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B1 noun #400 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

وظيفة

wazifa Top 400

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces وظيفة en 30 secondes

Explication وظيفة in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'waẓīfa' as the basic word for 'job.' You will use it in simple sentences like 'I have a job' or 'What is your job?' It is important to remember that it is a feminine noun. You will mostly encounter it in the context of introducing yourself or asking others about their lives. Focus on the phrase 'waẓīfatī' (my job) and 'waẓīfatuka' (your job). At this stage, don't worry about the complex plural or technical meanings; just think of it as the answer to 'What do you do for a living?' in a formal setting. You might also see it in very simple school contexts if you are studying in a Levantine environment, where it means 'homework.' Practice saying 'ana abḥath 'an waẓīfa' (I am looking for a job) as a key survival phrase.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'waẓīfa' by adding adjectives and using it with more verbs. You should be able to describe your job as 'jayyida' (good), 'sa'ba' (difficult), or 'mumti'a' (enjoyable). You will also learn to use it with the verb 'taqaddama' (to apply). For example, 'taqaddamtu li-waẓīfa fī maṣrif' (I applied for a job in a bank). You should also start recognizing the plural form 'waẓā'if' in simple advertisements or signs. At this level, you can distinguish between 'waẓīfa' and 'shughl,' knowing that 'waẓīfa' is what you tell your boss or a stranger, while 'shughl' is what you tell your friends. You might also encounter 'waẓīfa manziliyya' (homework) more frequently in textbooks.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'waẓīfa' in professional and semi-formal discussions. You will use it to talk about job descriptions (waṣf waẓīfī) and the requirements of a position. You should be able to discuss 'furaṣ al-waẓā'if' (job opportunities) in your country and express opinions about different career paths. You will also encounter the word in more abstract contexts, such as the 'function' of a specific tool or a part of the body. You should understand the difference between a 'waẓīfa dā'ima' (permanent job) and 'waẓīfa mu'aqqata' (temporary job). Your grammar should accurately reflect the feminine nature of the word and its broken plural 'waẓā'if' in more complex sentence structures involving relative clauses.

At the B2 level, you will use 'waẓīfa' in more nuanced ways, such as discussing 'al-istiqrār al-waẓīfī' (job stability) or 'al-tasalsul al-waẓīfī' (career hierarchy). You should be able to read news articles about the labor market and understand terms like 'al-waẓā'if al-shāghira' (vacant positions) and 'tawṭīn al-waẓā'if' (nationalization of jobs, common in the Gulf). You will also use the word in academic or professional writing to describe the 'function' of social institutions or literary devices. At this stage, you should be able to debate the pros and cons of government versus private sector jobs using sophisticated vocabulary. You will also understand the derivative 'muwaẓẓaf' (employee) and its various forms in corporate terminology.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'waẓīfa' reaches a professional and academic depth. You will encounter the word in legal contracts, administrative law (al-qānūn al-idārī), and high-level economic analysis. You should be able to discuss the 'waẓīfa' of the state or the 'functionalist' approach in sociology (al-madrasa al-waẓīfiyya). You will understand subtle rhetorical uses of the word in literature and political speeches. Your usage will include complex collocations like 'al-akhlāqiyyāt al-waẓīfiyya' (professional ethics) and 'al-shurūṭ al-waẓīfiyya' (job requirements). You can effortlessly switch between 'waẓīfa,' 'manṣib,' and 'mihna' to convey exact shades of meaning in a high-stakes professional environment.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'waẓīfa' and its etymological roots. You can appreciate the word's historical journey from meaning a 'daily ration' in classical texts to its modern bureaucratic and scientific applications. You can analyze the 'waẓīfa' of language itself in linguistic theory. You are capable of drafting formal job offers, legal challenges regarding employment, and philosophical treatises on the 'function' of existence. You understand the most obscure idioms and cultural references related to employment and duty. Your command of the word allows you to use it with absolute precision in any context, from a casual joke about 'waẓīfa manziliyya' to a complex discussion on the 'waẓā'if' of the central bank in a globalized economy.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

وظيفة en 30 secondes

Waẓīfa means 'job' or 'position' in a formal, professional context.
It also means 'function' in scientific, technical, or sociological contexts.
In some dialects (Levantine), it is the standard word for 'homework'.
It is a feminine noun with the broken plural 'waẓā'if'.

