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A2 verb #500 más común 9 min de lectura

يَكُون

yakun Top 500

At the A1 level, you primarily learn that the verb 'to be' (am/is/are) is usually not translated in simple sentences. You might encounter 'yakūn' in its future form 'sayakūn' (will be) to talk about simple plans, like 'It will be cold tomorrow.' You also learn it in very common phrases like 'In shā' Allāh yakūn khayr' (Hopefully it will be good). The focus is on recognizing the word and knowing that it refers to 'being' in the future or in general terms. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just that 'yakūn' is the 'is' you use when you can't just leave it out.

At A2, you start using 'yakūn' more intentionally. You learn to conjugate it for different people (akūn, takūn, yakūn, nakūn). You begin to use it after the particle 'an' (to), such as 'I want to be...' (urīdu an akūna...). You also learn that when you use 'yakūn', the word that follows it (the predicate) often ends with a 'tanwīn fatḥ' (an sound), like 'akūnu sa'īdan' (I am/will be happy). This is your first introduction to the 'Sisters of Kāna' rule. You also use it to talk about the weather and habitual schedules.

At the B1 level, you master the different moods of 'yakūn'. You learn the subjunctive form 'yakūna' after particles like 'lan' (will not) and 'li' (so that). You also learn the jussive form 'yakun' (without the 'wāw') used after 'lam' to negate the past (e.g., 'lam yakun' - he was not). You start using 'yakūn' to form the future continuous tense (sayakūnu yadrusu - he will be studying) and in conditional 'if' sentences. You are expected to consistently apply the accusative case to the predicate (khabar yakūn).

At B2, you use 'yakūn' in more abstract and formal contexts. You understand its role in complex sentence structures, such as 'kāna yakūnu' (used rarely but possible in specific temporal contexts) or using it with 'qad' to express probability ('qad yakūn' - it might be). You can handle sentences where the subject of 'yakūn' is a long phrase or a nested clause. You also start to recognize the verb in literary texts and news reports where it is used to frame hypothetical scenarios or philosophical arguments about existence.

At C1, you explore the stylistic nuances of 'yakūn'. You understand when to use it for emphasis versus when to omit it. You are familiar with its use in classical poetry and high-level academic discourse. You can use 'yakūn' in the 'absolute' sense (al-kawn al-muṭlaq) to discuss existence itself. You understand the historical development of the verb and its relation to other roots. You can also navigate complex grammatical structures where 'yakūn' might be 'hidden' or implied in advanced rhetorical devices.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the verb's philosophical and linguistic depth. You can discuss the 'Kāna and its Sisters' rules in detail, including rare exceptions and archaic usages found in pre-Islamic poetry or specialized theological texts. You use 'yakūn' with perfect precision in diplomatic, legal, and highly technical Arabic. You understand the subtle difference in meaning when 'yakūn' is used as a 'complete' verb (tāmm) meaning 'to happen/exist' without a predicate, versus its standard 'incomplete' (nāqiṣ) usage.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

يَكُون en 30 segundos

The Arabic verb for 'to be' in the present/future tense, used for 'will be' or habits.
Unlike English, it is omitted in simple 'is/are' sentences but required after particles like 'an' and 'lan'.
It changes the following word (the predicate) to the accusative case (ending in fatḥa).
Essential for expressing possibility, necessity, and future plans in Modern Standard Arabic.

The Arabic verb يَكُون (yakūn) is the imperfective (present/future) form of the root K-W-N, which fundamentally relates to existence, being, and happening. For English speakers, this verb is both familiar and strangely elusive. In English, the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) is used constantly. In Arabic, however, the present tense 'is' or 'are' is typically omitted in what we call 'nominal sentences.' For example, to say 'The house is big,' an Arab says al-baytu kabīr (The house big). So, when do we actually use يَكُون? We use it when we need to express the future ('will be'), a habitual state ('is usually'), or when the verb follows certain grammatical particles like an (to), lan (will not), or li (in order to).

Root Meaning: The root K-W-N (ك-و-ن) is the source of the word 'Kawn' (Universe). It implies the act of coming into existence or the state of being established.

سَيَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ جَمِيلاً غَداً. (Sayakūnu al-ṭaqsu jamīlan ghadan.) The weather will be beautiful tomorrow.

This verb is part of a special group of verbs known as Kāna wa Akhawātuhā (Kāna and its sisters). These verbs are 'incomplete' (nāqiṣ) because they do not describe an action, but rather a state. They require a subject and a predicate to complete their meaning. When يَكُون enters a sentence, it changes the grammatical case of the predicate from nominative to accusative, a crucial rule for intermediate learners.

The Future Tense: By adding the prefix 'sa-' (سـ) or the word 'sawfa' (سوف), yakūn becomes 'will be'. This is its most common use for beginners.

