يشبه
يشبه en 30 segundos
- The verb 'يشبه' means 'to resemble' or 'to look like' in Arabic, used for both physical and abstract similarities.
- It is a Form IV verb (root: ش-ب-ه) and is transitive, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition.
- The feminine form is 'تشبه' (tushbihu), and it is commonly used in both Modern Standard Arabic and daily dialects.
- It is essential for making comparisons, creating similes, and describing people, places, or ideas that share common traits.
The Arabic verb يشبه (yushbihu) is a cornerstone of comparative language in Arabic. At its core, it translates to 'to resemble' or 'to look like.' It is the present tense (Imperfect) form of the Form IV verb أشبه (ashbaha). Understanding this word requires looking at the root sh-b-h (ش-ب-ه), which relates to similarity, likeness, and even doubt (as in things looking so similar they are confused). In daily life, you will hear this word whenever someone draws a parallel between two entities. It is not limited to physical appearance; it extends to characteristics, behaviors, and abstract concepts. For example, you might say a child resembles their parent, but you could also say a political situation resembles a historical event.
- Physical Appearance
- Used to describe genetic traits or visual similarities between people, animals, or objects. 'He resembles his grandfather' (يشبه جده).
هذا الولد يشبه أباه كثيراً في ملامح وجهه.
- Abstract Similarity
- Used for comparing ideas, sounds, smells, or feelings. 'The sound of the wind resembles a whistle' (صوت الريح يشبه الصفير).
In literary contexts, يشبه is the engine of the 'Tashbih' (simile), one of the most important rhetorical devices in Arabic poetry and prose. When a poet says a face resembles the moon, they are using this verb to bridge the gap between the mundane and the celestial. In modern standard Arabic (MSA), it remains a high-frequency word found in news reports comparing economic quarters, in medical texts describing symptoms that resemble other diseases, and in legal texts discussing 'resemblance' in trademarks or identities. Its versatility makes it indispensable for any learner moving from basic descriptions to nuanced comparisons.
أعتقد أن هذا التصميم يشبه التصميم الذي رأيناه في المعرض السابق.
- Behavioral Likeness
- Comparing how someone acts or speaks. 'Your style of speaking resembles that of a teacher.'
Furthermore, the word carries a weight of cultural significance. In many Arab societies, being told you 'resemble' a respected ancestor is a high compliment, implying you have inherited their virtues. Conversely, in legal or investigative contexts, the root provides words like 'mushtabah' (suspect), someone who 'resembles' the description of a perpetrator. Thus, the word spans the spectrum from poetic beauty to forensic precision. Mastering its conjugation and usage allows you to navigate these diverse social and professional landscapes with ease.
الحياة في هذه القرية تشبه الحلم الهادئ بعيداً عن ضجيج المدن.
هل تشبه هذه الحقيبة حقيبتك المفقودة؟
Using يشبه correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a Form IV verb. In Arabic, verbs change based on the gender and number of the subject. Because 'resembling' is often a state rather than a sudden action, we frequently use the present tense (Imperfect) form. The basic structure is: [Subject] + [Verb: يشبه/تشبه] + [Object]. Notice that there is no preposition needed between the verb and the person or thing being resembled. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who want to say 'resembles *to*'.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- If the subject is masculine (e.g., هو - he, الولد - the boy), use 'يشبه' (yushbihu). If the subject is feminine (e.g., هي - she, البنت - the girl), use 'تشبه' (tushbihu).
هي تشبه أمها في كل شيء.
- Negation
- To say something does NOT resemble another, use 'لا' (la) before the verb. 'لا يشبه' (He does not resemble).
When dealing with plural subjects, the verb follows standard Arabic rules. If the verb comes before a plural human subject, it remains singular (يشبه الأولاد آباءهم). If the subject comes first, the verb must agree in number (الأولاد يشبهون آباءهم). For non-human plurals (like 'the houses'), the verb is treated as feminine singular (البيوت تشبه بعضها). This nuance is vital for achieving fluency and sounding natural to native speakers.
الأخوة يشبهون بعضهم البعض في الطول.
- Questions
- Use 'هل' (hal) or 'من' (man) to ask about resemblance. 'Who does he resemble?' (من يشبه؟).
