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A1 adjective #2,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

كافي

kafi
At the A1 level, the word كافي (kaafi) is introduced as a simple, essential adjective to express basic needs and satisfaction. Beginners learn to use it to say 'enough' in everyday situations, such as eating, drinking, or managing time. The focus is on the basic meaning and recognizing it in simple sentences like 'هذا كافي' (This is enough) or 'ليس كافي' (It is not enough). At this stage, learners might not be burdened with the complex grammar of dropping the 'yaa' (كافٍ), and are often taught the colloquial or simplified pronunciation 'kaafi' for ease of communication. It is a survival word, crucial for setting boundaries, accepting or declining offers politely, and expressing basic satisfaction with quantities. Teachers often pair it with basic nouns like water (ماء), food (طعام), and time (وقت). Understanding this word empowers beginners to navigate basic hospitality and transactional situations in the Arab world with confidence.
As learners progress to the A2 level, the usage of كافي expands to include gender agreement and basic plural forms. Learners are taught to distinguish between كافي (masculine) and كافية (feminine), applying them correctly to modify different nouns. For example, they learn to say 'معلومات كافية' (enough information) recognizing that non-human plurals take feminine singular adjectives. The concept of negation is also refined, moving from simple 'لا' to using 'غير كافٍ' (insufficient). At this stage, learners begin to encounter the word in slightly more complex sentences, such as 'ليس لدي مال كافٍ لشراء هذا' (I do not have enough money to buy this). They also start to recognize the word in written texts, such as short stories or simple news articles, where the formal spelling 'كافٍ' might appear, prompting an initial introduction to the spelling rules of defective nouns.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to have a solid grasp of the grammatical rules surrounding كافي as a defective noun (اسم منقوص). They must actively apply the rule of dropping the 'yaa' in indefinite nominative and genitive cases (كافٍ) and retaining it in the accusative (كافياً) and definite forms (الكافي). The vocabulary context broadens significantly. Learners use the word to discuss abstract concepts like 'دليل كافٍ' (sufficient evidence), 'دعم كافٍ' (adequate support), and 'نوم كافٍ' (enough sleep). They also learn to use it as an adverbial phrase 'بشكل كافٍ' (sufficiently) to modify verbs, as in 'لم أدرس بشكل كافٍ' (I didn't study sufficiently). The word becomes a tool for expressing opinions, making arguments, and discussing conditions or requirements in both spoken and written Arabic, marking a transition from basic survival language to more nuanced expression.
In the B2 level, the focus shifts to fluency, accuracy, and understanding the word within broader idiomatic and collocational frameworks. Learners are expected to use كافي flawlessly in complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and passive constructions. They encounter and utilize common pairings like 'كافٍ ووافٍ' (sufficient and comprehensive) to add rhetorical flair to their speech and writing. The word is used in professional and academic contexts, such as discussing 'شروط كافية' (sufficient conditions) in a contract or 'بيانات كافية' (adequate data) in a report. Furthermore, B2 learners explore the broader word family, actively using related verbs like 'يكفي' (to suffice) and nouns like 'كفاية' (sufficiency) and 'اكتفاء' (self-sufficiency), understanding how these derivatives interact with the core concept of كافي to enrich their vocabulary and stylistic choices.
At the C1 advanced level, the use of كافي is highly sophisticated and nuanced. Learners engage with the word in complex literary, legal, and academic texts. They understand subtle distinctions between كافي and its advanced synonyms like وافٍ, مجزٍ, and شافٍ, choosing the exact word needed for precise expression. In legal or logical discourse, they discuss 'السبب الكافي' (sufficient reason) or 'الأدلة الكافية للإدانة' (evidence sufficient for conviction). They are completely comfortable with all grammatical permutations, including rare human plural forms if they ever arise, and use the word effortlessly in high-register debates and essays. At this level, learners also appreciate the cultural and historical weight of the word, recognizing its use in classical poetry, religious texts (like the name of God, Al-Kaafi), and idiomatic expressions that reflect the Arab cultural emphasis on contentment and adequacy.
At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of كافي is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They manipulate the word and its derivatives with absolute precision across all registers, from the most colloquial regional dialects to the highest forms of classical Arabic (Fusha). They can analyze the etymological roots and morphological patterns of the word, understanding its historical evolution. In rhetoric and persuasion, they use كافي to construct airtight arguments, employing it in complex philosophical or scientific discussions regarding 'الضرورة والكفاية' (necessity and sufficiency). They intuitively grasp the emotional and psychological undertones of the word in literature, understanding when 'كافٍ' implies a bare minimum versus when it implies profound, abundant satisfaction. Their usage is characterized by effortless flexibility, deep cultural resonance, and flawless grammatical execution in any conceivable context.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

كافي en 30 secondes

  • Means 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
  • It is an adjective that must agree with the noun.
  • Drops the final 'yaa' in indefinite nominative/genitive cases (كافٍ).
  • Used for both physical quantities and abstract concepts.