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ طَبِيباً. (Urīdu an akūna ṭabīban.) I want to be a doctor.

Culturally, the concept of 'being' is tied to divine will. The famous Quranic phrase 'Kun fa-yakūn' (Be, and it is) illustrates the absolute power of existence. In daily life, you will hear 'yakūn' in conditional sentences ('If it is... then...') and in expressions of possibility. It is the foundation of complex sentence structures in Arabic, allowing speakers to navigate time and hypothetical scenarios with precision.

Negation: To say 'will not be', we use 'lan yakūna'. To say 'is not' in a habitual sense, we use 'lā yakūnu'.

لَنْ يَكُونَ الأَمْرُ سَهْلاً. (Lan yakūna al-amru sahlan.) The matter will not be easy.

Using يَكُون (yakūn) correctly requires understanding the 'Kāna and its Sisters' grammar rule. Unlike a normal verb that takes a subject (fā'il) and an object (maf'ūl bihi), يَكُون takes a subject (ism yakūn) and a predicate (khabar yakūn). The subject remains in the nominative case (marfū'), usually ending in a damma, while the predicate must be in the accusative case (manṣūb), usually ending in a fatḥa or tanwīn fatḥ.

Sentence Structure: [Verb: Yakūn] + [Subject: Nominative] + [Predicate: Accusative]. Example: Yakūnu al-waladu sa'īdan (The boy is/will be happy).

قَدْ يَكُونُ هَذَا صَحِيحاً. (Qad yakūnu hādhā ṣaḥīḥan.) This might be true.

One of the most common uses for يَكُون is with the particle an (أَنْ), which translates to 'to' in English. This is used for expressing desires, requirements, or possibilities. For example, 'It is necessary to be...' would be yajibu an yakūna.... Notice how the verb changes to yakūna (with a fatḥa at the end) because of the particle an.

Habitual Action: To describe something that is 'usually' the case, use the present tense yakūn. 'In the winter, it is cold' -> 'Fī al-shitā', yakūnu al-jawwu bāridan.'

كَيْفَ يَكُونُ العَمَلُ هُنَاكَ؟ (Kayfa yakūnu al-'amalu hunāka?) How is the work there (usually)?

Furthermore, يَكُون is used to form the future continuous tense. By combining 'sayakūnu' with another present tense verb, you can say 'He will be studying.' For example: Sayakūnu yadrusu. This allows for a high level of temporal specificity that simple nominal sentences cannot provide. It is also used in 'if' clauses (conditional sentences) involving the word idhā or in.

Negation with 'Lan': 'Lan' is used for future negation. 'Lan yakūna hunāka mushkila' (There will not be a problem there).

يَجِبُ أَنْ نَكُونَ حَذِرِينَ. (Yajibu an nakūna ḥadhirīn.) We must be careful.

You will encounter يَكُون (yakūn) in almost every facet of Arabic life, from the most sacred texts to the most mundane weather reports. In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is the workhorse of news broadcasts. When a reporter says, 'The meeting will be at five o'clock,' they will use sayakūnu al-ijtimā'.... It provides the temporal framework for all future planning and reporting.

In the Media: News anchors use it to describe upcoming events, expected weather conditions, and political forecasts. It sounds formal and authoritative.

سَيَكُونُ هُنَاكَ بَيَانٌ رَسْمِيٌّ. (Sayakūnu hunāka bayānun rasmiyyun.) There will be an official statement.

In religious contexts, the word is profoundly significant. The Quranic phrase Kun fa-yakūn (Be, and it is) appears multiple times, describing God's creative power. This has made the verb 'to be' a symbol of divine manifestation in Islamic philosophy. You will also hear it in daily prayers and supplications, often in the form yakūn or its past tense kāna.

Daily Conversations: Used in phrases like 'mā yakūn' (whatever it is) or 'yakūn khayr' (it will be fine/good news), which is a common way to reassure someone.

إِنْ شَاءَ الله يَكُون خَيْر. (In shā' Allāh yakūn khayr.) God willing, it will be good.

In literature and poetry, يَكُون is used to explore existential themes. Poets use it to contrast what 'is' with what 'will be' or 'should be.' It is a versatile tool for creating contrast between the present reality and future aspirations. In academic writing, it is used to define terms and establish logical premises, such as 'Let X be Y' (li-yakun X huwa Y).

Academic Use: Used in mathematical proofs and scientific definitions to establish hypothetical conditions or definitions.

لِيَكُنْ مَعْلُوماً أَنَّ... (Li-yakun ma'lūman anna...) Let it be known that...

