Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #700 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

جَوَاب

jawab Top 700

At the A1 level, you learn that 'Jawab' means 'answer'. You use it in very simple sentences like 'This is the answer' (Hadha huwa al-jawab) or 'I don't know the answer' (La a'rif al-jawab). At this stage, you focus on the basic sound and the fact that it is a noun. You might see it in your first Arabic textbook next to the word 'Su'al' (Question). You learn that when a teacher asks a question, you provide a 'Jawab'. It is one of the first 500 words you should memorize because it is essential for classroom survival. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just recognize the word when you hear it and know that it refers to the information given after a question. You might also learn the very basic plural 'Ajwiba' but primarily focus on the singular form.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'Jawab' in more descriptive ways. You learn to attach adjectives to it, like 'Jawab sahih' (correct answer) or 'Jawab qasir' (short answer). You also begin to use possessive pronouns with it, such as 'Jawabi' (my answer) or 'Jawabuka' (your answer). You understand that 'Jawab' is masculine and that adjectives must match it. You might also start to see 'Jawab' in the context of letters in some dialects, though you are taught 'Risala' for Modern Standard Arabic. You can now form sentences like 'I am waiting for your answer' (Ana fi intidhar jawabika). You also become aware of the broken plural 'Ajwiba' and how to use it in simple lists. This level is about building the 'connective tissue' around the word so you can use it in basic daily conversations.

By B1, you are comfortable using 'Jawab' in various grammatical cases. You understand the 'Idafa' construction deeply, using phrases like 'Jawab al-hukuma' (the government's answer). You can use the word in relative clauses, such as 'The answer that you gave me was not clear' (Al-jawab alladhi a'taytani iyyahu lam yakun wadihan). You also start to distinguish 'Jawab' from its synonyms like 'Radd' (reply/rebuttal) and 'Ijabah' (response). You might encounter the word in news reports or simple articles. You understand that 'Jawab' can be used for both spoken and written replies. Your vocabulary expands to include common collocations like 'Jawab niha'i' (final answer) or 'Jawab shafi' (satisfying answer). You are also able to use the plural 'Ajwiba' with correct feminine singular adjective agreement (e.g., 'Ajwiba mufassala' - detailed answers).

At the B2 level, you explore the specialized uses of 'Jawab'. You learn about 'Jawab al-Shart' in complex conditional sentences, which is crucial for advanced grammar. You understand how the 'answer' to a condition completes the logic of a sentence. You also encounter the word in more abstract or metaphorical contexts, such as the 'answer' to a life challenge or a philosophical inquiry. You can participate in debates where you might say 'His answer lacked evidence' (Jawabuhu kana yaftaqiru ila al-adilla). You are also exposed to the musical meaning of 'Jawab' (the higher octave) and can understand its significance in cultural discussions about Arabic music. Your use of the word becomes more nuanced, choosing 'Jawab' over 'Radd' or 'Istijaba' based on the specific register and intent of your communication.

At C1, you have a near-native grasp of 'Jawab'. You can appreciate its use in classical literature and poetry, where it often serves as a rhetorical device. You understand the etymological roots (J-W-B) and how they relate to other words like 'Jawwab' (one who travels much) or 'Istijaba' (divine response). You can use the word in highly formal, academic, or legal settings, such as 'The defendant's answer to the allegations' (Jawab al-mudda'a 'alayhi 'ala al-iddi'a'at). You are aware of the subtle differences in meaning across various Arabic dialects and can navigate them without confusion. You can also use the word in complex idioms and proverbs, understanding the cultural weight they carry. Your ability to use 'Jawab' reflects a deep integration of linguistic skill and cultural knowledge.

At the C2 level, you use 'Jawab' with total mastery and stylistic flair. You can analyze the use of 'Jawab' in the Quran or in the works of great Arab philosophers like Al-Farabi or Ibn Sina. You understand the metaphysical implications of 'The Answer' in mystical traditions. You can write sophisticated essays where 'Jawab' is used to structure an argument or a narrative. You are capable of identifying and using rare or archaic forms related to the root J-W-B. You can switch between formal MSA and various dialects, using 'Jawab' correctly in each context (whether as 'answer', 'letter', or 'musical note'). Your command of the word is such that you can play with its meanings, using it in puns or high-level wordplay. You don't just know the word; you feel its historical and cultural resonance in every context.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

جَوَاب en 30 secondes

Jawab is the primary Arabic word for 'answer' or 'reply', used in all levels of formality.
It comes from the root J-W-B and has an irregular broken plural: Ajwiba.
Beyond simple answers, it is used in grammar (conditionals) and music (octaves).
In some dialects like Egyptian, it can also mean a physical letter or mail.

The Arabic word جَوَاب (Jawab) is a cornerstone of communication, fundamentally representing the concept of a reply or an answer. Derived from the tri-consonantal root ج-و-ب (J-W-B), which historically carries the meaning of 'cutting through' or 'traversing,' the word implies that an answer 'cuts through' the uncertainty or the void created by a question. In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is the most common term for any response to a query, whether spoken, written, or even conceptual.

Linguistic Root: The root J-W-B relates to the act of responding. It is the same root from which we get 'Istijaba' (response/compliance) and 'Ijabah' (answering a prayer). Understanding this root helps learners see the connection between a simple answer and the broader concept of responding to a call or a need.