In more advanced usage, you might encounter the verb in conditional sentences or as part of a complex description. For instance, 'If this car resembled the other one, I would buy it.' Here, the verb anchors the comparison that drives the logic of the sentence. It is also used frequently with 'كثيراً' (kathiran - a lot) or 'قليلاً' (qalilan - a little) to quantify the degree of resemblance. 'He resembles him a lot' (يشبهه كثيراً). Note the use of the attached pronoun 'ـه' (hu) as the object, which is a very common way to use this verb in conversation.
هل تشبه حياتك الآن ما كنت تحلم به في الطفولة؟
هذا العطر يشبه رائحة الياسمين في حديقتنا.
In the real world, يشبه is everywhere. If you are at a family gathering in Cairo, Amman, or Riyadh, you will inevitably hear relatives debating which child resembles which parent. It is a staple of social bonding. 'Look at his eyes, he resembles his mother!' (انظر إلى عينيه، إنه يشبه أمه). In this context, the word is warm and connective. However, the word also has a very practical, everyday utility in commerce and navigation. If you are looking for a specific product in a 'souq' (market) and cannot find it, you might describe it by saying 'I want something that resembles this' (أريد شيئاً يشبه هذا).
- In the Media
- News anchors use it to compare current events to the past. 'The current crisis resembles the one in 2008.'
الوضع الاقتصادي الحالي يشبه ما حدث في العقد الماضي.
- In Literature and Poetry
- Authors use it to create vivid imagery. 'Her voice resembles the sound of a lute.'
You will also encounter this word in educational settings. A biology teacher might explain how one cell resembles another, or a geometry teacher might discuss similar triangles. In the digital world, search engines and AI algorithms often look for things that 'resemble' a query. In Arabic tech interfaces, you might see 'نتائج تشبه بحثك' (Results that resemble your search). This shows how a word rooted in ancient poetry has seamlessly transitioned into the vocabulary of the 21st century. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the world of ideas.
وجهها في الضياء يشبه البدر في ليلة تمامه.
- In Law and Security
- Police might ask a witness: 'Does this person resemble the one you saw?' (هل يشبه هذا الشخص من رأيته؟).
Finally, in the kitchen, a chef might say one ingredient resembles another in taste or texture. 'This spice resembles cumin but is stronger.' In every facet of life—from the most intimate family moments to the most formal professional environments—يشبه serves as the linguistic glue that allows us to categorize and understand the world by finding patterns and similarities. It is a word of observation, analysis, and connection.
هذا المذاق يشبه طعم الفاكهة الاستوائية.
خطك يشبه خط المحترفين في الخط العربي.
Learning to use يشبه correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent mistake is the 'Preposition Trap.' In English, we often say 'resembles *to*' or 'is similar *to*'. In Arabic, يشبه is a transitive verb that takes a direct object. Adding a preposition like 'إلى' (ila) or 'بـ' (bi) is usually incorrect in standard contexts, although 'بـ' can sometimes appear in specific theological or highly technical philosophical texts to mean 'to be likened with,' but for 99% of usage, keep it direct.
- The Preposition Error
- Incorrect: هو يشبه إلى أبيه. Correct: هو يشبه أباه. (He resembles his father).
الخطأ: يشبه بـأخيه. الصواب: يشبه أخاه.
- Confusing with 'مثل'
- 'مثل' (mithl) is a noun/preposition meaning 'like.' 'يشبه' is a verb. You cannot say 'هو يشبه مثل أبيه' because that would be 'He resembles like his father,' which is redundant.
Another common mistake involves gender agreement. Because the verb often appears in the middle of a sentence, learners sometimes forget to match the verb to the subject. If you are talking about a car (سيارة - feminine), you must use تشبه (tushbihu), even if the thing it resembles is masculine. The verb agrees with the *doer* of the resembling, not the object. Also, be careful with the root Sh-B-H. The Form I verb شبه (shabbaha - with a shadda) means 'to compare' or 'to liken,' which is an active process of making a comparison, whereas يشبه is the state of resemblance itself.
السيارة تشبه الطائرة في سرعتها. (The car resembles the plane in its speed).
- Confusion with 'Similar' (Mutashabih)
- 'متشابه' (mutashabih) is an adjective meaning 'similar.' Don't use the verb 'يشبه' when you need an adjective. 'They are similar' is 'هما متشابهان,' not 'هما يشبه.'
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the plural forms. In Arabic, non-human plurals are treated as feminine singular. So, if you say 'The books resemble each other,' you should use the feminine singular verb form: 'الكتب تشبه بعضها.' Using the masculine plural 'يشبهون' for books is a common error. Paying attention to these grammatical nuances will elevate your Arabic from basic communication to precise, native-like expression. Resemblance is a subtle concept, and your grammar should reflect that subtlety.