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with يَكُون (yakūn) is overusing it. In English, we cannot form a sentence without a verb, so we say 'I am a student.' A beginner might try to translate this literally as Anā akūnu ṭālib. While technically understandable, it sounds very strange and 'foreign' to an Arab ear. In the present tense, the verb 'to be' is invisible. You should only use يَكُون if you are expressing the future, a habit, or if a grammatical particle requires it.

The 'Is' Trap: Avoid using 'yakūn' for simple present descriptions. 'The coffee is hot' is 'al-qahwa sākhina', NOT 'al-qahwa takūnu sākhina'.

Mistake: أَنَا أَكُونُ مِنْ أَمْرِيكَا. (Anā akūnu min Amrīkā.) Correct: أَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِيكَا. (Anā min Amrīkā.)

Another major pitfall is the case of the predicate. Remember that يَكُون is a 'sister of Kāna.' This means the word that follows the subject must be in the accusative case (manṣūb). Students often forget this and leave the predicate in the nominative case. For example, saying Sayakūnu al-imtiḥānu ṣa'bun (nominative) instead of the correct ṣa'ban (accusative).

Gender Agreement: Learners often forget to change 'yakūn' to 'takūn' when the subject is feminine. 'The girl will be...' must be 'Takūnu al-bintu...'.

Mistake: سَيَكُونُ السَّيَّارَةُ جَدِيدَةً. Correct: سَتَكُونُ السَّيَّارَةُ جَدِيدَةً. (Satakūnu al-sayyāratu jadīdatan.)

Finally, there is confusion between يَكُون and yūjad (there is/exists). While يَكُون can mean 'there will be' (sayakūnu hunāka), it is primarily a linking verb. Yūjad is used specifically for physical presence or availability. Using يَكُون when you mean 'to be found' can lead to awkward phrasing.

Confusion with 'To Become': Sometimes learners use 'yakūn' when 'yaṣīr' (to become) is more appropriate for a change in state.

Mistake: يَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ بَارِداً (It is being cold). Better: يُصْبِحُ الطَّقْسُ بَارِداً (The weather is becoming cold).

While يَكُون (yakūn) is the primary verb for 'to be,' Arabic offers several alternatives that provide more specific meaning depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will make your Arabic sound more natural and sophisticated.

يُوجَد (Yūjad): This means 'to be found' or 'to exist.' Use this when you want to say 'There is a book on the table' in a more formal or existential way: Yūjadu kitāb.... Yakūn is more about the state, while Yūjad is about presence.
يُصْبِح (Yuṣbiḥ): This means 'to become.' While 'yakūn' describes a state, 'yuṣbiḥ' describes the transition into that state. 'He will be a doctor' (sayakūn) vs 'He will become a doctor' (sayuṣbiḥ).
يَبْقَى (Yabqā): This means 'to remain' or 'to stay.' Sometimes in English we say 'be' when we mean 'stay.' In Arabic, 'yabqā' is more precise for duration. 'Be here' (Stay here) -> 'Ibqa hunā'.

يُوجَدُ حَلٌّ لِكُلِّ مُشْكِلَةٍ. (Yūjadu ḥallun li-kulli mushkilatin.) There exists a solution for every problem.

Another important alternative is yaqa' (يَقَع), which literally means 'to fall' but is used to mean 'to be located.' If you are describing the location of a city or a building, yaqa' is much more common than yakūn. For example, 'The museum is located in the center' -> Yaqa'u al-matḥaf fī al-markaz.

يَعْتَبَر (Yu'tabar): This means 'to be considered.' Use this when 'being' is a matter of opinion or classification. 'He is considered a hero' -> Yu'tabaru baṭalan.

تَقَعُ القَاهِرَةُ عَلَى نَهْرِ النِّيلِ. (Taqa'u al-Qāhiratu 'alā nahri al-Nīl.) Cairo is located on the Nile River.

Finally, consider yaḥduth (يَحْدُث), which means 'to happen' or 'to occur.' In English, we might say 'The meeting is tomorrow,' but in Arabic, it is often better to say 'The meeting happens/takes place tomorrow' (yaḥduth or yan'aqid) if you want to be specific about the event occurring.

Comparison Summary: Use 'Yakūn' for states/future, 'Yūjad' for existence, 'Yaqa' for location, and 'Yuṣbiḥ' for becoming.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"سَيَكُونُ لِهَذَا القَرَارِ تَبَعَاتٌ قَانُونِيَّةٌ."

Neutral

"سَيَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ جَمِيلاً اليَوْمَ."

Informal

"يَكُون خَيْر إِنْ شَاءَ الله."

Child friendly

"سَأَكُونُ بَطَلاً خَارِقاً!"

Jerga

"خَلِّيكْ كُول (Khallīk cool)."

Dato curioso

The Arabic word for 'place' (Makān) is actually derived from this root. It literally means 'the place of being' or 'where something is.'