In daily life, you will use جَوَاب in almost every interaction. Whether you are in a classroom waiting for a teacher's response, in a business meeting discussing a proposal, or simply chatting with friends, this word is indispensable. It is important to note that while جَوَاب is the standard word for 'answer,' in certain dialects, particularly in Egypt and parts of the Levant, it has historically been used to mean a physical 'letter' (as in mail), though رِسَالَة (Risala) is the more formal MSA term for a letter.

هَلْ عِنْدَكَ جَوَاب لِهَذَا السُّؤَالِ؟ (Do you have an answer for this question?)

The word also appears in specialized contexts. In Arabic grammar, the 'Jawab al-Shart' (the response to the condition) is the second part of a conditional sentence (e.g., 'If it rains, [the ground will be wet]'). In music, 'Jawab' refers to a higher octave, specifically the repetition of a note at a higher pitch, which 'answers' the lower note. This multi-layered usage shows how the concept of 'answering' permeates Arabic thought, from logic and grammar to art and daily mail.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal settings, 'Jawab' is used for official replies to correspondence. In informal settings, it is the go-to word for any reply. If someone asks you 'What is the answer?', they will say 'Ma huwa al-jawab?'.

انْتَظَرْتُ جَوَابَكَ طَوِيلًا. (I waited for your answer for a long time.)

Culturally, the 'Jawab' is not just a piece of information; it is a social obligation. In Arab culture, responding to a greeting or a question is a sign of respect and 'Adab' (etiquette). To leave a question without a 'Jawab' can sometimes be seen as dismissive or rude, unless the silence itself is intended as a 'Jawab' (as the proverb says, 'Silence is the answer of the wise').

Plurality: The plural 'Ajwiba' is used when referring to multiple answers, such as in an exam or a list of responses. For example: 'The answers were correct' (Al-ajwiba kanat sahiha).

كَانَ جَوَابُهُ قَاطِعًا. (His answer was decisive.)

لَمْ أَجِدْ جَوَابًا شَافِيًا. (I did not find a satisfying answer.)

هَذَا جَوَابٌ نِهَائِيٌّ. (This is a final answer.)

Using جَوَاب correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its common associations with verbs like 'gave', 'received', or 'waited'. In Arabic, nouns change their endings based on their role in the sentence (I'rab), and 'Jawab' is no exception. It can be the subject (Marfu'), the object (Mansub), or follow a preposition (Majrur).

As a Direct Object: When you 'give' or 'write' an answer, 'Jawab' takes the accusative case. For example, 'I wrote the answer' becomes 'Katabtu al-jawaba'. Notice the 'a' sound at the end in formal speech.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb أَعْطَى (to give). You will often hear 'A'tini jawaban' (Give me an answer). This is a direct and clear way to request information. Another common verb is تَلَقَّى (to receive), as in 'Talaqqaytu jawaban rasmiyan' (I received a formal answer/reply).

أَعْطِنِي جَوَابًا صَرِيحًا. (Give me a frank answer.)

When describing the quality of an answer, adjectives follow the noun and agree in gender and case. Since 'Jawab' is masculine, the adjective must also be masculine. For example, 'A correct answer' is 'Jawabun sahihun'. 'A long answer' is 'Jawabun tawilun'. This is a fundamental rule for A2 learners to master.

Possessive Constructions (Idafa): 'Jawab' is frequently used in Idafa structures, where it is possessed by another noun. 'The answer of the student' is 'Jawabu al-talib'. 'The answer to the question' is 'Jawabu al-su'al'. This is the most natural way to link an answer to its source or its target.

جَوَابُ المُدِيرِ كَانَ مُخَيِّبًا لِلآمَالِ. (The manager's answer was disappointing.)

In more complex sentences, 'Jawab' can be modified by a relative clause. 'The answer that I heard was strange' (Al-jawab alladhi sami'tuhu kana ghariban). Here, 'alladhi' is the relative pronoun matching the masculine 'Jawab'. This is a great way to build longer, more descriptive sentences as you progress to B1 and B2 levels.

Using Prepositions: To say 'answer to', you can use the Idafa (Jawabu al-su'al) or the preposition 'ala' (al-jawab 'ala al-su'al). Both are correct, but the Idafa is more concise and common in literature.

هَلْ وَصَلَكَ جَوَابِي؟ (Did you receive my answer/reply?)

لَيْسَ لَدَيَّ جَوَابٌ الآنَ. (I don't have an answer right now.)

نَحْنُ بِانْتِظَارِ جَوَابِكُمُ الكَرِيمِ. (We are awaiting your kind reply - formal.)

The word جَوَاب resonates through various spheres of Arab life, from the academic to the artistic. If you walk into an Arabic-speaking school, you will hear it constantly. Teachers ask students for the 'Jawab' to math problems or history questions. In this context, it is synonymous with 'correct information'.

In the Media: News anchors often use 'Jawab' when discussing diplomatic responses. 'The government's answer to the crisis' (Jawabu al-hukuma 'ala al-azma). It carries a weight of officiality here, implying a formal stance or policy.

In the legal system, a 'Jawab' is a formal reply to a claim or a lawsuit. When a court issues a summons, the defendant must provide a 'Jawab'. This legal nuance highlights the word's role in maintaining order and due process. It is not just a casual chat; it is a documented response that has consequences.

سَمِعْنَا جَوَابَ الوَزِيرِ فِي التِّلْفَازِ. (We heard the minister's answer on TV.)

