 'يحتقر'.

6

لا تحتقر من هو أقل منك في المنصب، فقد يكون أعلم منك.

Do not despise one who is below you in position, for he may be wiser than you.

Negative imperative 'لا تحتقر' + comparative 'أقل' (less) + 'من' (than).

7

إنهم يحتقرون أي محاولة للتلاعب بالحقائق.

They despise any attempt to manipulate facts.

Pronoun 'إنهم' (they) + verb 'يحتقرون' + noun phrase 'أي محاولة للتلاعب بالحقائق'.

8

المتعلم الجيد لا يحتقر السؤال البسيط.

A good learner does not despise a simple question.

Negative statement 'لا يحتقر' + adjective 'البسيط' (simple).

1

إن التعصب الديني يدفع الناس إلى احتقار الآخرين الذين يتبعون معتقدات مختلفة.

Religious intolerance drives people to despise others who follow different beliefs.

Noun 'التعصب الديني' (religious intolerance) + verb 'يدفع' (drives) + noun 'احتقار' (despising).

2

كانت لديه نظرة متعالية يحتقر بها كل من لم يشاركوه آراءه السياسية.

He had a condescending look with which he despised everyone who did not share his political views.

Relative clause 'يحتقر بها' (with which he despises).

3

من الخطأ الشائع أن يحتقر المرء ما لا يعرفه، فالحكم المسبق يؤدي إلى سوء الفهم.

It is a common mistake for one to despise what he does not know, as prejudice leads to misunderstanding.

Noun phrase 'الحكم المسبق' (prejudice) + verb 'يؤدي إلى' (leads to).

4

بعض النقاد الفنيين يحتقرون الأعمال التي تفتقر إلى الأصالة، حتى لو كانت شائعة.

Some art critics despise works that lack originality, even if they are popular.

Profession 'النقاد الفنيين' (art critics) + adjective 'الأصالة' (originality).

5

الشخص الذي يحتقر فكرة جديدة لمجرد أنها مختلفة هو شخص محدود الأفق.

A person who despises a new idea simply because it is different is a narrow-minded person.

Adjective clause 'الذي يحتقر فكرة جديدة' (who despises a new idea).

6

إن التاريخ مليء بأمثلة لأشخاص حتقروا إنجازات الآخرين ثم اكتشفوا لاحقًا أنهم كانوا مخطئين.

History is full of examples of people who despised the achievements of others and later discovered they were wrong.

Past perfect 'حتقروا' (had despised) + noun phrase 'إنجازات الآخرين' (achievements of others).

7

لا يمكنك أن تدعي التقدم الاجتماعي وأنت تحتقر فئات معينة من المجتمع.

You cannot claim social progress while despising certain segments of society.

Gerund phrase 'تدعي التقدم الاجتماعي' (claim social progress) + conjunction 'وأن' (while).

8

غالبًا ما يكون احتقار الفن الشعبي علامة على عدم فهمه لجمهوره.

Often, the despising of popular art is a sign of not understanding its audience.

Noun 'احتقار' (despising) + adjective phrase 'الشعبي' (popular).

1

إن إطلاق أحكام مسبقة واحتقار الفئات المهمشة هو سلوك منافٍ لكل قيم الإنسانية.

Making prejudices and despising marginalized groups is behavior contrary to all human values.

Abstract nouns 'أحكام مسبقة' (prejudices) and 'احتقار' (despising) + adjective phrase 'منافٍ لكل قيم الإنسانية' (contrary to all human values).

2

لم يكن مجرد اختلاف في الرأي، بل كان هناك شعور عميق بالاحتقار تجاه أفكاره التي اعتبرها رجعية.

It wasn't just a difference of opinion; there was a deep feeling of contempt towards his ideas, which she considered backward.

Noun phrase 'شعور عميق بالاحتقار' (deep feeling of contempt) + adjective 'رجعية' (backward).