The Arabic word وظيفة (waẓīfa) is a cornerstone of modern Arabic vocabulary, primarily referring to a 'job,' 'position,' or 'function.' Derived from the root و-ظ-ف (w-ẓ-f), which historically relates to the idea of a daily ration or a stipulated task, it has evolved to encompass the entire spectrum of professional employment. In a modern context, when you ask someone about their waẓīfa, you are inquiring about their official role within an organization or the specific duties they are paid to perform. It is more formal than the word shughl (work) and more specific than 'amal (labor).

Professional Context: Used when discussing career paths, job applications, and corporate hierarchies. For example, 'I applied for a job' is taqaddamtu li-waẓīfa.
Functional Context: Used in science or mechanics to describe the 'function' of an organ or a part. For example, 'the function of the heart' is waẓīfat al-qalb.

البحث عن وظيفة جديدة يتطلب الكثير من الصبر والجهد في سوق العمل الحالي.

Searching for a new job requires a lot of patience and effort in the current labor market.

The term also carries a sense of duty. In educational settings, waẓīfa manziliyya refers to homework—literally 'home duty.' This highlights the underlying meaning of a task that one is obligated to complete. Whether you are a government employee (muwaẓẓaf ḥukūmī) or a private sector specialist, the word defines your place in the economic structure. Understanding this word is essential for navigating any professional environment in the Arab world, from Dubai's tech hubs to Cairo's administrative offices.

هل هذه الـ وظيفة بدوام كامل أم جزئي؟

Is this job full-time or part-time?

Etymological Root: The root W-Z-F implies 'to assign' or 'to employ.' It suggests a regularized, recurring task rather than a one-off chore.

تعتبر وظيفة التدريس من أسمى المهن في المجتمع.

The teaching job is considered one of the noblest professions in society.

Finally, the plural form وظائف (waẓā'if) is frequently seen in newspaper sections titled 'Vacancies' or 'Jobs.' It is the word you will see on government portals and corporate 'Careers' pages. It represents not just work, but a structured role with specific responsibilities and rights.

Using وظيفة correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common verbal pairings. It is a feminine noun, so adjectives following it must also be feminine. For example, 'a good job' is waẓīfa jayyida. It can function as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of an idafa (possessive) construction.

As an Object: When you find or lose a job. 'He found a job' is wajada waẓīfa.
In Idafa Construction: Specifying the type of job. 'The job of a doctor' is waẓīfat al-ṭabīb.

حصلتُ على وظيفة مرموقة في شركة دولية.

I obtained a prestigious job in an international company.

Common verbs used with waẓīfa include baḥatha 'an (to search for), taqaddama li- (to apply for), and shaghala (to occupy/hold a position). If you are talking about the duties of a job, you would use the phrase mahāmm al-waẓīfa. In a more abstract sense, you can talk about the 'function' of an object or concept, such as 'the function of literature' (waẓīfat al-adab).

ما هي وظيفة هذا الجهاز الجديد؟

What is the function of this new device?

In formal writing, waẓīfa is often used in the context of civil service. A 'public office' is waẓīfa 'āmma. If someone is promoted, you might say ruqqiya fī waẓīfatihi (he was promoted in his job). Conversely, if someone is fired, the term fuṣila min waẓīfatihi is used. The word is versatile enough to cover everything from a entry-level clerkship to high-ranking ministerial roles.

أعلن البنك عن وجود وظائف شاغرة للخريجين الجدد.

The bank announced vacant jobs for new graduates.

Common Adjectives: Shāghira (vacant), thābita (permanent), mu'aqqata (temporary), dā'ima (permanent).

ترك وظيفته ليتفرغ لمشروعه الخاص.

He left his job to devote himself to his private project.