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ja.kuːn/

US /jə.kun/

The stress is on the second syllable: ya-KŪN.

Rima con

Zaytun (Olive) Madmun (Guaranteed) Majnun (Crazy) Qanun (Law) Sukun (Stillness) Funun (Arts) Dyun (Debts) Ayūn (Eyes)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'u' too short like 'book' instead of 'moon'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ya' so it sounds like 'YAY-koon'.
Dropping the final 'n' sound.
Confusing it with 'yakun' (the short jussive form).
Adding an extra vowel at the end (yakūnu) in casual speech where it should be silent.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize, but case endings on following words can be tricky.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of the accusative case for the predicate.

Expresión oral 3/5

Must resist the urge to use it for 'am/is/are' in the present.

Escucha 2/5

Very common and usually clear in speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

كَانَ (Kāna) هُوَ (Huwa) أَنَا (Anā) فِي (Fī) أَنْ (An)

Aprende después

يُصْبِح (Yuṣbiḥ) لَيْسَ (Laysa) مَا زَالَ (Mā zāla) لَعَلَّ (La'alla) لَيْتَ (Layta)

Avanzado

يَتَكَوَّن (Yatakawwan) كَيْنُونَة (Kaynūna) مَاهِيَّة (Māhiyya) جَوْهَر (Jawhar) أَعْرَاض (A'rāḍ)

Gramática que debes saber

Kāna and its Sisters (كان وأخواتها)

يَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ بَارِداً. (The weather is/will be cold.)

The Subjunctive Mood (المضارع المنصوب)

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ... (I want to be...)

The Jussive Mood (المضارع المجزوم)

لَمْ يَكُنْ هُنَاكَ أَحَدٌ. (There was no one there.)

The Future Prefix 'Sa-' (سين الاستقبال)

سَيَكُونُ جَاهِزاً. (It will be ready.)

Gender Agreement in Verbs

تَكُونُ البِنْتُ ذَكِيَّةً. (The girl is/will be smart.)

Ejemplos por nivel

سَيَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ حَارّاً.

The weather will be hot.

Future tense with 'sa-' prefix.

يَكُونُ الأَكْلُ جَاهِزاً بَعْدَ سَاعَةٍ.

The food will be ready after an hour.

Yakūn used for future timing.

أَيْنَ سَيَكُونُ الحَفْلُ؟

Where will the party be?

Questioning future location.

يَكُونُ خَيْراً إِنْ شَاءَ الله.

It will be good, God willing.

Common reassuring phrase.

هَلْ سَتَكُونُ فِي البَيْتِ؟

Will you be at home?

Second person masculine future.

سَيَكُونُ عِنْدِي وَقْتٌ غَداً.

I will have time tomorrow.

Using 'yakūn' with 'indi' for future possession.

يَكُونُ الوَلَدُ نَائِماً الآنَ.

The boy is (usually) sleeping now.

Habitual present use.

كَيْفَ يَكُونُ هَذَا؟

How can this be?

Questioning a state or possibility.

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مُهَنْدِساً.

I want to be an engineer.

Subjunctive 'akūna' after 'an'.

يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ السَّيَّارَةُ نَظِيفَةً.

The car must be clean.

Feminine 'takūna' agreeing with 'sayyāra'.

لَنْ يَكُونَ الفُنْدُقُ بَعِيداً.

The hotel will not be far.

Future negation with 'lan'.

مَتَى تَكُونُ المَكْتَبَةُ مَفْتُوحَةً؟

When is the library (usually) open?

Habitual present questioning.

سَيَكُونُ مِنَ الصَّعْبِ السَّفَرُ اليَوْمَ.

It will be difficult to travel today.

Impersonal 'it will be'.

أُحِبُّ أَنْ أَكُونَ مَعَ عَائِلَتِي.

I like to be with my family.

Expressing a preference for a state.

قَدْ يَكُونُ الطَّرِيقُ مُزْدَحِماً.

The road might be crowded.

'Qad' + present for possibility.

سَيَكُونُ هُنَاكَ اِجْتِمَاعٌ مُهِمٌّ.

There will be an important meeting.

Existential future 'there will be'.

لَمْ يَكُنِ الطَّالِبُ مَوْجُوداً فِي الفَصْلِ.

The student was not present in the class.

Jussive 'yakun' after 'lam' for past negation.

سَيَكُونُ العُمَّالُ قَدْ أَنْهَوْا العَمَلَ.

The workers will have finished the work.

Future perfect construction.

مَهْمَا يَكُنِ السَّبَبُ، أَنَا غَاضِبٌ.

Whatever the reason is, I am angry.

Conditional 'mahmā yakun'.

يُمْكِنُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هَذَا الحَلُّ مُمْكِناً.

It is possible that this solution is possible.

Expressing possibility with 'yumkin an'.

لِيَكُنْ فِي عِلْمِكَ أَنَّنِي سَأَرْحَلُ.

Let it be known to you that I am leaving.

Imperative/Jussive 'li-yakun' for 'let it be'.

لا يَكُونُ المَرْءُ عَالِماً حَتَّى يَتَعَلَّمَ.

A person is not (truly) a scholar until they learn.

General habitual negation.

سَيَكُونُ بِمَقْدُورِنَا النَّجَاحُ.

We will be able to succeed.

Future ability structure.

أَخْشَى أَنْ لا يَكُونَ هُنَاكَ مَكَانٌ.

I fear that there won't be a place.

Negated subjunctive 'an lā yakūna'.

يَكُونُ القَانُونُ نَافِذاً مِنْ تَّارِيخِ نَشْرِهِ.

The law shall be effective from the date of its publication.

Legal/Formal present for future effect.

لَنْ يَكُونَ لَدَيْنَا خِيَارٌ آخَرُ.

We will not have another choice.

Future negation of possession.

قَدْ لا يَكُونُ مِنَ السَّهْلِ إِقْنَاعُهُ.

It might not be easy to convince him.

Probability with negation.

يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هُنَاكَ تَنْسِيقٌ بَيْنَ الفَرِيقَيْنِ.

There must be coordination between the two teams.

Expressing necessity for existence.

سَيَكُونُ مِنَ المُلائِمِ اِتِّخَاذُ القَرَارِ الآنَ.

It would be appropriate to make the decision now.

Formal future evaluation.

لا يُمْكِنُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هَذَا هُوَ المَطْلُوبُ.

This cannot be what is required.

Logical impossibility.

سَيَكُونُ لِذَلِكَ تَأْثِيرٌ كَبِيرٌ عَلَى الِاقْتِصَادِ.

That will have a big impact on the economy.

Future consequence.

نَرْجُو أَنْ يَكُونَ هَذَا العَمَلُ خَالِصاً لِوَجْهِ الله.

We hope that this work is sincerely for God's sake.

Subjunctive in a religious/formal hope.

لِيَكُنْ مَا يَكُونُ، لَنْ أَتَرَاجَعَ.

Let happen what may, I will not back down.

Idiomatic use of jussive and present.

إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُ إِذَا أَرَادَ شَيْئاً أَنْ يَقُولَ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ.

His command is only, when He intends a thing, that He says to it, 'Be,' and it is.

Classical Quranic syntax.

يَكُونُ المَرْءُ حَيْثُ يَضَعُ نَفْسَهُ.

A person is where they place themselves.

Philosophical proverb.

لا يَكُونُ التَّقَدُّمُ إِلا بِالعِلْمِ وَالعَمَلِ.

Progress does not happen except through knowledge and work.

Restrictive negation (la... illa).

سَيَكُونُ مِنَ العَبَثِ مُحَاوَلَةُ تَغْيِيرِ المَاضِي.

It would be futile to try to change the past.

Abstract evaluative future.

يَكُونُ لِلشَّاعِرِ رُؤْيَةٌ تَخْتَلِفُ عَنْ رُؤْيَةِ الآخَرِينَ.

The poet has a vision that differs from others'.

Habitual/Inherent state.

لَنْ يَكُونَ بِمَقْدُورِ أَحَدٍ إِنْكَارُ الحَقِيقَةِ.

No one will be able to deny the truth.

Future negation of ability.

يَكُونُ الِاخْتِلافُ أَحْيَاناً سَبَباً فِي الثَّرَاءِ الثَّقَافِيِّ.

Difference is sometimes a cause for cultural richness.

General sociological statement.

يَكُونُ الوُجُودُ بِذَاتِهِ دَلِيلاً عَلَى الخَالِقِ.

Existence in itself is a proof of the Creator.

Existential philosophical use.

لا يَكُونُ لِلنَّصِّ مَعْنًى بِمَعْزِلٍ عَنْ سِيَاقِهِ.

A text has no meaning in isolation from its context.

Linguistic/Hermeneutic principle.

سَيَكُونُ لِتِلْكَ التَّحَوُّلاتِ الجِيُوبُولِيتِيكِيَّةِ تَبَعَاتٌ بَعِيدَةُ المَدَى.

Those geopolitical shifts will have far-reaching consequences.

High-level political analysis.

يَكُونُ التَّأْوِيلُ مَقْبُولاً مَا دَامَ يَسْتَنِدُ إِلَى أَدِلَّةٍ.

Interpretation is acceptable as long as it is based on evidence.

Academic conditionality.