Musically, 'Jawab' is a fascinating term. In the Arabic Maqam system (the system of melodic modes), the 'Jawab' is the upper tonic, usually an octave above the starting note ('Stiqrar'). When a singer reaches the 'Jawab', it often signals a peak of emotional intensity or technical skill. Audiences might shout 'Allah!' when a performer hits a perfect 'Jawab'. This shows how the word transcends literal 'answering' to mean a 'harmonic resonance'.

In literature and poetry, 'Jawab' is used to create tension and resolution. A 'Qasida' (poem) might pose a series of existential questions, only to provide a 'Jawab' in the final verses. This structural use of the word makes it a key term for anyone studying Arabic humanities.

Daily Dialect: In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear 'Ab'atli jawab' (Send me a letter). While MSA uses 'Risala', the word 'Jawab' remains deeply embedded in the nostalgic vocabulary of letter-writing and physical mail.

المُغَنِّي أَدَّى جَوَابًا رَائِعًا. (The singer performed a wonderful high-octave response.)

هَذَا السُّؤَالُ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَوَابٌ بَسِيطٌ. (This question does not have a simple answer.)

Learning جَوَاب is generally straightforward, but there are several pitfalls that English speakers and beginning Arabic learners often fall into. The most common mistake involves the plural form. Unlike many masculine nouns that take '-un' or '-in', 'Jawab' uses a broken plural: أَجْوِبَة (Ajwiba). Saying 'Jawabat' is a frequent error that marks a speaker as a beginner.

Confusing Jawab and Radd: While both can mean 'reply', 'Radd' (رَدّ) often implies a rebuttal, a reaction, or returning something. 'Jawab' is specifically for answering a question. If you are 'replying' to an email, 'Radd' is often used as a verb (Irdu 'ala), but the 'answer' contained within is the 'Jawab'.

Another mistake is the gender of the word. 'Jawab' is masculine. Learners sometimes mistakenly treat it as feminine because it ends in a sound that they associate with feminine words in other languages, or they confuse it with 'Ijabah' (answering), which is feminine. Always remember: 'Al-jawab al-sahih' (masculine), not 'Al-jawab al-sahiha'.

خَطَأ: هَذِهِ جَوَابَة جَمِيلَة. (Wrong: This is a beautiful answer - using feminine forms.)

Preposition usage can also be tricky. In English, we say 'answer TO a question'. In Arabic, you can use 'li-' (to) or ''ala' (on/upon). However, using 'fi' (in) is usually incorrect unless you are talking about an answer found *within* a specific book or context. Stick to the Idafa construction (Jawabu al-su'al) to stay safe and sound natural.

Plural Agreement: Because 'Ajwiba' is a non-human plural, it is treated as a singular feminine entity for adjective agreement. So, 'Correct answers' is 'Ajwiba sahiha' (singular feminine adjective). This is a classic 'Arabic Grammar 101' rule that 'Jawab' perfectly illustrates.

صَحِيح: الأَجْوِبَةُ كَانَتْ طَوِيلَةً. (Correct: The answers were long - using feminine singular 'tawila'.)

Finally, don't confuse 'Jawab' with 'Hall' (solution). While an 'answer' to a question is a 'Jawab', the 'solution' to a complex problem or a math equation is often called a 'Hall'. If you say 'Jawab al-mushkila' (the answer of the problem), it's understandable, but 'Hall al-mushkila' is much more idiomatic.

To truly master Arabic, you must understand the nuances between جَوَاب and its synonyms. While 'Jawab' is the most general term, other words offer specific shades of meaning that can elevate your speaking and writing.

رَدّ (Radd): 'Radd' literally means 'return'. It is used for a reply to a letter, a rebuttal in an argument, or a reaction to an action. While a 'Jawab' satisfies a question, a 'Radd' acknowledges or counters a statement.

Another important alternative is إِجَابَة (Ijabah). This is very close to 'Jawab' and often used interchangeably in modern contexts, especially in exams ('Ikhtar al-ijaba al-sahiha' - Choose the correct answer). However, 'Ijabah' often carries a sense of 'granting' or 'fulfilling', such as 'Ijabatu al-du'a' (the answering/granting of a prayer).

لَمْ يَتَلَقَّ أَيَّ رَدٍّ عَلَى رِسَالَتِهِ. (He did not receive any reply to his letter.)

حَلّ (Hall): As mentioned before, 'Hall' is a 'solution'. Use this for puzzles, math problems, and life crises. If 'Jawab' is the information, 'Hall' is the resolution of the difficulty.

For more formal or religious contexts, you might encounter اسْتِجَابَة (Istijaba). This means 'response' or 'compliance'. It is used when someone responds to a call for help or when God responds to a believer. It implies an action taken as a result of the 'Jawab'.

نَرْجُو الاسْتِجَابَةَ لِطَلَبِنَا. (We hope for a response/compliance with our request.)

فَتْوَى (Fatwa): In a religious legal context, a 'Jawab' to a question about Islamic law is a 'Fatwa'. It is a specific type of answer provided by a scholar (Mufti).

هَذَا هُوَ الحَلُّ الوَحِيدُ. (This is the only solution.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"نَرْجُو تَزْوِيدَنَا بِجَوَابٍ رَسْمِيٍّ."