You will encounter وظيفة in a variety of real-world settings across the Arabic-speaking world. In the media, news anchors frequently discuss azmat al-waẓā'if (the jobs crisis) or furaṣ al-waẓā'if (job opportunities). Economic reports are filled with statistics about the number of waẓā'if created in the last quarter. If you are watching a talk show about the economy, this word will be repeated constantly.

In the Office: HR departments use it for job descriptions (waṣf waẓīfī) and performance reviews.
In Schools: Teachers use it to assign homework, especially in primary and secondary education.

هل قرأت الوصف الـ وظيفي قبل المقابلة؟

Did you read the job description before the interview?

In social gatherings, when meeting someone new, a common question is mā hiya waẓīfatuk? (What is your job?). While younger people in casual settings might use the English word 'job' or the Arabic 'shughl,' 'waẓīfa' remains the standard for polite, adult conversation. You will also hear it in hospitals when doctors discuss the waẓā'if al-a'ḍā' (organ functions), such as kidney or liver function tests.

يجب علينا كتابة الـ وظيفة المنزلية قبل الغد.

We must write the homework before tomorrow.

On the internet, job portals like Bayt.com or LinkedIn in Arabic use waẓā'if as the primary category. You'll see buttons like 'Apply for this job' (taqaddam li-hādhihi al-waẓīfa). In government buildings, signs might point to the maktab al-tawẓīf (employment office). The word is deeply embedded in the administrative and professional fabric of society.

تغيرت وظيفة الإعلام في عصر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي.

The function of media has changed in the age of social media.

Legal Documents: Contracts always specify the 'waẓīfa' and its associated 'mahāmm' (tasks).

هل تبحث عن وظيفة حكومية أم في القطاع الخاص؟

Are you looking for a government job or in the private sector?

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing وظيفة with 'amal or shughl. While they all relate to work, they are not always interchangeable. 'Amal is a broad term for labor or action, while shughl is more informal and refers to being busy or having work to do. Waẓīfa specifically refers to a formal position or a designated role. You wouldn't say 'I have a lot of job today' ('indī waẓīfa kathīra) if you mean you are busy; you would say 'indī shughl kathīr.

Gender Agreement: Forgetting that 'waẓīfa' is feminine. Don't say 'waẓīfa jadīd'—it must be 'waẓīfa jadīda'.
Plural Errors: Using 'waẓīfāt' instead of the correct broken plural 'waẓā'if'.

خطأ: أنا أعمل في وظيفة المهندس. صح: أنا أعمل كمهندس.

Error: I work in the job of the engineer. Correct: I work as an engineer.

Another common error is using waẓīfa to mean 'profession' in a general sense. While a job is a waẓīfa, the profession itself (like medicine or law) is better described as mihna. If you say 'My job is medicine,' it sounds slightly off; better to say 'My profession is medicine' (mihnatī al-ṭibb) or 'I work as a doctor' (a'malu ka-ṭabīb). Waẓīfa is best reserved for the specific post you hold at a specific company.

خطأ: هذه الـ وظيفة صعبة جداً (meaning 'this task'). صح: هذا العمل صعب جداً.

Error: This job is very difficult (when referring to a specific task). Correct: This work is very difficult.

Finally, be careful with the preposition used with 'apply.' In English, we apply 'for' a job. In Arabic, we use li- or 'alā. Taqaddama li-waẓīfa is the most standard. Using fī (in) here is a common literal translation error from other languages.

خطأ: تقدمتُ في وظيفة. صح: تقدمتُ لـ وظيفة.

Error: I applied in a job. Correct: I applied for a job.

Homework Confusion: In Egypt, if you say 'waẓīfa' for homework, people will understand but might find it formal or 'Levantine'. Use 'wājib' in Cairo.

خطأ: ما هو وظيفتك؟ صح: ما هي وظيفتكِ؟ (matching gender).

Error: What is your job? (using masculine 'mā huwa'). Correct: What is your job? (using feminine 'mā hiya').

Arabic has a rich vocabulary for work, and choosing the right word depends on the level of formality and the nature of the task. While وظيفة is the standard for a 'job,' other words offer different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will make your Arabic sound much more natural and precise.