هذه الأفكار تشبه ما قرأته في الكتاب. (These ideas resemble what I read in the book).
لا يشبه أحدٌ الآخر في بصمات الأصابع.
While يشبه is the most common way to express resemblance, Arabic is a language of immense depth, offering various alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Choosing the right word can change the tone from casual to highly academic or poetic. For instance, if you want to say something is *identical* or *exactly* like something else, يشبه might be too weak. You might instead use يماثل (yumathilu) or يطابق (yutabiqu).
- يشبه vs. يماثل (Yumathilu)
- 'يشبه' is general resemblance. 'يماثل' implies a stronger, often formal or mathematical equivalence. 'This angle resembles that one' vs 'This angle is equivalent to that one.'
إنتاجه يماثل إنتاج المصانع الكبرى في الجودة.
- يشبه vs. يحاكي (Yuhaki)
- 'يحاكي' means 'to simulate' or 'to mimic.' Use this when the resemblance is intentional, like an actor mimicking a voice or a computer program simulating reality.
Another powerful alternative is يضاهي (yudahi), which means 'to rival' or 'to be comparable to' in a positive sense. It is often used to say that something is so good it can be compared to the best. For example, 'His courage resembles that of lions' could be 'شجاعته تضاهي شجاعة الأسود.' This adds a layer of praise that يشبه lacks. On the other hand, يقارب (yuqaribu) means 'to approach' or 'to be close to,' used when the resemblance is near but not quite there.
هذا العمل الفني يضاهي روائع عصر النهضة.
- يشبه vs. يبدو مثل (Yabdu mithla)
- 'يبدو مثل' means 'seems like' or 'appears like.' Use this for first impressions or when you are unsure. 'He seems like a nice person' vs 'He resembles a nice person.'
Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more expressive. If you are writing a formal essay, يماثل or يتشابه مع might be more appropriate. If you are describing a beautiful sunset, يشبه or a poetic simile would work best. By expanding your vocabulary beyond just the basic verb, you gain the ability to paint more detailed and accurate pictures with your words, a hallmark of advanced language proficiency.
سعره يقارب سعر الذهب في السوق العالمية.
أداء الممثل يحاكي الشخصية الحقيقية بدقة مذهلة.
How Formal Is It?
"هذا القرار يشبه التوجهات الدولية المعاصرة."
"أعتقد أن هذا اللون يشبه لون سيارتي."
"والله إنك تشبه أخوك مرة!"
"انظر! هذه السحابة تشبه الأرنب."
"طالع نسخة منه (Dialectal alternative)"
Dato curioso
The root Sh-B-H is also the source of the word 'Shubha' (شبهة), which means 'suspicion' or 'doubt.' This is because when something 'resembles' something else too closely, it can create doubt about its true identity.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'h' (ه) too harshly like 'kh' (خ). It should be a soft breath.
- Adding a long 'aa' sound after the 'sh', making it 'yushaabihu' (which is a different verb form).
- Failing to pronounce the final 'u' in formal settings.
- Confusing the 'b' and 'p' sounds (though 'p' doesn't exist in Arabic).
- Over-emphasizing the middle 'i' sound.
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to recognize once the root Sh-B-H is known.
Requires care with the 'h' at the end and subject agreement.
High frequency makes it easy to practice.
Can be confused with 'yashtabihu' (suspects) if heard quickly.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Form IV Verbs (Af'ala)
أشبه (Past) -> يشبه (Present). Note the initial hamza in the past tense.
Transitive Verbs without Prepositions
يشبه أباه (Correct) vs يشبه إلى أباه (Incorrect).
Subject-Verb Agreement (Gender)
الرجل يشبه... / المرأة تشبه...
Non-Human Plural Agreement
البيوت تشبه... (Feminine singular verb for non-human plural).
Negation of Present Tense
استخدام 'لا' قبل الفعل: لا يشبه.
Ejemplos por nivel
الولد يشبه أباه.
The boy resembles his father.
Masculine singular subject and verb.
البنت تشبه أمها.
The girl resembles her mother.
Feminine singular subject and verb.
أنا أشبه أخي.
I resemble my brother.
First person singular 'أشبه'.
هل تشبه أختك؟
Do you resemble your sister?
Question form with 'هل'.