3

إن تجاهل الإنجازات العلمية لمجرد أنها تأتي من ثقافة مختلفة هو شكل من أشكال احتقار المعرفة نفسها.

Ignoring scientific achievements simply because they come from a different culture is a form of despising knowledge itself.

Gerund 'تجاهل' (ignoring) + noun phrase 'أشكال من احتقار المعرفة' (forms of despising knowledge).

4

تاريخيًا، غالبًا ما استخدم الحكام احتقار الشعوب الأخرى لتبرير الحروب والإمبريالية.

Historically, rulers have often used the despising of other peoples to justify wars and imperialism.

Adverb 'تاريخيًا' (historically) + noun 'الإمبريالية' (imperialism).

5

محاولة التقليل من شأن إنجازات الآخرين أو احتقار جهودهم هي علامة على عدم الأمان الشخصي.

Attempting to belittle others' achievements or despise their efforts is a sign of personal insecurity.

Verb phrase 'التقليل من شأن' (belittling) + noun 'جهودهم' (their efforts).

6

في الأدب، غالبًا ما يصور المؤلفون الشخصيات التي تحتقر الآخرين كرموز للفشل الأخلاقي.

In literature, authors often portray characters who despise others as symbols of moral failure.

Noun 'الأدب' (literature) + noun phrase 'رموز للفشل الأخلاقي' (symbols of moral failure).

7

إن الازدراء الثقافي الذي يتجلى في احتقار العادات والتقاليد الأجنبية يعيق التفاهم والتعايش.

The cultural disdain manifested in despising foreign customs and traditions hinders understanding and coexistence.

Noun 'الازدراء الثقافي' (cultural disdain) + verb 'يعيق' (hinders).

8

لا يمكننا السماح بأن يتحول الاختلاف الفكري إلى احتقار شخصي، فهذا يقوض أسس النقاش البناء.

We cannot allow intellectual difference to turn into personal contempt, as this undermines the foundations of constructive debate.

Noun phrase 'الاختلاف الفكري' (intellectual difference) + noun 'احتقار شخصي' (personal contempt).

1

إن الإحساس بالتفوق الذي يغذي احتقار الآخرين قد يكون في جوهره قناعًا لعدم الأمان العميق.

The sense of superiority that fuels the despising of others may in essence be a mask for deep insecurity.

Abstract noun 'التفوق' (superiority) + gerund 'يغذي' (fuels) + abstract noun 'عدم الأمان العميق' (deep insecurity).

2

تتجلى أشكال مختلفة من احتقار الذات في التحليل النفسي، حيث يسعى الفرد إلى إخفاء عيوبه المتصورة.

Various forms of self-contempt manifest in psychoanalysis, where the individual seeks to hide their perceived flaws.

Adverb 'مختلفة' (various) + noun phrase 'احتقار الذات' (self-contempt) + noun 'التحليل النفسي' (psychoanalysis).

3

إن النخبوية الفكرية التي تحتقر الثقافة الشعبية غالبًا ما تفشل في فهم الديناميكيات الاجتماعية التي تشكل المجتمعات.

Intellectual elitism that despises popular culture often fails to understand the social dynamics that shape societies.

Noun 'النخبوية الفكرية' (intellectual elitism) + noun phrase 'الثقافة الشعبية' (popular culture).

4

تاريخيًا، استُخدم مفهوم 'الآخر' كأداة لاحتقار وتهميش من لا يتوافق مع المعايير السائدة.

Historically, the concept of 'the Other' has been used as a tool to despise and marginalize those who do not conform to prevailing standards.

Passive verb 'استُخدم' (was used) + noun phrase 'المعايير السائدة' (prevailing standards).

5

إن الفلسفة الوجودية تتناول بعمق كيف يمكن للشعور بالعبثية أن يؤدي إلى احتقار الذات والقيم التقليدية.

Existential philosophy deeply addresses how the feeling of absurdity can lead to self-contempt and the despising of traditional values.