Amal (عمل): The most general word for 'work' or 'action.' It can be a job, a deed, or a project. 'Sūq al-'amal' is the labor market.
Shughl (شغل): Common in daily speech. It refers to being occupied. 'I have work' is usually 'indī shughl'.
Mihna (مهنة): Refers to a 'profession' or 'vocation' that requires training, like medicine, law, or carpentry.

الفرق بين الـ وظيفة والمهنة هو أن المهنة تتطلب مهارات متخصصة طويلة الأمد.

The difference between a job and a profession is that a profession requires long-term specialized skills.

Other alternatives include manṣib (position/post), which is usually higher-ranking, and dawr (role), used when discussing one's part in a project or a play. For a specific mission or assignment, you might use muhimma. In a religious or highly formal context, taklīf refers to a task one is charged with. If you are talking about a trade or craft, ḥirfa is the appropriate term.

يشغل السيد أحمد منصباً رفيعاً في الوزارة.

Mr. Ahmed holds a high position in the ministry.

When comparing waẓīfa to shughl, think of the difference between 'employment' and 'work.' You can have 'shughl' (tasks to do) without having a 'waẓīfa' (a formal job). Conversely, you can have a 'waẓīfa' but have no 'shughl' to do on a slow day at the office. This distinction is vital for accurate communication.

هل تفضل الـ وظيفة المكتبية أم العمل الميداني؟

Do you prefer an office job or field work?

Summary Table: Waẓīfa: Formal Job. Mihna: Career/Profession. Shughl: Tasks/Busy-ness. Manṣib: High Post.

كل فرد في الفريق له دوره الخاص.

Every individual in the team has their own role.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"أرجو التكرم بقبول طلبي لهذه الوظيفة."

Neutre

"أنا أبحث عن وظيفة جديدة."

Informel

"كيف الوظيفة معك؟"

Child friendly

"ما هي وظيفة رجل الإطفاء؟"

Argot

"وظيفة لقطة!"

Le savais-tu ?

The word originally described the daily fodder given to a horse. Today, it describes the 'fodder' (salary/tasks) given to employees!

Guide de prononciation

UK /wa.ˈziː.fa/

US /wɑ.ˈzi.fə/

The stress is on the second syllable: wa-ZEE-fa.

Rime avec

Latifa Sharifa Nazifa Khafifa Sahifa Rasifa Hanifa Qatifa

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'z' as 's'.
Shortening the long 'ī' sound.
Adding an extra vowel between 'z' and 'f'.
Pronouncing the final 'a' as a hard 'ay'.
Confusing the 'w' with a 'v' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to frequent use.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the broken plural 'waẓā'if'.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Écoute 2/5

Clear phonetic profile.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

عمل شغل أنا في مدرسة

Apprends ensuite

موظف شركة راتب مدير خبرة

Avancé

بيروقراطية هيكلية استراتيجية كفاءة إنتاجية

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Noun Agreement

وظيفة (feminine) -> جيدة (feminine).

Broken Plural Pattern (Mafā'il)

وظيفة -> وظائف.

Idafa (Possessive) Construction

وظيفة المعلم (The teacher's job).

Preposition 'li-' with 'taqaddama'

تقدمتُ لوظيفة.

Nisba Adjective Formation

وظيفة -> وظيفي (functional).

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Exemples par niveau

عندي وظيفة جديدة.

I have a new job.

Note the feminine adjective 'jadīda' matching 'waẓīfa'.

ما هي وظيفتك؟

What is your job?

Using 'mā hiya' because 'waẓīfa' is feminine.

أنا أحب وظيفتي.

I love my job.

The suffix '-ī' means 'my'.

هذه وظيفة سهلة.

This is an easy job.

Demonstrative 'hādhihi' matches the feminine noun.

أين الوظيفة؟

Where is the job?

Definite article 'al-' attached to 'waẓīfa'.

وظيفة والدي طبيب.

My father's job is a doctor.

Idafa construction: 'waẓīfat wālidī'.