The Arabic word كافي (kaafi) is a fundamental adjective used to describe something that is sufficient, adequate, or enough to meet a specific need, requirement, or condition. It is derived from the root letters ك-ف-ي (k-f-y), which revolve around the concept of sufficiency, satisfaction, and adequacy. Understanding this word is essential for learners at all levels, as it appears frequently in everyday conversations, academic texts, and professional environments. When you want to express that you have enough food, enough time, or enough evidence, this is the word you will use. It functions primarily as an active participle (اسم فاعل) but is used predominantly as an adjective. Because it is a defective noun (اسم منقوص) ending in a weak letter (yaa), its form changes depending on its grammatical case and definiteness, which is a crucial aspect for learners to master.

Literal Meaning
Enough, sufficient, or adequate.
Root Origin
From ك-ف-ي (k-f-y), meaning to suffice or be enough.
Grammatical Type
Adjective (صفة) and Active Participle (اسم فاعل).

هذا الطعام كافٍ للجميع.

This food is enough for everyone.

ليس لدي وقت كافٍ.

I do not have enough time.

هل هذا كافي؟

Is this enough? (Colloquial spelling)

الأدلة غير كافية.

The evidence is insufficient.

نحتاج إلى دعم كافٍ.

We need sufficient support.

To fully grasp the usage of this word, one must appreciate its versatility. It can describe physical quantities, such as water, money, or materials, as well as abstract concepts, such as evidence, love, attention, or time. The concept of sufficiency is deeply embedded in Arabic culture, often associated with contentment (القناعة) and relying on what is adequate rather than seeking excess. This cultural nuance adds a layer of depth to the word, making it not just a measure of quantity, but sometimes a measure of satisfaction. When someone says 'هذا كافٍ' (This is enough), it can be a polite way to decline more food or a firm way to stop an argument. The word adapts beautifully to its context, serving as a simple descriptor in A1 levels and evolving into a critical component of complex legal or academic arguments at the C2 level.

Using كافي correctly requires attention to gender, number, and grammatical case, especially in formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. If the noun is feminine, you use كافية (kaafiya). If the noun is plural (non-human), you also use the feminine singular form كافية. For human plurals, you might see كافون or كافين, though this is rare as the word usually describes things or concepts rather than people. The most challenging aspect for learners is the 'Ism Manqous' (defective noun) rule. Let us break this down clearly to ensure accurate usage in all contexts.

Masculine Indefinite (Nom/Gen)
كافٍ (kaafin) - The 'yaa' is dropped. Example: وقتٌ كافٍ (enough time).
Masculine Indefinite (Accusative)
كافياً (kaafiyan) - The 'yaa' returns. Example: ليس كافياً (It is not enough).
Definite (All cases)
الكافي (al-kaafi) - The 'yaa' is kept. Example: الدليل الكافي (The sufficient evidence).

لدينا مال كافٍ للرحلة.

We have enough money for the trip. (Nominative, Indefinite)

قرأت كتاباً كافياً لفهم الموضوع.

I read a sufficient book to understand the topic. (Accusative, Indefinite)

المعلومات كافية لاتخاذ القرار.

The information is sufficient to make the decision. (Feminine)

السبب الكافي للنجاح هو العمل.

The sufficient reason for success is work. (Definite)

هل نمت بشكل كافٍ؟

Did you sleep sufficiently? (Genitive, Indefinite)

In conversational Arabic (Ammiya), the rules are vastly simplified. The form 'كافي' (kaafi) is used for masculine and 'كافية' (kaafya) for feminine, without worrying about the dropping of the 'yaa' or the accusative tanween. You will often hear phrases like 'خلاص كافي' (Enough, that's it) or 'مو كافي' (Not enough). When using it with negation in MSA, you typically use 'غير كافٍ' (insufficient) rather than 'ليس كافياً' when modifying a noun directly (e.g., دليل غير كافٍ - insufficient evidence). Understanding these structural nuances allows learners to transition smoothly between casual chats and formal writing, ensuring their Arabic sounds natural, accurate, and contextually appropriate across all registers.