Noun 'الفلسفة الوجودية' (existential philosophy) + noun 'العبثية' (absurdity).

6

يمكن ملاحظة احتقار الفن التجريبي في بعض الدوائر الأكاديمية كرفض لما يُنظر إليه على أنه انحراف عن الأشكال الكلاسيكية.

The despising of experimental art can be observed in some academic circles as a rejection of what is seen as a deviation from classical forms.

Adjective 'التجريبي' (experimental) + noun phrase 'الأشكال الكلاسيكية' (classical forms).

7

إن الخطاب الذي يحتقر الاختلافات الثقافية لا يساهم في بناء جسور التفاهم، بل يعمق الانقسامات.

Discourse that despises cultural differences does not contribute to building bridges of understanding, but rather deepens divisions.

Noun 'الخطاب' (discourse) + verb 'يعمق' (deepens) + noun 'الانقسامات' (divisions).

8

قد ينبع احتقار التكنولوجيا المتقدمة لدى البعض من خوف أساسي من فقدان السيطرة أو الهوية.

The despising of advanced technology among some may stem from a fundamental fear of losing control or identity.

Noun phrase 'التكنولوجيا المتقدمة' (advanced technology) + noun 'الخوف' (fear).

Colocaciones comunes

يحتقر الضعفاء
يحتقر الكاذبين
يحتقر الغشاشين
يحتقر الغرور
يحتقر الظلم
يحتقر الأفكار الرجعية
يحتقر نفسه
يحتقر الأغنياء الفقراء
يحتقر العمل البسيط
يحتقر الثقافات الأخرى

Frases Comunes

لا تحتقر أحدًا

— Do not despise anyone. This is a common piece of advice emphasizing humility and equality.

علمتني أمي دائمًا: لا تحتقر أحدًا مهما كان.

يحتقر نفسه

— To despise oneself. This refers to a state of extreme self-criticism or self-loathing.

بعد فشله المتكرر، بدأ يحتقر نفسه.

يحتقر ما يفعله

— To despise what one is doing. This implies regret or strong disapproval of one's own actions.

إنه يحتقر ما يفعله ولكنه مضطر لذلك.

يحتقر كل من...

— To despise everyone who... This is used to express a strong dislike for a specific group of people based on their actions or characteristics.

هو يحتقر كل من يتحدث بالسوء عن الآخرين.

شعور بالاحتقار

— A feeling of contempt or disdain. This phrase describes the emotion itself.

كان لديه شعور بالاحتقار تجاه تصرفاته.

نظرة احتقار

— A look of contempt or disdain. This refers to the visual expression of the emotion.

رأيت في عينيه نظرة احتقار واضحة.

إنه يحتقر هذا النوع من...

— He despises this type of... This is used to express strong disapproval of a category or kind of thing.

إنه يحتقر هذا النوع من الأكاذيب.

لا تحتقر العمل البسيط

— Do not despise simple work. This is advice promoting respect for all types of labor.

تذكر دائمًا: لا تحتقر العمل البسيط، فكل عمل له قيمته.

احتقار الآخرين

— Despising others. This is a general term for the act or attitude of contempt towards people.

الجهل غالبًا ما يؤدي إلى احتقار الآخرين.

يشعر بالاحتقار تجاه

— To feel contempt towards. Similar to 'شعور بالاحتقار', but emphasizes the direction of the feeling.

كان يشعر بالاحتقار تجاه سلوكه الأناني.

Se confunde a menudo con

يحتقر vs يكره (yakrah)

'يكره' means to hate, which is a strong dislike. 'يحتقر' adds the element of deeming someone or something worthless and inferior, implying a sense of superiority.

يحتقر vs يزدري (yazdari)

Very similar to 'يحتقر', often interchangeable. 'يزدري' can sometimes imply a more dismissive or scornful attitude, while 'يحتقر' can carry a deeper emotional weight of contempt.