Neutre

"هَلْ تَعْرِفُ الجَوَابَ؟"

Informel

"يَلّا، أَعْطِينِي جَوَابْ!"

Child friendly

"مَنْ يَعْرِفُ الجَوَابَ الصَّحِيحَ؟"

Argot

"مَا عِنْدُه جَوَاب."

Le savais-tu ?

The connection between 'cutting' and 'answering' is that an answer 'cuts through' doubt or 'traverses' the distance between the questioner and the truth.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dʒaˈwaːb/

US /dʒəˈwɑːb/

The stress is on the second syllable: ja-WAAB.

Rime avec

Khitab (Speech) Kitab (Book) Sahab (Clouds) Thawab (Reward) Azab (Torment) Bab (Door) Shabab (Youth) Hisab (Account)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'j' as a French 'j' (zh). It should be a hard 'dzh' sound.
Making the second 'a' too short. It must be held longer (ja-waaaab).
Confusing it with 'Jawaab' (with a heavy 'J'), though Arabic only has one 'J' sound.
Swapping the 'w' for a 'v' sound (javaab), which doesn't exist in standard Arabic.
Failing to pronounce the final 'b' clearly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the plural 'Ajwiba' can be tricky for beginners.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, though the 'waw' and 'alif' must be placed correctly.

Expression orale 1/5

Very easy to pronounce as it follows standard phonetic rules.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound, unlikely to be confused with other common words.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

سُؤَال (Question) كِتَابَة (Writing) قَوْل (Saying) أَنَا (I) أَنْتَ (You)

Apprends ensuite

رَدّ (Reply) إِجَابَة (Answering) حَلّ (Solution) رِسَالَة (Letter) شَرْط (Condition)

Avancé

اسْتِجَابَة (Compliance) مُجِيب (Responder) مَقَام (Musical mode) فَتْوَى (Legal opinion) تَعْقِيب (Commentary)

Grammaire à connaître

Broken Plurals (Jam' Taksir)

Jawab -> Ajwiba. This pattern (Af'ila) is common for many masculine nouns.

Non-Human Plural Agreement

Al-ajwiba (plural) + sahiha (singular feminine adjective).

Idafa Construction

Jawabu al-su'al (The answer of the question). The first word loses 'Al-' and nunation.

Jawab al-Shart (Conditional Response)

In tadrus, tanjah (If you study, you succeed). 'Tanjah' is the Jawab.

Accusative Case for Objects

Katabtu jawaban (I wrote an answer). 'Jawaban' ends in fat-hatayn.

Exemples par niveau

هَذَا جَوَابٌ.

This is an answer.

Simple demonstrative sentence (Subject + Predicate).

أَيْنَ الجَوَابُ؟

Where is the answer?

Interrogative sentence using 'Ayna' (Where).

الجَوَابُ صَحِيحٌ.

The answer is correct.

Equational sentence with a masculine adjective.

لا أَعْرِفُ الجَوَابَ.

I don't know the answer.

Negative present tense verb with a direct object.

هَذَا جَوَابِي.

This is my answer.

Noun with a first-person singular possessive suffix.

مَا هُوَ الجَوَابُ؟

What is the answer?

Interrogative sentence using 'Ma' (What) for non-humans.

الجَوَابُ فِي الكِتَابِ.

The answer is in the book.

Prepositional phrase acting as a predicate.

قُلِ الجَوَابَ.

Say the answer.

Imperative verb with a direct object.

أَعْطِنِي جَوَابًا بَسِيطًا.

Give me a simple answer.

Imperative verb + indirect object (me) + direct object (answer).

انْتَظَرْتُ جَوَابَكَ أَمْسِ.

I waited for your answer yesterday.

Past tense verb with a time adverb (amsi).

هَلْ هَذَا جَوَابٌ نِهَائِيٌّ؟

Is this a final answer?

Question with a masculine adjective 'niha'i'.

لَمْ أَجِدْ جَوَابًا لِلسُّؤَالِ.

I didn't find an answer to the question.

Negative past tense (lam + jussive) with a prepositional phrase.

كَتَبْتُ جَوَابًا لِصَدِيقِي.

I wrote an answer/letter to my friend.

Past tense verb with an indirect object.

الأَجْوِبَةُ كَانَتْ سَهْلَةً.

The answers were easy.

Broken plural 'Ajwiba' treated as feminine singular for the adjective 'sahla'.

نَحْنُ نَنْتَظِرُ الجَوَابَ.

We are waiting for the answer.

Present tense plural verb.

هَذَا الجَوَابُ غَيْرُ صَحِيحٍ.

This answer is not correct.

Use of 'ghayr' for negation of an adjective.

كَانَ جَوَابُهُ مُقْنِعًا جِدًّا.

His answer was very convincing.

Use of 'kana' (was) with a predicate in the accusative case.

تَلَقَّيْنَا جَوَابًا رَسْمِيًّا مِنَ الشَّرِكَةِ.

We received a formal answer from the company.

Verb 'talaqqa' (received) with a formal adjective.

يَجِبُ أَنْ نَجِدَ جَوَابًا لِهَذِهِ المُشْكِلَةِ.

We must find an answer to this problem.

Modal construction 'yajibu an' (it is necessary that).

الجَوَابُ الَّذِي سَمِعْتُهُ كَانَ غَرِيبًا.

The answer that I heard was strange.

Relative clause using 'alladhi'.