هذا القط يشبه النمر.
This cat resembles a tiger.
Comparing an animal to another.
هو لا يشبه جده.
He does not resemble his grandfather.
Negation with 'لا'.
أنت تشبه خالك.
You resemble your maternal uncle.
Second person masculine singular.
هذه التفاحة تشبه تلك.
This apple resembles that one.
Feminine singular for 'تفاحة'.
هذه المدينة تشبه مدينتي.
This city resembles my city.
Comparing places.
لون البحر يشبه لون السماء اليوم.
The color of the sea resembles the color of the sky today.
Comparing colors.
هو يشبه أباه كثيراً.
He resembles his father a lot.
Using 'كثيراً' as an adverb.
هل تشبه هذه الحقيبة حقيبتك؟
Does this bag resemble your bag?
Comparing everyday objects.
صوته يشبه صوت والده.
His voice resembles his father's voice.
Comparing sounds.
هذا الطعام يشبه طعام أمي.
This food resembles my mother's food.
Comparing tastes/smells.
أنتِ تشبهين عمتك في المشي.
You (fem.) resemble your paternal aunt in walking.
Second person feminine singular 'تشبهين'.
السيارة الجديدة تشبه سيارتي القديمة.
The new car resembles my old car.
Comparing objects with adjectives.
طريقة تفكيره تشبه طريقتي.
His way of thinking resembles mine.
Comparing abstract concepts (thinking).
هذا الفيلم يشبه رواية قرأتها.
This movie resembles a novel I read.
Comparing different media.
الحياة في القرية تشبه الحلم.
Life in the village resembles a dream.
Metaphorical resemblance.
أشبهَ الجوُّ اليومَ جوَّ لندن.
The weather today resembled London's weather.
Past tense 'أشبه'.
لا يشبه هذا المشروع أي مشروع آخر.
This project does not resemble any other project.
Emphasizing uniqueness.
هل تشبه حياتك ما كنت تتمناه؟
Does your life resemble what you used to wish for?
Comparing reality with expectations.
يشبه هذا العطر رائحة الورود في الربيع.
This perfume resembles the scent of roses in spring.
Comparing sensory experiences.
خطك يشبه خط المحترفين.
Your handwriting resembles that of professionals.
Comparing skills.
النظام السياسي هنا يشبه النظام في السويد.
The political system here resembles the system in Sweden.
Comparing complex systems.
يشبه أسلوبه في الكتابة أسلوب نجيب محفوظ.
His writing style resembles the style of Naguib Mahfouz.
Literary comparison.
هذه الأزمة تشبه أزمة عام ٢٠٠٨ الاقتصادية.
This crisis resembles the 2008 economic crisis.
Historical comparison.
قد تشبه النتائج ما توقعناه في البداية.
The results might resemble what we expected at the beginning.
Using 'قد' for possibility.
تصميم المبنى يشبه تصاميم العمارة الأندلسية.
The building's design resembles Andalusian architectural designs.
Artistic/Architectural comparison.
يشبه سلوك الحيوانات في الغابة سلوك البشر أحياناً.
The behavior of animals in the forest sometimes resembles human behavior.
Comparing biological behaviors.
لا تشبه هذه القصيدة أي شيء كتبه من قبل.
This poem doesn't resemble anything he wrote before.
Comparing works of an author.
هل تشبه ملامح وجهه ملامح المجرم المطلوب؟
Do his facial features resemble those of the wanted criminal?
Forensic/Legal context.
تشبه هذه الظاهرة الكونية انفجاراً عظيماً مصغراً.
This cosmic phenomenon resembles a miniature big bang.
Scientific/Cosmological comparison.
يشبه هيكل الشركة الهرم التقليدي في الإدارة.
The company structure resembles the traditional pyramid in management.
Corporate/Structural comparison.
أفكاره الفلسفية تشبه إلى حد كبير أفكار أفلاطون.
His philosophical ideas largely resemble those of Plato.
Using 'إلى حد كبير' (to a large extent).
يشبه وقع الكلمات على أذني عزفاً منفرداً على الكمان.
The impact of the words on my ears resembles a solo violin performance.
Poetic/Synesthetic comparison.
لا تشبه الديمقراطية في الشرق دائماً نظيرتها في الغرب.
Democracy in the East does not always resemble its counterpart in the West.
Political/Comparative analysis.
يشبه تطور اللغة العربية نمو شجرة ضاربة في القدم.