يحتقر vs يستهين (yastahīn)

'يستهين' means to underestimate or make light of. It's about perceiving something as less important or difficult, not necessarily deeming it worthless or inferior.

Modismos y expresiones

"ينظر إليه بدونية"

— To look at someone with condescension; to view them as inferior. This idiom captures the essence of 'يحتقر' by describing the manner of looking.

كانت نظراته إليه تظهر أنه ينظر إليه بدونية.

Neutral
"يشعر بالاستعلاء"

— To feel a sense of superiority. This feeling often underlies the act of despising others.

الكثير من المتنمرين يشعرون بالاستعلاء على ضحاياهم.

Neutral
"يضع نفسه في مرتبة أعلى"

— To place oneself in a higher rank or position. This self-perceived superiority is a key component of contempt.

هو يضع نفسه في مرتبة أعلى من الجميع، وهذا ما يجعله يحتقرهم.

Neutral
"يعده شيئًا تافهًا"

— To consider something trivial or insignificant. This reflects the devaluation inherent in despising.

هو يعد آراء الآخرين شيئًا تافهًا، لذلك يحتقرهم.

Neutral
"يُلقي إليه نظرة ازدراء"

— To cast a look of disdain upon someone. Similar to 'ينظر إليه بدونية', but specifically mentions 'disdain'.

عندما تحدث، ألقى عليها نظرة ازدراء.

Neutral
"يعده أقل من أن يُحكى معه"

— To consider someone too insignificant to speak with. This is a strong manifestation of contempt.

لقد وصل به الأمر إلى أن يعده أقل من أن يُحكى معه.

Formal
"لا يرى فيه خيرًا"

— To see no good in someone. This implies a complete lack of positive regard, often leading to contempt.

بعد خيانته، لم يعد يرى فيه خيرًا.

Neutral
"يعده من العدم"

— To consider someone as nothing; to dismiss them entirely. This idiom emphasizes the utter worthlessness attributed by contempt.

هو يعد كل من يخالفه الرأي من العدم.

Formal
"يُدير له ظهره"

— To turn one's back on someone. This signifies rejection and a refusal to engage, often stemming from contempt.

بعد أن خذله، أدار له ظهره ولم يكلمه مرة أخرى.

Neutral
"يُقيمه في الحضيض"

— To deem someone extremely low or base; to put them in the lowest position. This emphasizes the extreme devaluation.

هو يقيم كل من لا يتبع أوامره في الحضيض.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

يحتقر vs يكره

Both express strong negative emotions towards someone or something.

'يحتقر' implies a judgment of worthlessness and superiority, whereas 'يكره' is a strong aversion or dislike without necessarily implying the object is inferior. You can hate a situation without despising it.

أنا أكره الانتظار في الطوابير. (I hate waiting in lines.) - This is a dislike. هو يحتقر الأشخاص الذين يتنمرون. (He despises people who bully.) - This implies deeming them morally inferior.

يحتقر vs يزدري

Both are verbs of scorn and disdain.

'يحتقر' often implies a more intense, perhaps more personal, feeling of contempt and deeming someone utterly worthless. 'يزدري' can sometimes be a more general scorn or dismissal. They are often used interchangeably, but 'يحتقر' can carry a stronger sense of looking down from a perceived higher position.

الطالب الذي لا يدرس يزدري المعلم. (The student who doesn't study scorns the teacher.) - General scorn. هو يحتقر أي محاولة للتلاعب بالحقائق. (He despises any attempt to manipulate facts.) - Stronger, more personal contempt for the act.

يحتقر vs يُهين

Both are negative actions or feelings towards others.

'يحتقر' is the internal feeling or judgment of contempt and worthlessness. 'يُهين' is the outward act of insulting or humiliating someone. One can feel contempt without humiliating, and one can humiliate someone without necessarily feeling deep contempt (though it often accompanies it).

هو يحتقر زميله بسبب غطرسته. (He despises his colleague because of his arrogance.) - Internal feeling. هو أهان زميله أمام الجميع. (He insulted his colleague in front of everyone.) - Outward action.