لِيَكُنْ مَعْلُوماً لَدَى الجَمِيعِ أَنَّ السِّيَادَةَ خَطٌّ أَحْمَرُ.

Let it be known to all that sovereignty is a red line.

Diplomatic imperative.

يَكُونُ لِلصَّمْتِ أَحْيَاناً دَوِيٌّ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الكَلامِ.

Silence sometimes has a resonance louder than words.

Rhetorical paradox.

لَنْ يَكُونَ مِنَ المَيْسُورِ تَجَاوُزُ هَذِهِ الأَزْمَةِ دُونَ تَعَاوُنٍ دَوْلِيٍّ.

It will not be easy to overcome this crisis without international cooperation.

Complex formal negation.

يَكُونُ الفِكْرُ حُرّاً حِينَمَا يَتَحَرَّرُ مِنَ القُيُودِ الأَيْدِيُولُوجِيَّةِ.

Thought is free when it liberates itself from ideological constraints.

Abstract philosophical definition.

Colocaciones comunes

سَيَكُونُ هُنَاكَ

يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ

يُمْكِنُ أَنْ يَكُونَ

لَنْ يَكُونَ

قَدْ يَكُون

يَكُونُ قَدْ

أَنْ أَكُونَ

لِيَكُن

كَمَا يَكُون

حَيْثُ يَكُون

Frases Comunes

يَكُون خَيْر

مَا يَكُون

لِيَكُن مَعْلُوماً

كَيْفَ يَكُون؟

لَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ

يَكُونُ فِي عِلْمِكَ

قَدْ لا يَكُون

يَكُونُ مَعَ

لِيَكُن ذَلِكَ

مَتَى يَكُون؟

Se confunde a menudo con

يَكُون vs يُوجَد

Yakūn is a linking verb; Yūjad is for physical existence.

يَكُون vs يُصْبِح

Yakūn is 'to be'; Yuṣbiḥ is 'to become'.

يَكُون vs يَقَع

Yakūn is for states; Yaqa' is for geographical locations.

Modismos y expresiones

"كُنْ فَيَكُون"

Be, and it is. Refers to God's absolute power to create or make things happen instantly.

أَمْرُ اللهِ بَيْنَ الكَافِ وَالنُّونِ، يَقُولُ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ.

Religious/Literary

"لِيَكُن مَا يَكُون"

Come what may / whatever happens happens. Expresses determination regardless of consequences.

سَأَقُولُ الحَقَّ وَلِيَكُنْ مَا يَكُونُ.

Neutral

"لا يَكُونُ إِلا الخَيْر"

Nothing but good will happen. A very common phrase to wish someone well.

تَفَاءَلْ، لا يَكُونُ إِلا الخَيْرُ.

Informal

"يَكُونُ فِي الحُسْبَان"

To be taken into account / to be expected.

يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هَذَا الِاحْتِمَالُ فِي الحُسْبَانِ.

Formal

"مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ فِي الحُسْبَان"

Something unexpected (what was not in the calculation).

حَدَثَ مَا لَمْ يَكُنْ فِي الحُسْبَانِ.

Formal

"يَكُونُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ"

To be aware of / to be informed.

أُرِيدُكَ أَنْ تَكُونَ عَلَى عِلْمٍ بِكُلِّ التَّفَاصِيلِ.

Neutral

"يَكُونُ عِنْدَ حُسْنِ الظَّنِّ"

To live up to expectations (to be at the good thought of someone).

أَتَمَنَّى أَنْ أَكُونَ عِنْدَ حُسْنِ ظَنِّكُمْ.

Formal

"يَكُونُ لَهُ بَالٌ طَوِيلٌ"

To be very patient (to have a long mind/patience).

يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ لَدَيْكَ بَالٌ طَوِيلٌ مَعَ الأَطْفَالِ.

Informal

"لا يَكُونُ لَهُ أَثَرٌ"

To leave no trace / to have no effect.

هَذَا الدَّوَاءُ لَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ أَثَرٌ جَانِبِيٌّ.

Neutral

"يَكُونُ فِي قَلْبِ الحَدَثِ"

To be in the thick of things / at the heart of the action.

المُرَاسِلُ يَكُونُ دَائِماً فِي قَلْبِ الحَدَثِ.

Journalistic

Fácil de confundir

يَكُون vs يَكُون (Yakūn)

English speakers use 'is' for everything.

Yakūn is for future/habitual; present 'is' is usually zero in Arabic.

Huwa mudarris (He is a teacher) vs Sayakūnu mudarrisan (He will be a teacher).

يَكُون vs يَكُن (Yakun)

They sound very similar.

Yakūn is indicative; Yakun is jussive (used after 'lam').

Lam yakun (He was not).

يَكُون vs يُكَوِّن (Yukawwin)

Same root K-W-N.