هل تريد وظيفة؟

Do you want a job?

Direct object in a question.

هذه وظيفة البيت.

This is the homework (Levantine).

Contextual meaning of homework.

أبحث عن وظيفة في دبي.

I am looking for a job in Dubai.

Verb 'abḥathu' takes the preposition 'an'.

تقدمتُ لثلاث وظائف اليوم.

I applied for three jobs today.

Plural 'waẓā'if' used with a number.

هل الوظيفة قريبة من بيتك؟

Is the job near your house?

Subject-predicate agreement.

أريد وظيفة براتب جيد.

I want a job with a good salary.

Preposition 'bi-' meaning 'with'.

هذه الوظيفة متعبة جداً.

This job is very tiring.

Feminine adjective 'mut'iba'.

متى تبدأ وظيفتك الجديدة؟

When does your new job start?

Verb 'tabda'' matches feminine subject.

لا توجد وظائف شاغرة هنا.

There are no vacant jobs here.

Plural 'waẓā'if' with adjective 'shāghira'.

أختي حصلت على وظيفة معلمة.

My sister got a job as a teacher.

Verb 'haṣalat' with preposition 'alā'.

يجب أن أقرأ الوصف الوظيفي بدقة.

I must read the job description carefully.

Adjective 'waẓīfī' (functional/job-related).

ما هي وظيفة هذا الزر الأحمر؟

What is the function of this red button?

Using 'waẓīfa' to mean 'function'.

الوظيفة تتطلب خبرة خمس سنوات.

The job requires five years of experience.

Verb 'tataṭallab' (requires).

هل تفضل وظيفة حكومية أم خاصة؟

Do you prefer a government or private job?

Contrast between 'ḥukūmiyya' and 'khāṣṣa'.

ترك وظيفته ليبدأ مشروعه الخاص.

He left his job to start his own project.

Verb 'taraka' (left/quit).

الوظيفة توفر تأميناً صحياً ممتازاً.

The job provides excellent health insurance.

Verb 'tuwaffir' (provides).

علينا إنهاء الوظيفة المدرسية الآن.

We have to finish the school homework now.

Adjective 'madrasiyya' (school-related).

تم قبولي في الوظيفة بعد المقابلة.

I was accepted for the job after the interview.

Passive construction 'tumma qabūlī'.

تسعى الدولة لتوفير وظائف للشباب.

The state seeks to provide jobs for the youth.

Verb 'tas'ā' (seeks/strives).

الأمان الوظيفي أهم من الراتب العالي.

Job security is more important than a high salary.

Compound term 'al-amān al-waẓīfī'.

تغيرت وظيفة الأسرة في المجتمع الحديث.

The function of the family has changed in modern society.

Sociological use of 'waẓīfa'.

تم فصله من وظيفته بسبب الإهمال.

He was dismissed from his job due to negligence.

Passive 'fuṣila' (was dismissed).

يتمتع الموظف بحقوق وظيفية كاملة.

The employee enjoys full job rights.

Adjective 'waẓīfiyya' modifying 'huqūq'.

هناك تنافس شديد على هذه الوظيفة.

There is intense competition for this job.

Noun 'tanāfus' (competition).

الوظيفة تشمل السفر إلى الخارج أحياناً.

The job includes traveling abroad sometimes.

Verb 'tashmal' (includes).

يجب موازنة الوظيفة مع الحياة الأسرية.

Job and family life must be balanced.

Gerund 'muwāzana' (balancing).

تعتمد النظرية الوظيفية على تكامل الأدوار.

Functionalist theory depends on the integration of roles.

Academic term 'al-naẓariyya al-waẓīfiyya'.

يشغل منصب مدير عام، وهي وظيفة حساسة.

He holds the position of General Manager, which is a sensitive job.

Relative clause 'wa-hiya waẓīfa'.

تؤدي اللغة وظيفة تواصلية واجتماعية.

Language performs a communicative and social function.

Linguistic context.

تم تعيينه في وظيفة مرموقة بالخارجية.

He was appointed to a prestigious job in the Foreign Ministry.