يحتقر vs يستهين

Both involve a negative assessment of someone or something.

'يحتقر' is about deeming someone or something worthless and inferior. 'يستهين' is about underestimating their importance, difficulty, or capability. You might 'يستهين' a task, but you 'تحتقر' a person you deem morally corrupt.

لا تستهن بقوة الطبيعة. (Do not underestimate the power of nature.) - Underestimation. هو يحتقر الأشخاص الذين يتخلون عن مبادئهم. (He despises people who abandon their principles.) - Deeming them worthless.

يحتقر vs يُقلل من شأن

Both actions involve devaluing someone or something.

'يحتقر' implies a more fundamental judgment of worthlessness and often superiority. 'يُقلل من شأن' focuses more on diminishing the importance, value, or achievements of someone or something, often to make oneself look better.

كانت تحاول أن تقلل من شأن إنجازاته. (She was trying to diminish the importance of his achievements.) - Belittling. هو يحتقر كل من لا يتبع أسلوبه. (He despises everyone who doesn't follow his style.) - Fundamental worthlessness.

Patrones de oraciones

A2

Subject + يحتقر + Object

هو يحتقر الغش.

A2

لا + Subject + يحتقر + Object

لا تحتقر الفقراء.

B1

Subject + فعل مساعد + أن + يحتقر + Object

يجب أن لا تحتقر أي عمل.

B1

Subject + كان + يحتقر + Object

كان يحتقر كل من يتكلم بالسوء.

B2

Relative Clause + يحتقر + Object

الرجل الذي يحتقر الآخرين ليس محبوبًا.

B2

Noun (احتقار) + preposition + Object

شعرت بالاحتقار تجاه تصرفاته.

C1

Complex sentence structure with causal or conditional clauses

إذا كنت تحتقر الآخرين، فلن تكسب أصدقاء.

C2

Nominalization or passive voice usage

تمت ملاحظة احتقار شديد تجاه أفكاره الجديدة.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

احتقار Contempt, disdain, scorn. (e.g., 'كان في عينيه احتقار.')
مُحتقَر Despised, looked down upon. (e.g., 'شعر بأنه مُحتقَر.')
حاقِر Contemptible, despicable (adjective). (e.g., 'تصرف حاقِر.')

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

ازدراء Disdain, scorn (noun). Very similar to احتقار.
استهانة Underestimation, making light of (noun).
إهانة Insult, humiliation (noun).
كراهية Hatred (noun).
احترام Respect (noun).

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Medium (more common in discussions of social issues, character, and morality than in everyday casual chat).

Errores comunes
  • Using 'يحتقر' for mild dislike. Using 'لا يحب' or 'لا يوافق'.

    Learners often use 'يحتقر' when they mean 'dislike' or 'disagree'. 'يحتقر' signifies deep contempt and a sense of superiority, not just simple aversion.

  • Incorrect verb conjugation (e.g., using 'يحتقر' for a female subject). Using the correct feminine form 'تحتقر'.

    Arabic verbs must agree with the subject in gender and number. For a female subject, the verb changes from 'يحتقر' to 'تحتقر'.

  • Confusing 'يحتقر' with 'يُهين' (to insult). Understanding that 'يحتقر' is the feeling, and 'يُهين' is the action.

    'يحتقر' is the internal feeling of contempt, while 'يُهين' is the outward act of humiliating. You can feel contempt without humiliating, and vice versa.

  • Overusing 'يحتقر' in formal writing. Opting for more formal synonyms or rephrasing.

    While 'يحتقر' is a valid word, in very formal academic or diplomatic contexts, more nuanced or less emotionally charged vocabulary might be preferred, or the concept might be expressed through nominalizations like 'احتقار'.

  • Mispronouncing the 'ħ' or 'q' sounds. Practicing the correct articulation of these sounds.