Yakūn is 'to be'; Yukawwin is 'to form' or 'to create'.

Yukawwinu al-farīq (He forms the team).

يَكُون vs يَتَكَوَّن (Yatakawwan)

Same root K-W-N.

Yakūn is 'to be'; Yatakawwan is 'to be composed of'.

Yatakawwanu min thalātha (It consists of three).

يَكُون vs كَائِن (Kā'in)

Noun vs Verb.

Yakūn is 'he is/will be'; Kā'in is a noun meaning 'a being'.

Kā'in ḥayy (A living being).

Patrones de oraciones

سَيَكُونُ [اسم] [صفة]

سَيَكُونُ الوَلَدُ سَعِيداً.

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ [مهنة]

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ طَيَّاراً.

لَمْ يَكُنْ [اسم] [صفة]

لَمْ يَكُنِ الأَمْرُ سَهْلاً.

قَدْ يَكُونُ [اسم] [صفة]

قَدْ يَكُونُ الخَبَرُ صَحِيحاً.

يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هُنَاكَ [اسم]

يَجِبُ أَنْ يَكُونَ هُنَاكَ حَلٌّ.

لِيَكُنْ [اسم] [صفة]

لِيَكُنِ العَمَلُ مُتْقَناً.

مَهْمَا يَكُنِ [اسم]

مَهْمَا يَكُنِ الثَّمَنُ.

لا يَكُونُ [اسم] إِلا [بـ/لـ...]

لا يَكُونُ النَّجَاحُ إِلا بِالصَّبْرِ.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in future and modal contexts; low in simple present descriptions.

Errores comunes

Anā akūnu mudarris. → Anā mudarris.
In the present tense, 'am' is not translated. Using 'akūnu' here is redundant and unnatural.
Sayakūnu al-jawwu bārid. → Sayakūnu al-jawwu bāridan.
The predicate of 'yakūn' must be in the accusative case (ending in tanwīn fatḥ).
Lam yakūn hunāka mushkila. → Lam yakun hunāka mushkila.
After 'lam', the long 'ū' is shortened to a 'u' (jussive mood).
Sayakūnu al-sayyāra jadīda. → Satakūnu al-sayyāra jadīdatan.
The verb must agree in gender with the subject (sayyāra is feminine).
Urīdu an yakūn... → Urīdu an yakūna...
After 'an', the verb must be in the subjunctive mood, ending in a fatḥa.

Consejos

The Accusative Rule

Always remember that 'yakūn' is a copula that forces the predicate into the accusative case. This is one of the most common marks of a proficient student.

Don't Over-Translate

If you are translating 'is' from English, stop and ask if it's a simple present sentence. If so, delete 'yakūn' from your translation.

Root Connection

Connect 'yakūn' to 'Makān' (place). A place is where something 'is' (yakūn).

Future Precision

Use 'sayakūn' instead of just 'yakūn' for future events to sound more like a native speaker of Modern Standard Arabic.

Habitual 'Bi-'

In many dialects, adding a 'b' (biykūn) signals that something happens regularly. 'Biykūn hon' means 'He is usually here'.

The 'Lam' Rule

When you use 'lam', the 'wāw' in 'yakūn' disappears. It becomes 'lam yakun'. This is a very common mistake to avoid.

After 'An'

Whenever you see 'an' (to), 'yakūn' must end in a fatḥa: 'an yakūna'.

Future Having

To say 'I will have', use 'sayakūnu lī' or 'sayakūnu 'indī'. The verb 'yakūn' agrees with the thing you have, not with you!

Non-Human Plurals

Remember that non-human plural subjects take the feminine singular verb 'takūn'. 'The books will be...' -> 'Satakūnu al-kutub...'.

Reassurance

Use 'yakūn khayr' whenever someone is worried. it's the Arabic equivalent of 'It'll all work out'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'K' in 'yakūn' as 'Kindle'. To 'be' is to 'kindle' existence. Or remember: 'Ya-Koon' sounds like 'You-Soon' will be something.

Asociación visual

Imagine a seedling growing out of the ground. The act of it 'being' and 'becoming' is 'yakūn'. The root K-W-N looks like a small sprout (K) and a long root (W-N).

Word Web

Kawn (Universe) Kā'in (Being) Makān (Place) Takwīn (Formation) Mumkin (Possible) Kiyān (Entity) Kawwana (Formed) Kāna (Was)

Desafío

Try to use 'yakūn' in three different ways today: one for the weather (sayakūn), one for a wish (urīdu an akūn), and one for a possibility (qad yakūn).

Origen de la palabra

The word comes from the Proto-Semitic root K-W-N, which is found in almost all Semitic languages. In its earliest forms, it meant 'to stand upright' or 'to be firm.' This evolved into the general meaning of 'to exist' or 'to be established.'