The evolution of the Arabic language resembles the growth of an ancient tree.
Linguistic metaphor.
هل تشبه هذه الاستراتيجية ما تم تطبيقه في العقد الماضي؟
Does this strategy resemble what was implemented in the last decade?
Strategic/Professional context.
يشبه صمتها قبل العاصفة هدوء البحر العميق.
Her silence before the storm resembles the calm of the deep sea.
Psychological/Emotional comparison.
يشبه تجلي الحق في مرآة الوجود انعكاس الشمس في قطرات الندى.
The manifestation of Truth in the mirror of existence resembles the reflection of the sun in dewdrops.
Theological/Mystical comparison.
تشبه بنية هذه القصيدة الملحمية نسيجاً معقداً من الرموز التاريخية.
The structure of this epic poem resembles a complex tapestry of historical symbols.
Advanced literary criticism.
يشبه تداخل الثقافات في هذه المدينة انصهار المعادن في بوتقة واحدة.
The intertwining of cultures in this city resembles the melting of metals in a single crucible.
Sociological metaphor.
لا يشبه إدراكنا للواقع الواقعَ نفسه في جوهره المطلق.
Our perception of reality does not resemble reality itself in its absolute essence.
Epistemological discussion.
يشبه إيقاع النثر عند الجاحظ حركات المد والجزر في بحر البلاغة.
The rhythm of Al-Jahiz's prose resembles the movements of the tide in the sea of eloquence.
Classical Arabic stylistic analysis.
تشبه التحولات الجيوسياسية الراهنة رقعة شطرنج يعاد ترتيب أحجارها.
Current geopolitical shifts resemble a chessboard whose pieces are being rearranged.
High-level political metaphor.
يشبه ضجيج العالم المعاصر طنيناً لا ينقطع يشوش على صوت الروح.
The noise of the contemporary world resembles an incessant humming that obscures the voice of the soul.
Existential/Spiritual comparison.
هل يشبه مفهوم 'الجمال' في الفن الحديث ما كان عليه في العصور الكلاسيكية؟
Does the concept of 'beauty' in modern art resemble what it was in classical eras?
Aesthetic/Historical inquiry.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
من يشبه؟
يشبهني تماماً
شيء يشبه هذا
لا يشبهه شيء
يشبه والده في كل شيء
ما يشبه ذلك
يشبه المستحيل
يشبه الغريب
يشبه البرق
يشبه النار في الهشيم
Se confunde a menudo con
Mithl is a noun/preposition ('like'), while yushbihu is a verb ('resembles').
Means 'to suspect' or 'to be confused/ambiguous'. Same root, different form.
Means 'to compare' (active action), while yushbihu is the state of resemblance.
Modismos y expresiones
"من شابه أباه فما ظلم"
He who resembles his father has done no wrong (i.e., it's natural).
الولد ذكي مثل والده، ومن شابه أباه فما ظلم.
Proverbial"يخلق من الشبه أربعين"
God creates forty look-alikes for everyone. Used when seeing a doppelganger.
رأيت شخصاً يشبهك تماماً، فعلاً يخلق من الشبه أربعين.
Popular Saying"يشبه بيضة انفلقت"
They look like two halves of a split egg. Used for identical twins.
التوأمان يشبهان بعضهما كأنهما بيضة انفلقت.
Informal/Traditional"لا يشبهه إلا نفسه"
Nothing resembles him but himself. Used for a truly unique individual.
هذا الشاعر عبقري، لا يشبهه إلا نفسه.
Literary"يشبه السمك في الماء"
Like a fish in water. Used for someone in their natural element.
هو في المكتبة يشبه السمك في الماء.
Common Metaphor"يشبه السراب"
Like a mirage. Used for something deceptive or unattainable.
وعوده تشبه السراب، لا يتحقق منها شيء.
Metaphorical"يشبه الغراب"
Like a crow. Sometimes used for someone bringing bad news (cultural).
لا تكن مثل الغراب، تشبهه في نعيقك.
Informal/Harsh"يشبه القمر ليلة البدر"
Like the moon on a full night. A classic idiom for beauty.
وجه العروس يشبه القمر ليلة البدر.
Poetic"يشبه الجبل"
Like a mountain. Used for someone steadfast and strong.
صموده في المحنة يشبه الجبل.
Metaphorical"يشبه خيط الدخان"
Like a thread of smoke. Used for something fleeting or fragile.