    The throaty 'ħ' and the uvular 'q' are key to correct pronunciation and can significantly alter the meaning if mispronounced. Native speaker models are essential for practice.

Consejos

Master the 'ħ' sound

The 'ħ' in 'يحتقر' is a throaty 'h' sound, distinct from the English 'h'. Practice by trying to make a sound from the back of your throat, almost like a sigh but more forceful. Listen to native speakers and imitate them.

Learn Related Nouns

Understanding the noun form 'احتقار' (contempt) and the adjective 'حاقِر' (contemptible) will deepen your grasp of the word family and its usage in different grammatical structures.

Visual Associations

Create a mental image for 'يحتقر'. Imagine someone looking down from a high place with a sneer at something small below. This visual can help you recall the meaning of looking down with contempt.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Pay close attention to verb conjugations. Ensure the verb 'يحتقر' agrees in gender and number with the subject performing the action of despising.

Distinguish from 'يكره'

While both are negative, 'يحتقر' implies a judgment of inferiority and superiority, whereas 'يكره' is simply strong dislike. Don't use 'يحتقر' when only 'hate' is meant.

Sentence Building

Write sentences using 'يحتقر' with different subjects and objects. Try both positive and negative constructions to solidify your understanding of its grammatical use.

Cultural Nuance

In Arab cultures, arrogance and looking down on others are often seen as significant character flaws. Using 'يحتقر' carries this cultural weight of moral disapproval.

Explore Nuances

For advanced learners, explore the subtle differences between 'يحتقر', 'يزدري', and 'يُهين' to express finer shades of contempt, scorn, and humiliation.

Use in Debates

In discussions about social justice or ethics, 'يحتقر' can be a powerful word to describe negative societal attitudes or individual behaviors that devalue others.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'hacker' (sounds like 'ḥaqr') who tries to make everything seem small and insignificant to steal data. He 'hacker-s' everything, making it seem worthless, so he can take it. This hacker 'يحتقر' value.

Asociación visual

Imagine a tiny ant standing on top of a giant's shoe, looking down with a sneer. The ant 'يحتقر' the giant's size and presence, feeling superior despite being minuscule.

Word Web

Contempt Disdain Scorn Looking down on Inferiority Worthless Devalue Arrogance

Desafío

Write three sentences using 'يحتقر' to describe a character in a short story you imagine. Focus on why they feel contempt.

Origen de la palabra

The root of 'يحتقر' is ح ق ر (ḥ-q-r), which generally relates to smallness, lowliness, or insignificance. This root carries the semantic field of being small, low, or contemptible. The verb form 'حَقَّرَ' (ḥaqqara) means to make something seem small or insignificant, to belittle. 'يحتقر' is a derived form (Form VI - افتعل 'ifta'ala') which often implies a reciprocal action or an action directed towards oneself or others, in this case, treating someone or something as if they were inherently small or insignificant, leading to contempt.

Significado original: To consider small, insignificant, or low.

Semitic languages, specifically Arabic.

Contexto cultural

The word 'يحتقر' is strong and negative. It should be used with caution, as it implies a deep level of disrespect and judgment. Using it inappropriately can cause offense. It is generally not used in polite or formal conversation unless discussing serious moral or social issues.

In English-speaking cultures, similar concepts exist like 'contempt', 'disdain', 'scorn', 'looking down on', and 'snobbery'. These terms also carry negative connotations and are generally seen as undesirable traits.

Literary characters in classic Arabic novels who exhibit arrogance and contempt towards the less fortunate. Proverbs and sayings that warn against pride and looking down on others. Religious texts that condemn arrogance and emphasize humility and compassion.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Social inequality and class differences.

  • يحتقر الفقراء
  • لا تحتقر من هو أقل منك
  • بعض الأغنياء يحتقرون الفقراء

Moral judgments and character flaws.

  • يحتقر الكاذبين
  • يحتقر الغش
  • يحتقر الخيانة

Personal feelings and self-perception.