Verb 'ta'yīn' (appointment).

الترقي الوظيفي يعتمد على الكفاءة والإنتاج.

Career advancement depends on competence and production.

Compound 'al-taraqqī al-waẓīfī'.

يخضع الموظفون العامون لقانون الوظيفة العامة.

Public employees are subject to the Public Service Law.

Legal term 'al-waẓīfa al-'āmma'.

هذه الوظيفة لا تتناسب مع طموحاتي.

This job does not align with my ambitions.

Verb 'lā tatanāsab' (does not suit/align).

أدت التكنولوجيا إلى إلغاء بعض الوظائف التقليدية.

Technology led to the elimination of some traditional jobs.

Phrase 'ilgā' al-waẓā'if' (job elimination).

تتجلى وظيفة الفن في نقد الواقع وتفكيكه.

The function of art is manifested in criticizing and deconstructing reality.

Philosophical/Artistic context.

إن إساءة استخدام الوظيفة تندرج تحت الفساد.

Abuse of office falls under corruption.

Legal/Ethical context.

تعد الوظيفة البيولوجية للأعضاء معجزة حقيقية.

The biological function of organs is a true miracle.

Scientific context.

استقال من وظيفته احتجاجاً على السياسات الجديدة.

He resigned from his job in protest against the new policies.

Prepositional phrase 'iḥtijājan 'alā'.

يتم تحليل الوظيفة السردية في الرواية المعاصرة.

The narrative function in the contemporary novel is analyzed.

Literary criticism.

تتطلب الوظيفة القيادية رؤية استراتيجية ثاقبة.

A leadership role requires a sharp strategic vision.

Management context.

هناك تداخل بين الوظيفة التقنية والوظيفة الإبداعية.

There is an overlap between the technical function and the creative function.

Complex conceptual overlap.

يجب صيانة الوظيفة الدستورية لمؤسسات الدولة.

The constitutional function of state institutions must be maintained.

Political science context.

Synonymes

عمل مهنة دور منصب

Antonymes

بطالة فراغ

Collocations courantes

وظيفة شاغرة

وصف وظيفي

وظيفة حكومية

وظيفة مرموقة

وظيفة منزلية

أمان وظيفي

سلم وظيفي

مقابلة وظيفة

وظيفة الأعضاء

فقدان الوظيفة

Phrases Courantes

ما هي وظيفتك؟

— What is your job? Used when meeting someone.

تشرفنا، ما هي وظيفتك؟

البحث عن وظيفة

— Job hunting. A common activity.

البحث عن وظيفة متعب.

ترك الوظيفة

— Quitting a job.

قرر ترك الوظيفة فجأة.

وظيفة بدوام كامل

— Full-time job.

أريد وظيفة بدوام كامل.

وظيفة بدوام جزئي

— Part-time job.

تعمل في وظيفة بدوام جزئي.

شغل وظيفة

— To occupy a position.

شغل وظيفة المدير لسنوات.

إعلان وظيفة

— Job advertisement.

رأيت إعلان وظيفة في الجريدة.

متطلبات الوظيفة

— Job requirements.

ما هي متطلبات الوظيفة؟

عرض وظيفة

— Job offer.

تلقيت عرض وظيفة مغرياً.

خسارة الوظيفة

— Losing a job.

خسارة الوظيفة صعبة مالياً.

Souvent confondu avec

وظيفة vs عمل

Amal is work in general; Waẓīfa is a specific job post.

وظيفة vs شغل

Shughl is informal work or being busy; Waẓīfa is formal employment.

وظيفة vs مهنة

Mihna is a career/profession; Waẓīfa is the current position held.

Expressions idiomatiques

"وظيفة العمر"

— The job of a lifetime; a dream job.

هذه هي وظيفة العمر بالنسبة لي.

Informal

"حبيس الوظيفة"

— Trapped in a job; feeling stuck in a routine.

أشعر أنني حبيس الوظيفة المكتبية.

Literary

"رجل المهام الصعبة"

— The man for difficult tasks (often related to job roles).