أمله في النجاح كان يشبه خيط الدخان.
LiteraryFácil de confundir
Same root (Sh-B-H) and similar sound.
Yushbihu means to resemble. Yashtabihu means to suspect or for something to be unclear.
يشبه أباه (He resembles his father) vs يشتبه في أمره (He is suspected).
Both mean similar.
Yushbihu is general. Yumathilu is more formal and implies being equivalent or a peer.
هذا يشبه ذاك (This looks like that) vs هذا يماثل ذاك في القيمة (This equals that in value).
Both involve comparison.
Yushbihu is similarity. Yutabiqu is an exact, identical match.
يشبهه (He looks like him) vs يطابقه (He is identical to him/matches him exactly).
Both involve likeness.
Yushbihu is a state. Yuhaki is often an intentional imitation or simulation.
يشبه الطير (He looks like a bird) vs يحاكي صوت الطير (He mimics the bird's sound).
Both mean 'close to'.
Yushbihu is about appearance/traits. Yuqaribu is about proximity in value, number, or state.
يشبهه في الطول (He resembles him in height) vs يقارب طوله المترين (His height is nearly two meters).
Patrones de oraciones
[Subject] يشبه [Person].
أخي يشبه أبي.
[Subject] يشبه [Object] كثيراً.
هذا البيت يشبه بيتي كثيراً.
[Idea/Concept] يشبه [Another Idea].
رأيك يشبه رأي الأستاذ.
[Subject] لا يشبه [Object] في [Attribute].
هو لا يشبه أخاه في الذكاء.
يشبه [Subject] إلى حد كبير [Object].
يشبه هذا النظام إلى حد كبير النظام القديم.
ما يشبه [Abstract Concept] هو [Comparison].
ما يشبه الحرية هو تحليق الطير.
هل [Subject] يشبه [Object]؟
هل هذا العطر يشبه عطرك؟
[Subject] أصبح يشبه [Object].
الولد أصبح يشبه جده.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very High in both written and spoken Arabic.
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هو يشبه إلى والده.
→
هو يشبه والده.
English speakers often add 'إلى' (to) because of the English 'resembles to' or 'similar to'. Arabic doesn't need it.
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السيارة يشبه الطائرة.
→
السيارة تشبه الطائرة.
The verb must agree with the subject (السيارة), which is feminine.
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هما يشبه.
→
هما يشبهان.
For a dual subject (two people), the verb must take the dual suffix '-an'.
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هو يشبه مثل أخيه.
→
هو يشبه أخاه.
Using 'يشبه' and 'مثل' together is redundant. Choose one or the other.
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الكتب يشبهون بعضهم.
→
الكتب تشبه بعضها.
Non-human plurals (books) take a feminine singular verb in Arabic.
Consejos
Direct Object Rule
Remember that 'يشبه' takes a direct object. Don't say 'yushbihu ila'. Just say 'yushbihu' followed by the person or thing.
Use with Adverbs
Enhance your sentences by adding 'كثيراً' (a lot) or 'قليلاً' (a little) after the object to show the degree of resemblance.
The Soft H
The final 'h' in 'yushbihu' is soft. Don't skip it, but don't make it sound like a 'k' or 'kh'.
Family Likeness
In Arab cultures, comparing a child to a parent is a common way to start a friendly conversation.
Metaphors
Don't be afraid to use 'يشبه' for metaphors. Comparing life to a journey or a dream is very natural in Arabic.
Gender Agreement
Always look back at your subject. If it's feminine, the verb must start with 't' (tushbihu).
Context Clues
If you hear 'yushbihu' in a news report, expect a comparison between two political or economic situations.
Spoken Variations
In many dialects, the 'u' at the end is dropped, so it sounds like 'yishbah'.
Root Connection
Connect 'يشبه' to 'شبه جزيرة' (peninsula). A peninsula 'resembles' an island but isn't quite one.
Simple is Best
At early levels, stick to 'يشبه' for all comparisons. You can learn more specific synonyms like 'يماثل' later.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of the 'Sh' in 'She' and 'B' in 'Brother'. 'She resembles her Brother' -> 'yushbihu'. The sound 'shbah' is almost like 'shape' - they have the same 'shape' or look.
Asociación visual
Imagine two identical keys side by side. One 'yushbihu' the other. Or a child holding a mask of their father's face.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to find five things in your room right now that 'yushbihu' something else. Say the sentences out loud: 'هذا القلم يشبه...' (This pen resembles...).