Significado original: To stand firm, to be established, to happen.

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

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'Kun fa-yakūn' is a sacred phrase and should be used with respect.

English speakers often struggle with the 'missing' is/are in Arabic. 'Yakūn' is the bridge they try to build, but they must learn to leave it out in the present.

The Quranic verse: 'Innamā amruhu idhā arāda shay'an an yaqūla lahu kun fa-yakūn.' The poem 'Irādat al-Ḥayāt' by Abū al-Qāsim al-Shābbī. The philosophical works of Al-Farabi on 'The One' and 'Being'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Weather Forecasts

سَيَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ...
سَتَكُونُ الحَرَارَةُ...
لَنْ يَكُونَ هُنَاكَ مَطَرٌ.
قَدْ يَكُونُ الجَوُّ غَائِماً.

Career Aspirations

أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَكُونَ...
سَأَكُونُ نَاجِحاً.
يَجِبُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مُجْتَهِداً.
كَيْفَ أَكُونُ مُدَرِّساً؟

Making Plans

مَتَى سَيَكُونُ الِاجْتِمَاعُ؟
سَأَكُونُ هُنَاكَ فِي السَّاعَةِ...
هَلْ سَتَكُونُ مَشْغُولاً؟
لَنْ أَكُونَ مَوْجُوداً.

Expressing Opinions

قَدْ يَكُونُ هَذَا صَحِيحاً.
لا يُمْكِنُ أَنْ يَكُونَ...
يَجِبُ أَنْ نَكُونَ حَذِرِينَ.
سَيَكُونُ مِنَ الأَفْضَلِ أَنْ...

Religious/Cultural Reassurance

يَكُونُ خَيْرٌ إِنْ شَاءَ الله.
اللهُ يَكُونُ مَعَكَ.
لِيَكُنِ اللهُ فِي العَوْنِ.
لا يَكُونُ إِلا مَا أَرَادَ اللهُ.

Inicios de conversación

"مَاذَا تُرِيدُ أَنْ تَكُونَ فِي المُسْتَقْبَلِ؟ (What do you want to be in the future?)"

"كَيْفَ سَيَكُونُ الطَّقْسُ فِي بَلَدِكَ غَداً؟ (How will the weather be in your country tomorrow?)"

"هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ العَمَلَ سَيَكُونُ سَهْلاً؟ (Do you think the work will be easy?)"

"أَيْنَ سَتَكُونُ فِي عُطْلَةِ نِهَايَةِ الأُسْبُوعِ؟ (Where will you be on the weekend?)"

"كَيْفَ يُمْكِنُ أَنْ نَكُونَ أَصْدِقَاءَ؟ (How can we be friends?)"

Temas para diario

اُكْتُبْ عَنْ مِهْنَةِ أَحْلامِكَ وَلِمَاذَا تُرِيدُ أَنْ تَكُونَ فِيهَا. (Write about your dream job and why you want to be in it.)

تَخَيَّلْ كَيْفَ سَيَكُونُ العَالَمُ بَعْدَ مِائَةِ عَامٍ. (Imagine how the world will be after a hundred years.)

صِفْ يَوْماً مِثَالِيّاً: كَيْفَ سَيَكُونُ وَمَعَ مَنْ سَتَكُونُ؟ (Describe an ideal day: how will it be and who will you be with?)

مَا هِيَ الصِّفَاتُ الَّتِي يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ فِي الصَّدِيقِ الحَقِيقِيِّ؟ (What are the qualities that must be in a true friend?)

اُكْتُبْ عَنْ خُطَطِكَ لِلصَّيْفِ القَادِمِ: أَيْنَ سَتَكُونُ؟ (Write about your plans for next summer: where will you be?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. In the present tense, you just say 'Anā' + your description. Use 'akūn' only for 'I will be' or 'I want to be'.

Because 'yakūn' is a 'sister of Kāna', which makes the predicate (the description) accusative (manṣūb).

'Yakūn' can mean 'is habitually' or 'will be', but adding 'sa-' makes it strictly future.

Use 'sayakūnu hunāka' followed by the noun in the nominative case.

Yes, but often with prefixes like 'bi-' (biykūn) in Levantine or 'ha-' (haykūn) in Egyptian.

It is 'takūn' (تَكُون). It is used for feminine subjects and non-human plurals.

Use 'yakun' (shortened) after the negation particle 'lam' or in certain conditional sentences.

Yes, in some contexts, especially in the phrase 'kun fa-yakūn' (be and it happens/is).

It is a 'hollow' verb (mu'tall al-'ayn) because it has a 'wāw' in the middle of its root.

The form is 'nakūn' (نَكُون).