إنه رجل المهام الصعبة في الشركة.

Journalistic

"بين نارين"

— Between two fires (often used when choosing between two jobs).

أنا بين نارين: الوظيفة أم السفر.

Common

"على كف عفريت"

— On the palm of a demon (meaning a job is very unstable).

وظيفتي الآن على كف عفريت.

Slang

"أكل عيش"

— Eating bread (meaning a job is just for survival).

هذه الوظيفة مجرد أكل عيش.

Egyptian Slang

"صاحب بالين كذاب"

— A person with two minds is a liar (meaning don't hold two jobs poorly).

لا تحاول العمل في وظيفتين، صاحب بالين كذاب.

Proverb

"في مهب الريح"

— In the wind (meaning the job is at risk).

مستقبله الوظيفي في مهب الريح.

Literary

"حبر على ورق"

— Ink on paper (meaning job promises not kept).

وعود الترقية كانت حبراً على ورق.

Common

"الرجل المناسب في المكان المناسب"

— The right man in the right place (ideal job placement).

هو الرجل المناسب في هذه الوظيفة.

Formal

Facile à confondre

وظيفة vs موظف

Sounds similar.

Muwaẓẓaf is the employee (person); Waẓīfa is the job (role).

أنا موظف في هذه الوظيفة.

وظيفة vs توظيف

Same root.

Tawẓīf is the act of hiring or employment; Waẓīfa is the job itself.

قسم التوظيف أعلن عن وظيفة.

وظيفة vs واجب

Both can mean homework.

Wājib is 'duty/homework' (common in Egypt); Waẓīfa is 'job/homework' (common in Levant).

عندي واجب كثير.

وظيفة vs مهمة

Both involve tasks.

Muhimma is a specific mission or task; Waẓīfa is a continuous job.

عندي مهمة في لندن.

وظيفة vs منصب

Both mean position.

Manṣib is usually a high-ranking or political post; Waẓīfa is any job.

منصب المدير العام.

Structures de phrases

أنا عندي وظيفة [adjective].

أنا عندي وظيفة جديدة.

أبحث عن وظيفة في [place].

أبحث عن وظيفة في المستشفى.

تقدمتُ لوظيفة [noun] في [company].

تقدمتُ لوظيفة مهندس في شركة أرامكو.

تعتبر الوظيفة الـ [adjective] من أهم الـ [plural].

تعتبر الوظيفة الحكومية من أهم الوظائف.

تؤدي الـ [noun] وظيفة [adjective] في [context].

تؤدي الصحافة وظيفة رقابية في المجتمع.

إن مفهوم الوظيفة الـ [adjective] يتجلى في [concept].

إن مفهوم الوظيفة الاجتماعية يتجلى في التضامن.

ما هي مهام وظيفتك الـ [adjective]؟

ما هي مهام وظيفتك الجديدة؟

هل هذه الوظيفة [adjective]؟

هل هذه الوظيفة ممتعة؟

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in professional and educational contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'waẓīfa' for 'busy'. → Using 'shughl'.
You can't say 'I have a lot of job'. Say 'I have a lot of work'.
Saying 'waẓīfa jadīd'. → Saying 'waẓīfa jadīda'.
The noun is feminine and requires a feminine adjective.
Pluralizing as 'waẓīfāt'. → Pluralizing as 'waẓā'if'.
It's a broken plural, not a regular feminine plural.
Using 'fī' with 'taqaddama'. → Using 'li-' or 'alā'.
The verb 'apply' takes 'li-' in Arabic.
Confusing 'waẓīfa' with 'mihna'. → Using 'mihna' for the career field.
Medicine is a 'mihna'; being a resident at a hospital is a 'waẓīfa'.

Astuces

Gender Matching

Always use feminine adjectives with waẓīfa. Say 'waẓīfa mumti'a' not 'mumti'.

Root Power

Learn the root W-Z-F to easily recognize related words like muwaẓẓaf (employee).

Dialect Check

In Syria/Lebanon, use waẓīfa for homework. In Egypt, use wājib.