Origen de la palabra
Derived from the tri-consonantal Arabic root Sh-B-H (ش ب ه). This root fundamentally relates to the concept of likeness, similarity, and the confusion that arises from two things looking the same.
Significado original: The primary sense in Semitic languages involves the idea of 'being like' or 'appearing as.'
Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.Contexto cultural
Be careful when comparing people to animals. While 'resembling a lion' is a compliment (bravery), 'resembling a donkey' or 'dog' is a severe insult.
In English, we often use 'looks like' for physical and 'is like' for abstract. In Arabic, 'يشبه' covers both smoothly.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family Gatherings
- من يشبه من العائلة؟
- يشبه جده كثيراً.
- لا يشبه أحداً منا.
- يشبه أمه في العيون.
Shopping
- هل عندكم شيء يشبه هذا؟
- هذا القماش يشبه الحرير.
- أريد لوناً يشبه لون البحر.
- هذا الحذاء يشبه حذائي القديم.
Weather/Nature
- الجو اليوم يشبه جو الصيف.
- هذه الزهرة تشبه الياسمين.
- صوت الرعد يشبه الانفجار.
- شكل القمر يشبه الموزة.
Academic/Professional
- هذه الدراسة تشبه دراسة سابقة.
- النتائج تشبه ما توقعناه.
- الخطة تشبه خطة العام الماضي.
- هذا المثال يشبه المثال السابق.
Police/Security
- هل يشبه هذا الشخص السارق؟
- ملامحه تشبه الوصف.
- لا يشبه الصورة في الجواز.
- يشبه المشتبه به في الطول.
Inicios de conversación
"هل تعتقد أنك تشبه والدك أم والدتك أكثر؟"
"هل سبق أن قال لك أحد أنك تشبه شخصاً مشهوراً؟"
"هل تشبه مدينتك الحالية المدينة التي ولدت فيها؟"
"من من أصدقائك يشبهك في التفكير والطباع؟"
"هل تشبه حياتك الآن ما كنت تحلم به وأنت طفل؟"
Temas para diario
اكتب عن شخص تشبهه في عائلتك، وما هي الصفات المشتركة بينكما؟
صف مكاناً زرته وكان يشبه مكاناً آخر تحبه كثيراً.
هل تعتقد أن التوأم يجب أن يشبهوا بعضهم في كل شيء؟ ولماذا؟
اكتب عن موقف رأيت فيه شخصاً يشبه صديقك القديم.
تحدث عن كتاب أو فيلم يشبه قصة حياتك أو جانباً منها.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'يشبه' is a transitive verb in Arabic. You say 'هو يشبه أباه' (He resembles his father) directly. Adding 'إلى' or 'بـ' is a common mistake for English speakers.
'يشبه' is a verb (to resemble), while 'مثل' is a noun or preposition (like). You use 'يشبه' when you need an action/state word: 'He resembles him.' You use 'مثل' for comparisons: 'He is like his father.'
You use the feminine form 'تشبه' (tushbihu). For example: 'هي تشبه أمها' (She resembles her mother).
Yes, absolutely. You can say 'هذه الفكرة تشبه فكرتي' (This idea resembles my idea) or 'الوضع يشبه الحرب' (The situation resembles war).
The past tense is 'أشبه' (ashbaha). For example: 'أشبهَ الولدُ أباه' (The boy resembled his father).
Yes, it is very common in dialects, though the pronunciation might change slightly (e.g., 'bi-yishbah' in Levantine). The meaning remains the same.
You can say 'يشبهون بعضهم البعض' for people, or use the Form VI verb 'يتشابهون' (yatashabahuna).
It is a popular idiom meaning 'God creates forty look-alikes for everyone.' It's used when you see someone who looks remarkably like someone else.
It is neutral and can be used in any context, from high literature to casual street talk.
The root is Sh-B-H (ش-ب-ه), which relates to likeness and similarity.
Ponte a prueba 187 preguntas
Write a sentence in Arabic saying 'The boy resembles his father'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Arabic saying 'She resembles her mother'.
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Translate to Arabic: 'This city resembles my city'.
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Translate to Arabic: 'His voice resembles his father's voice'.
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Write a negative sentence: 'He does not resemble his brother'.
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Translate: 'The situation resembles a dream'.
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Write a question: 'Who do you resemble?'
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Translate: 'The two brothers resemble each other'.