لَيْسَ هُنَاكَ جَوَابٌ وَاحِدٌ فَقَطْ.

There isn't just one answer.

Negation of existence using 'laysa hunaka'.

هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ تَوْضِيحُ جَوَابِكَ؟

Can you clarify your answer?

Interrogative with 'yumkinuka' + verbal noun (masdar).

قَدَّمَ الطَّالِبُ أَجْوِبَةً مُمَيَّزَةً.

The student provided excellent answers.

Broken plural with a feminine singular adjective.

الجَوَابُ يَعْتَمِدُ عَلَى السِّيَاقِ.

The answer depends on the context.

Verb 'ya'tamid 'ala' (depends on).

تَهَرَّبَ السِّيَاسِيُّ مِنَ الجَوَابِ المُبَاشِرِ.

The politician avoided the direct answer.

Verb 'taharraba min' (to dodge/avoid).

كَانَ الجَوَابُ دِبْلُومَاسِيًّا لِلْغَايَةِ.

The answer was extremely diplomatic.

Adverbial phrase 'lil-ghaya' (extremely).

فِي هَذِهِ الجُمْلَةِ، هَذَا هُوَ جَوَابُ الشَّرْطِ.

In this sentence, this is the response to the condition.

Technical grammatical term 'Jawab al-Shart'.

لَمْ يَكُنْ جَوَابُهُ شَافِيًا لِتَسَاؤُلَاتِنَا.

His answer was not satisfying for our inquiries.

Adjective 'shafi' (healing/satisfying) used metaphorically.

أَثَارَ جَوَابُهُ الكَثِيرَ مِنَ الجَدَلِ.

His answer sparked a lot of controversy.

Verb 'athara' (to spark/stir up).

نَحْنُ بِصَدَدِ صِيَاغَةِ جَوَابٍ نِهَائِيٍّ.

We are in the process of drafting a final answer.

Phrase 'bi-sadad' (in the process of).

الجَوَابُ المَوْسِيقِيُّ كَانَ فِي طَبَقَةٍ عَالِيَةٍ.

The musical response was in a high register.

Musical terminology for octave response.

جَاءَ الجَوَابُ مُتَأَخِّرًا بَعْضَ الشَّيْءِ.

The answer came somewhat late.

Adverbial phrase 'ba'da al-shay' (somewhat).

يَعْكِسُ جَوَابُهُ عُمْقَ فَهْمِهِ لِلْمَسْأَلَةِ.

His answer reflects the depth of his understanding of the issue.

Verb 'ya'kis' (reflects) with an abstract object.

لَمْ يَتْرُكْ جَوَابُهُ مَجَالًا لِلشَّكِّ.

His answer left no room for doubt.

Idiomatic expression 'majalan lil-shakk'.

صِيغَ الجَوَابُ بِعِنَايَةٍ فَائِقَةٍ لِتَجَنُّبِ الإِحْرَاجِ.

The answer was drafted with extreme care to avoid embarrassment.

Passive verb 'sugha' (was drafted).

كَانَ جَوَابُهُ بِمَثَابَةِ صَدْمَةٍ لِلْجَمِيعِ.

His answer was tantamount to a shock for everyone.

Phrase 'bi-mathabat' (tantamount to/as good as).

تَعَدَّدَتِ الأَجْوِبَةُ وَلَكِنَّ الحَقِيقَةَ وَاحِدَةٌ.

The answers varied, but the truth is one.

Verb 'ta'addadat' (varied/multiplied).

جَاءَ جَوَابُهُ مُقْتَضَبًا وَخَالِيًا مِنَ التَّفَاصِيلِ.

His answer came concise and devoid of details.

Adjectives 'muqtadab' (concise) and 'khali' (devoid).

يُعْتَبَرُ السُّكُوتُ فِي بَعْضِ الأَحْيَانِ أَبْلَغَ جَوَابٍ.

Silence is sometimes considered the most eloquent answer.

Superlative 'ablagh' (most eloquent).

اسْتَفَاضَ المُحَاضِرُ فِي جَوَابِهِ عَنِ السُّؤَالِ الفَلْسَفِيِّ.

The lecturer elaborated extensively in his answer to the philosophical question.

Verb 'istafada' (to elaborate/speak at length).

تَجَلَّتْ بَرَاعَتُهُ اللُّغَوِيَّةُ فِي ذَلِكَ الجَوَابِ المَسْجُوعِ.

His linguistic prowess was manifested in that rhymed answer.

Adjective 'masju'' (rhymed prose).

كَانَ الجَوَابُ مُغَلَّفًا بِغُمُوضٍ مُتَعَمَّدٍ.

The answer was shrouded in intentional ambiguity.

Passive participle 'mughallaf' (wrapped/shrouded).

لَمْ يَكُنِ الجَوَابُ سِوَى مُحَاوَلَةٍ لِذَرِّ الرَّمَادِ فِي العُيُونِ.

The answer was nothing but an attempt to throw dust in the eyes (deceive).

Idiom 'dharr al-ramad fi al-'uyun'.

يُمَثِّلُ هَذَا الجَوَابُ ذُرْوَةَ التَّعْقِيدِ فِي المَنْطِقِ الصُّورِيِّ.

This answer represents the pinnacle of complexity in formal logic.

Noun 'dhurwa' (pinnacle/peak).