LinkedIn Arabic

Use 'waẓā'if' when searching for jobs on Arabic professional sites.

Polite Inquiry

Asking 'mā hiya waẓīfatuk?' is a very polite way to ask someone's profession.

Plural Spelling

The plural 'waẓā'if' has a hamza on a 'ya' chair (ئ). Don't forget it!

News Keywords

Listen for 'azmat al-waẓā'if' to understand news about the economy.

Scientific Use

In biology class, waẓīfa means 'function'. Context is key!

Rhyme Time

Rhyme it with 'Latifa' (a common name) to remember the ending.

Job vs. Work

Remember: You go to your 'waẓīfa' to do your 'shughl'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Wa-ZEE-fa' as 'What's the FEE-fa?' (What's the fee/salary for this job?).

Association visuelle

Imagine a person wearing a formal suit (waẓīfa) holding a daily task list.

Word Web

Salary Office Boss Contract Promotion Interview Tasks Resume

Défi

Try to use 'waẓīfa' in three different sentences today: one about your job, one about a dream job, and one about homework.

Origine du mot

From the Arabic root و-ظ-ف (w-ẓ-f). In classical Arabic, it referred to a daily portion of food, water, or a task assigned to be completed daily.

Sens originel : A daily ration or a stipulated task.

Semitic (Arabic).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when asking about someone's 'waẓīfa' if they might be unemployed; 'shughl' is sometimes safer.

In English, 'job' is very common, but 'waẓīfa' is closer to 'position' or 'post' in its level of formality.

The TV show 'Al-Wazeefa' (The Job) Economic reports on 'Tawteen' (Nationalization) Poetry about the 'waẓīfa' of the soul.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Job Interview

لماذا تريد هذه الوظيفة؟
خبرتي تناسب الوظيفة.
ما هي مهام الوظيفة؟
متى أبدأ الوظيفة؟

School

أين الوظيفة المنزلية؟
نسيت وظيفتي.
الوظيفة كانت صعبة.
صحح المعلم الوظيفة.

Doctor's Visit

وظائف الكبد.
وظائف الكلى.
فحص وظائف القلب.
خلل في الوظيفة.

Government Office

وظيفة عامة.
قانون الوظيفة.
تثبيت في الوظيفة.
درجة وظيفية.

Socializing

وظيفة مريحة.
وظيفة متعبة.
وظيفة أحلامي.
تغيير الوظيفة.

Amorces de conversation

"ما هي وظيفة أحلامك التي كنت تمنى الحصول عليها في طفولتك؟"

"هل تعتقد أن الوظيفة الحكومية أفضل من العمل في القطاع الخاص؟"

"كيف تجد التوازن بين وظيفتك وحياتك الشخصية؟"

"ما هي أهم مهارة تعلمتها في وظيفتك الحالية؟"

"هل تفضل وظيفة مكتبية أم وظيفة تتطلب الكثير من الحركة؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن أول وظيفة حصلت عليها في حياتك وكيف كان شعورك.

صف المهام اليومية في وظيفتك الحالية وما الذي تحبه فيها.

تخيل أنك مدير شركة، ما هي المعايير التي ستختار على أساسها الموظفين لوظيفة جديدة؟

ناقش أهمية الأمان الوظيفي في ظل التغيرات الاقتصادية الحالية.

اكتب عن وظيفة غريبة سمعت عنها وتود تجربتها ليوم واحد.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can also mean 'function' (like an organ's function) or 'homework' in some dialects.

The plural is 'waẓā'if' (وظائف).

It is feminine because it ends with a ta marbuta (ة).

You say 'Taqaddamtu li-waẓīfa' (تقدمتُ لوظيفة).

'Amal' is general work/labor, while 'waẓīfa' is a specific formal position.

Usually no; 'amal' or 'shughl' is better for freelance. Waẓīfa implies an institutional role.

It is 'waṣf waẓīfī' (وصف وظيفي).

The root exists, but the modern sense of 'job' is a later development in the language.

It means 'homework' (literally: home duty/task).

You say 'waẓīfa shāghira' (وظيفة شاغرة).

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