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Translate: 'This perfume resembles the smell of roses'.
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Write a sentence using 'كثيراً': 'She resembles her grandmother a lot'.
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Translate: 'The current crisis resembles the 2008 crisis'.
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Translate: 'His writing style resembles Naguib Mahfouz'.
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Translate: 'The results might resemble our expectations'.
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Translate: 'Democracy in the East does not always resemble the West'.
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Write a poetic sentence: 'Her face resembles the full moon'.
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Translate: 'Nothing resembles him but himself'.
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Translate: 'This building resembles Andalusian architecture'.
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Translate: 'The sound of the wind resembles a whistle'.
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Translate: 'I want a shirt that resembles this one'.
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Translate: 'He became like a stranger'.
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Say in Arabic: 'I resemble my father.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'She resembles her mother.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Ask in Arabic: 'Who do you resemble?'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'This looks like that.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'He resembles his brother a lot.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'The weather today resembles summer.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'Your voice resembles your mother's voice.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'I want something that resembles this.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'The situation resembles a war.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'They resemble each other.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'He doesn't resemble anyone.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'This movie resembles a book I read.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'Your thinking resembles mine.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'The moon resembles a face.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'This city resembles Paris.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'He resembles a famous actor.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'The cat resembles a tiger.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'This color resembles the sky.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'He resembles his grandfather in wisdom.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say in Arabic: 'The results resemble the data.'
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and identify the subject: 'تشبه أمها.'
Listen and identify the verb: 'الولد يشبه أباه.'
Is the resemblance strong or weak? 'يشبهه تماماً.'
Identify the tense: 'أشبهَ الجوُّ الصيفَ.'
Who is being resembled? 'تشبهين عمتك.'
Is it a question or a statement? 'هل يشبه أخاه؟'
Identify the number: 'يشبهون بعضهم.'
What is being compared? 'صوته يشبه الرعد.'
Is it positive or negative? 'لا يشبه أحداً.'
Identify the object: 'يشبه البحر.'
Identify the adverb: 'يشبهه قليلاً.'
What is the root heard? 'متشابهان.'
Identify the subject: 'السيارات تشبه بعضها.'
Is it a compliment? 'من شابه أباه فما ظلم.'
Identify the feeling: 'يشبه الحلم.'
/ 187 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'يشبه' is your primary tool for expressing resemblance in Arabic. Remember it is transitive—don't add a preposition like 'to'. Example: 'هو يشبه أخاه' (He resembles his brother).
- The verb 'يشبه' means 'to resemble' or 'to look like' in Arabic, used for both physical and abstract similarities.
- It is a Form IV verb (root: ش-ب-ه) and is transitive, meaning it takes a direct object without a preposition.
- The feminine form is 'تشبه' (tushbihu), and it is commonly used in both Modern Standard Arabic and daily dialects.
- It is essential for making comparisons, creating similes, and describing people, places, or ideas that share common traits.
Direct Object Rule
Remember that 'يشبه' takes a direct object. Don't say 'yushbihu ila'. Just say 'yushbihu' followed by the person or thing.
Use with Adverbs
Enhance your sentences by adding 'كثيراً' (a lot) or 'قليلاً' (a little) after the object to show the degree of resemblance.
The Soft H
The final 'h' in 'yushbihu' is soft. Don't skip it, but don't make it sound like a 'k' or 'kh'.
Family Likeness
In Arab cultures, comparing a child to a parent is a common way to start a friendly conversation.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de academic
أَ
A1Una partícula interrogativa utilizada para hacer preguntas de sí o no.
أعاد
A2Usa este verbo cuando haces algo de nuevo o devuelves algo.
عاجلاً
A2Este adverbio significa hacer algo rápidamente, sin esperar.
عام دراسي
A2Es el periodo de tiempo en el que las instituciones educativas imparten sus clases.
اعتبر
A2Este verbo significa pensar en algo cuidadosamente antes de decidir o actuar.
اِعْتِمَاد
B2Es la aprobación oficial o el acto de depender de algo.
اعتمد
A2Confiar en alguien para obtener ayuda o aprobar oficialmente un plan.
اِعْتِرَاض
B2Es la acción de cuestionar o estar en desacuerdo con una idea o plan. Es expresar formalmente tu oposición a algo.
عبارة
A2Es una frase corta o una expresión común que transmite una idea específica.
على الأرجح
A2Se usa cuando es muy probable que algo ocurra o sea cierto.