انْبَرَى لِلْجَوَابِ عَنِ الشُّبُهَاتِ بِحُجَجٍ دَامِغَةٍ.

He set out to answer the suspicions with irrefutable arguments.

Verb 'inbara' (to set out/undertake) + 'li-'.

يَتَسِمُ جَوَابُهُ بِالنَّبْرَةِ التَّهَكُّمِيَّةِ الَّتِي تُمَيِّزُ أُسْلُوبَهُ.

His answer is characterized by the sarcastic tone that distinguishes his style.

Verb 'yattasimu bi-' (is characterized by).

كَانَ الجَوَابُ فَصْلَ الخِطَابِ فِي ذَلِكَ النِّزَاعِ المَرِيرِ.

The answer was the decisive word in that bitter dispute.

Idiom 'fasl al-khitab' (the decisive word).

تَضَمَّنَ الجَوَابُ إِحَالاتٍ مَرْجِعِيَّةً إِلَى نُصُوصٍ كِلاسِيكِيَّةٍ.

The answer included cross-references to classical texts.

Term 'ihalat marji'iyya' (cross-references).

Collocations courantes

جَوَابٌ صَحِيحٌ

جَوَابٌ نِهَائِيٌّ

جَوَابٌ شَافٍ

أَعْطَى جَوَابًا

تَلَقَّى جَوَابًا

جَوَابٌ مُقْنِعٌ

جَوَابُ الشَّرْطِ

جَوَابٌ دِبْلُومَاسِيٌّ

جَوَابٌ صَرِيحٌ

بِانْتِظَارِ جَوَابِكُمْ

Phrases Courantes

مَا هُوَ الجَوَابُ؟

لا جَوَابَ عِنْدِي

جَوَابٌ قَاطِعٌ

جَوَابٌ نَمُوذَجِيٌّ

جَوَابٌ مُقْتَضَبٌ

جَوَابٌ مُفَصَّلٌ

جَوَابٌ مَسْكُوتٌ عَنْهُ

جَوَابٌ رَسْمِيٌّ

جَوَابٌ ذَكِيٌّ

جَوَابٌ غَيْرُ مُتَوَقَّعٍ

Souvent confondu avec

جَوَاب vs رَدّ (Radd)

Radd is a 'reply' or 'rebuttal', while Jawab is specifically an 'answer' to a question.

جَوَاب vs حَلّ (Hall)

Hall is a 'solution' to a problem, while Jawab is the 'information' provided as an answer.

جَوَاب vs رِسَالَة (Risala)

In dialects, Jawab can mean Risala (letter), but in MSA they are distinct.

Expressions idiomatiques

"السُّكُوتُ جَوَابٌ"

Silence is an answer. Implies that not responding says a lot.

لَمْ يَرُدَّ عَلَيَّ، وَلَكِنَّ السُّكُوتَ جَوَابٌ.

Common

"الجَوَابُ يُقْرَأُ مِنْ عُنْوَانِهِ"

The letter (answer) is read from its address/title. Similar to 'You can judge a book by its cover'.

هَذَا المَشْرُوعُ سَيَفْشَلُ، فَالجَوَابُ يُقْرَأُ مِنْ عُنْوَانِهِ.

Proverb

"لا جَوَابَ لِمَنْ لا يُنَادِي"

There is no answer for one who does not call. You won't get help if you don't ask.

يَجِبُ أَنْ تَطْلُبَ المُسَاعَدَةَ، فَلا جَوَابَ لِمَنْ لا يُنَادِي.

Literary

"جَوَابُ السَّاكِتِ السُّكُوتُ"

The answer of the silent is silence. Reinforces the power of not responding.

قَرَّرْتُ أَنْ أَصْمُتَ، فَجَوَابُ السَّاكِتِ السُّكُوتُ.

Literary

"فَصْلُ الخِطَابِ"

The decisive answer/word. A final resolution that ends all debate.

كَانَ كَلامُ المَلِكِ هُوَ فَصْلَ الخِطَابِ.

Formal/Classical

"جَوَابٌ مُسْكِتٌ"

A silencing answer. A reply so good it leaves the other person speechless.

أَعْطَاهُ جَوَابًا مُسْكِتًا انْتَهَى بِهِ الجِدَالُ.

Common

"رَدُّ الجَوَابِ"

To return the answer. Simply to reply.

أَرْجُو رَدَّ الجَوَابِ فِي أَقْرَبِ وَقْتٍ.

Formal

"جَوَابُ الحَكِيمِ فِعْلُهُ"

The answer of the wise is his action. Actions speak louder than words.

لا تَتَكَلَّمْ كَثِيرًا، فَجَوَابُ الحَكِيمِ فِعْلُهُ.

Proverb

"جَوَابٌ عَلَى طَرَفِ اللِّسَانِ"

An answer on the tip of the tongue.

الجَوَابُ عَلَى طَرَفِ لِسَانِي وَلَكِنِّي نَسِيتُهُ.

Common

"مَا عِنْدَهُ جَوَابٌ لِخَالِقِهِ"

He has no answer for his Creator. Used for someone who has done something very wrong.

كَيْفَ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ؟ مَا عِنْدَهُ جَوَابٌ لِخَالِقِهِ؟

Religious/Moral

Facile à confondre

جَوَاب vs إِجَابَة

They both mean answer.

Ijabah is more formal and often used in the context of 'answering a call' or 'answering a prayer'. Jawab is more general.