  • يحتقر نفسه
  • شعور بالاحتقار
  • نظرة احتقار

Discussions about culture and beliefs.

  • يحتقر الثقافات الأخرى
  • لا تحتقر اختلاف الأديان
  • يحتقر الأفكار القديمة

Criticism of behavior or actions.

  • يحتقر الظلم
  • يحتقر العنف
  • يحتقر هذا النوع من السلوك

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever felt contempt for someone's actions? What were they?"

"Why do you think some people despise others based on their social status?"

"Is it ever justifiable to despise someone? If so, when?"

"What's the difference between despising someone and simply disagreeing with them?"

"How can we teach children not to despise others?"

Temas para diario

Reflect on a time you felt contempt for someone. What triggered this feeling, and how did it affect you?

Describe a situation where you witnessed someone being despised. How did it make you feel, and what did you learn?

Consider the phrase 'Do not despise anyone.' How can you apply this principle in your daily life?

If you could address someone who despises others, what message would you convey?

How does the act of despising oneself differ from despising others, and what are the consequences of each?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'يحتقر' (yaḥtaqir) means to despise or look down on someone with contempt, implying a feeling of superiority and deeming the other person or thing worthless. 'يكره' (yakrah) simply means to hate or strongly dislike. While you might hate someone, you might not necessarily feel they are beneath you. Contempt ('يحتقر') adds that layer of perceived inferiority and disdain.

No, 'يحتقر' is a very strong and negative word. It expresses deep contempt and disdain. It is generally not considered polite to use, especially in formal settings or when speaking directly to someone, unless you intend to express serious disapproval or condemnation. It's more often used to describe someone else's negative feelings or attitudes.

Yes, 'يحتقر' can be used for objects or abstract concepts, but it often implies a personification or a strong emotional reaction to them. For example, someone might say 'أنا أحتقر الكسل' (I despise laziness) or 'يحتقرون الحرب' (they despise war). In these cases, the verb expresses a strong moral judgment and aversion towards the concept or its implications.

The noun form is 'احتقار' (iḥtiqār), which means contempt, disdain, or scorn. For example: 'كان في عينيه احتقار واضح.' (There was clear contempt in his eyes.)

The basic present tense conjugation is: أنا أحتقر (ana aḥtaqir - I despise), أنت تحتقر (anta taḥtaqir - you [m.] despise), أنتِ تحتقرين (anti taḥtaqirīn - you [f.] despise), هو يحتقر (huwa yaḥtaqir - he despises), هي تحتقر (hiya taḥtaqir - she despises), نحن نحتقر (naḥnu naḥtaqir - we despise), أنتم تحتقرون (antum taḥtaqirūn - you [pl.] despise), هم يحتقرون (hum yaḥtaqirūn - they despise).

Both 'يحتقر' (yaḥtaqir) and 'يزدري' (yazdari) mean to scorn or despise. They are often used interchangeably. However, 'يحتقر' can sometimes convey a deeper, more intense feeling of contempt and a sense of personal superiority, while 'يزدري' might be used more broadly for general scorn or dismissal. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.

Certainly. A common negative sentence is: 'لا تحتقر أحدًا مهما كان فقيرًا.' (Do not despise anyone, no matter how poor they are.) This uses the negative imperative form.

The root is ح-ق-ر (ḥ-q-r), which relates to smallness, insignificance, or lowliness. The verb 'يحتقر' is derived from this root, meaning to treat someone or something as if they were small or insignificant, thus leading to contempt.

'يحتقر' is the internal feeling of contempt and deeming someone worthless. 'يُهين' is the external action of insulting or humiliating someone. You can feel contempt without humiliating, and you can humiliate someone without necessarily feeling deep contempt.

The direct antonyms are words like 'يحترم' (yaḥtarim - to respect) and 'يقدر' (yuqaddir - to appreciate/value). These express positive regard and admiration, contrasting with the negative judgment of contempt.

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