إِجَابَةُ الدُّعَاءِ (Answering of prayer) vs جَوَابُ السُّؤَالِ (Answer of the question).

جَوَاب vs جَوّ

Similar spelling (J-W).

Jaww means 'atmosphere' or 'weather'. It lacks the 'b' at the end.

الجَوُّ جَمِيلٌ (The weather is beautiful).

جَوَاب vs جَوَاز

Similar sounding start.

Jawaz means 'passport' or 'permission'. It ends in 'z' instead of 'b'.

أَيْنَ جَوَازُ السَّفَرِ؟ (Where is the passport?)

جَوَاب vs جَوْعَان

Starts with J-W.

Jaw'an means 'hungry'. It is an adjective, not a noun.

أَنَا جَوْعَانُ جِدًّا. (I am very hungry.)

جَوَاب vs جَار

Similar sound.

Jar means 'neighbor'. It has an 'r' instead of 'w-b'.

هَذَا جَارِي العَزِيزُ. (This is my dear neighbor.)

Structures de phrases

هَذَا [noun].

هَذَا جَوَابٌ.

[verb] [noun] [adjective].

أَعْطِنِي جَوَابًا صَحِيحًا.

[noun] + [relative pronoun] + [clause].

الجَوَابُ الَّذِي قُلْتَهُ كَانَ جَمِيلًا.

بِانْتِظَارِ [noun] + [possessive].

نَحْنُ بِانْتِظَارِ جَوَابِكَ.

[verb] + [noun] + [preposition] + [noun].

اسْتَفَاضَ فِي جَوَابِهِ عَنِ السُّؤَالِ.

[noun] + [idiomatic phrase].

كَانَ جَوَابُهُ فَصْلَ الخِطَابِ.

أَيْنَ [noun]؟

أَيْنَ الجَوَابُ؟

لَيْسَ لَدَيَّ [noun].

لَيْسَ لَدَيَّ جَوَابٌ.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 1000 words in Arabic.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'Jawabat' as the plural. → أَجْوِبَة (Ajwiba)
Arabic uses broken plurals for many common nouns. 'Jawabat' is grammatically incorrect in standard Arabic.
Treating 'Jawab' as feminine. → جَوَابٌ صَحِيحٌ (Jawabun sahihun)
Learners often add a 'ta marbuta' to make it feminine or use feminine adjectives. 'Jawab' is masculine.
Using 'fi' for 'answer to'. → جَوَابُ السُّؤَالِ (Jawabu al-su'al)
In English we say 'answer in', but in Arabic, use the Idafa (answer of) or 'ala' (answer upon).
Confusing 'Jawab' with 'Jawaz'. → جَوَاب (Answer) vs جَوَاز (Passport)
The sounds are similar, but the meanings are completely different. Pay attention to the final consonant.
Using 'Jawab' for a math solution. → حَلّ (Hall)
While 'Jawab' is understood, 'Hall' is the specific and more idiomatic word for mathematical or technical solutions.

Astuces

Broken Plural Alert

Don't say 'Jawabat'. The correct plural is 'Ajwiba'. This is one of the most common mistakes for beginners. Memorize the pair: Jawab - Ajwiba.

Dialect Difference

If you are in Egypt, 'Jawab' means a letter you send in the mail. If you want to say 'answer' there, you might use 'Ijaba' or 'Radd' more often, though 'Jawab' is still understood.

Decisive Tone

To say 'That's my final answer', use 'Hadha jawabi al-niha'i'. It sounds very strong and clear in a debate or negotiation.

Formal Closings

In a formal letter, ending with 'Bi-intidhar jawabikum al-karim' (Awaiting your kind reply) is a standard and polite way to finish.

Musical Resonance

If you study Arabic music, 'Jawab' is the high note. It 'answers' the lower note ('Qarar'). This helps you remember the word as a 'response'.

Root Power

Learn the root J-W-B. It will help you understand words like 'Istijaba' (response) and 'Mujib' (one who answers). It's a very productive root!

Cutting through Doubt

The root originally meant 'to cut'. Think of an answer as something that cuts through the confusion of a question. This visual helps with memory.

Jawab vs. Hall

Use 'Jawab' for questions and 'Hall' for problems. 'What is the answer to the question?' (Ma jawab al-su'al?) vs 'What is the solution to the problem?' (Ma hall al-mushkila?).

News Keywords

In news, listen for 'Jawab' when a spokesperson is talking. It usually precedes an official statement or a rebuttal.

The 'Job' Mnemonic

An answer's 'Job' is to satisfy the question. Jawab = Job. It's a simple way to keep the word in your head.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Jawab' as a 'Job' that the question needs to get done. The answer completes the job.

Association visuelle

Imagine a pair of scissors (the root meaning 'to cut') cutting through a giant question mark to reveal the truth.

Word Web

Su'al (Question) Jawab (Answer) Ajwiba (Answers) Sahih (Correct) Khati' (Wrong) Radd (Reply) Risala (Letter) Musiqa (Music)

Défi

Try to use 'Jawab' in three different contexts today: once for a question, once for an email, and once to describe a solution.

Origine du mot

From the Arabic tri-consonantal root J-W-B (ج-و-ب).

Sens originel : The root originally meant to cut, to pierce, or to traverse a land (cutting through it).

Semitic (Afroasiatic).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in very formal religious contexts, 'Ijabah' is preferred when talking about God's response.

English speakers might use 'response' or 'reply' more often in formal settings, whereas 'Jawab' covers all these bases in Arabic.

The Quranic concept of 'Ijabah' (answering prayers). The famous song 'Jawab' by Abdel Halim Hafez (referring to a letter). The 'Jawab' and 'Qarar' in Arabic music theory.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Classroom

ارْفَعْ يَدَكَ لِلْجَوَابِ.
الجَوَابُ مَوْجُودٌ فِي الصَّفْحَةِ العاشِرَةِ.
هَذَا جَوَابٌ ذَكِيٌّ.
اكْتُبِ الجَوَابَ عَلَى السَّبُّورَةِ.

Office/Work

نَنْتَظِرُ جَوَابَ المُدِيرِ.
أَرْسِلِ الجَوَابَ عَبْرَ البَرِيدِ الإِلِكْتُرُونِيِّ.
جَوَابُ الشَّرِكَةِ كَانَ وَاضِحًا.
مَتَى سَيَصِلُ الجَوَابُ؟

Daily Life

أَعْطِنِي جَوَابًا نِهَائِيًّا.
لا أَمْلِكُ جَوَابًا الآنَ.
جَوَابُكَ أَسْعَدَنِي.
مَا هُوَ جَوَابُكَ؟

Legal/Official

قَدَّمَ المُحَامِي جَوَابًا لِلْمَحْكَمَةِ.
الجَوَابُ الرَّسْمِيُّ سَيَصْدُرُ غَدًا.
هَذَا الجَوَابُ مُلْزِمٌ قَانُونِيًّا.
تَلَقَّيْنَا جَوَابًا مِنَ الوِزَارَةِ.

Music/Arts

أَدَّى العَازِفُ جَوَابَ المَقَامِ.
هَذَا الجَوَابُ جَمِيلٌ جِدًّا.
الغِنَاءُ فِي طَبَقَةِ الجَوَابِ صَعْبٌ.
اسْمَعِ الجَوَابَ وَالقَرَارَ.

Amorces de conversation

"مَا هُوَ أَغْرَبُ جَوَابٍ سَمِعْتَهُ فِي حَيَاتِكَ؟ (What is the strangest answer you've ever heard?)"

"هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ السُّكُوتَ جَوَابٌ كَافٍ أَحْيَانًا؟ (Do you think silence is a sufficient answer sometimes?)"

"كَيْفَ تَكْتُبُ جَوَابًا رَسْمِيًّا فِي بَلَدِكَ؟ (How do you write a formal answer/reply in your country?)"

"مَا هُوَ الجَوَابُ الَّذِي تَنْتَظِرُهُ بِفَارِغِ الصَّبْرِ؟ (What is the answer you are waiting for impatiently?)"

"هَلْ تُفَضِّلُ الجَوَابَ المُبَاشِرَ أَمِ الدِّبْلُومَاسِيَّ؟ (Do you prefer a direct answer or a diplomatic one?)"

Sujets d'écriture

اكْتُبْ عَنْ مَوْقِفٍ لَمْ تَجِدْ فِيهِ جَوَابًا لِسُؤَالٍ مُهِمٍّ. (Write about a situation where you didn't find an answer to an important question.)

مَا هُوَ الجَوَابُ الَّذِي غَيَّرَ مَجْرَى حَيَاتِكَ؟ (What is the answer that changed the course of your life?)

تَخَيَّلْ أَنَّكَ تَلَقَّيْتَ جَوَابًا مِنْ نَفْسِكَ فِي المُسْتَقْبَلِ. (Imagine you received an answer/letter from your future self.)

هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ لِكُلِّ سُؤَالٍ جَوَابًا؟ لِمَاذَا؟ (Do you believe every question has an answer? Why?)

صِفْ شُعُورَكَ عِنْدَمَا تَنْتَظِرُ جَوَابًا مُهِمًّا. (Describe your feeling when waiting for an important answer.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is masculine. You say 'Jawabun sahihun' (a correct answer). Even though its plural 'Ajwiba' is treated as feminine singular for grammar rules, the word itself is masculine.

The plural is 'Ajwiba' (أَجْوِبَة). This is a broken plural, which is very common in Arabic for three-letter roots.

Yes, you can. While 'Radd' is also common for replies, 'Jawab' is perfectly acceptable, especially if you are answering specific questions in the email.

In Arabic grammar, it is the 'result' or 'consequence' part of a conditional sentence. For example, in 'If you eat, you will be full', 'you will be full' is the Jawab al-Shart.

Mostly, yes. However, in dialects like Egyptian, it means 'letter' (mail). In music, it means a higher octave. In grammar, it's a technical term for a response.

You say 'Indi al-jawab' (عِنْدِي الجَوَاب) or 'Ladayya al-jawab' (لَدَيَّ الجَوَاب).

They are very similar. 'Jawab' is the most common and general term. 'Ijabah' is slightly more formal and is often used in education (exam answers) or religion (answering prayers).

The root J-W-B appears many times, often in the form of verbs like 'Ajaba' (He answered) or 'Istajaba' (He responded). The concept of God answering prayers is central.

Yes, but 'Hall' (حَلّ) is more common for math and complex problems. 'Jawab' is more for the final result or information.

It is pronounced 'AJ-wi-ba'. The stress is on the first syllable.