The word كافي is ubiquitous in the Arab world, echoing through bustling markets, formal news broadcasts, academic lectures, and intimate family gatherings. Its presence is felt wherever there is a need to measure, assess, or declare satisfaction. In a traditional Arab household, hospitality is paramount. A host will continuously offer food and drink until the guest emphatically states 'شكراً، هذا كافٍ' (Thank you, this is enough) or the more colloquial 'كافي، الحمد لله' (Enough, praise be to God). In the marketplace, a buyer might look at a measured amount of spices or fabric and nod, saying 'هذا كافي' to indicate the quantity meets their needs. It is a word that bridges the gap between physical sustenance and abstract satisfaction.

In Hospitality
Used to politely decline more food or drink after being served generously.
In News & Media
Used to discuss 'sufficient evidence' (أدلة كافية) or 'adequate resources' (موارد كافية).
In Daily Complaints
Used to express frustration over lack of time or money (ليس لدي وقت كافٍ).

في المطعم: شكراً، هذا القدر كافٍ.

At the restaurant: Thank you, this amount is enough.

في المحكمة: لا يوجد دليل كافٍ للإدانة.

In court: There is no sufficient evidence for conviction.

في العمل: الراتب غير كافٍ لتغطية النفقات.

At work: The salary is not enough to cover expenses.

في المدرسة: هل درست بشكل كافٍ للامتحان؟

At school: Did you study enough for the exam?

في الشارع: هذا كافي، توقف عن الصراخ!

In the street: That's enough, stop shouting!

Beyond literal sufficiency, the word carries emotional weight. In interpersonal relationships, one might say 'حبك كافٍ لي' (Your love is enough for me), highlighting a deep sense of contentment. Conversely, in arguments, a sharp 'هذا كافٍ!' serves as a definitive boundary, signaling that one's patience has run out. In religious contexts, one of the names of God in Islam is 'الكافي' (Al-Kaafi), meaning The Sufficient One, the one who provides adequately for His creation. This spiritual dimension elevates the word, reminding speakers of the ultimate source of sufficiency. Whether you are navigating a crowded souq, drafting a legal document, or expressing personal boundaries, mastering 'كافي' equips you with a powerful tool to articulate limits, satisfaction, and requirements in the Arabic-speaking world.

Even advanced learners of Arabic frequently stumble when using كافي due to its nature as a defective noun (اسم منقوص). The rules governing the presence or absence of the final 'yaa' (ي) are strict in Modern Standard Arabic, and failing to apply them correctly is the most common error. Additionally, learners often confuse the adjective form with the verb form, or struggle with how to properly negate the word. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can elevate your Arabic from sounding like a beginner to demonstrating a refined grasp of grammar and syntax.

The 'Yaa' Retention Error
Writing 'وقت كافي' instead of 'وقت كافٍ' in formal text. The 'yaa' must be dropped in indefinite nominative/genitive cases.
Incorrect Negation
Using 'لا كافي' instead of 'غير كافٍ' or 'ليس كافياً'. Adjectives are negated with 'غير' or 'ليس'.
Gender Disagreement
Saying 'معلومات كافٍ' instead of 'معلومات كافية'. Plural non-human nouns require feminine singular adjectives.

❌ خطأ: هذا دليل كافي.
✅ صح: هذا دليل كافٍ.

Correction: Drop the yaa in indefinite nominative.

❌ خطأ: أحتاج إلى ماء كافٍ.
✅ صح: أحتاج إلى ماء كافياً.

Correction: Keep the yaa and add tanween fatha in accusative.

❌ خطأ: الأسباب كافيات.
✅ صح: الأسباب كافية.

Correction: Non-human plurals take feminine singular adjectives.

❌ خطأ: هو لا كافي.
✅ صح: هو غير كافٍ.

Correction: Use 'غير' to negate adjectives.

❌ خطأ: نمت كافي.
✅ صح: نمت بشكل كافٍ.

Correction: Use 'بشكل كافٍ' for the adverb 'sufficiently'.

Another subtle mistake is overusing 'كافي' when a verb would be more natural. For example, instead of saying 'هذا كافٍ لي' (This is enough for me), native speakers often use the verb 'يكفي' (yakfee), saying 'هذا يكفيني' (This suffices me). While both are grammatically correct, the verbal sentence often flows better in spoken Arabic. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'كافي' with 'كافة' (kaaffah), which means 'all' or 'entirety' (e.g., كافة الناس - all the people). Despite looking similar, their meanings and usages are completely different. Paying attention to these nuances—grammatical case, proper negation, adverbial forms, and natural phrasing—will significantly improve your confidence and accuracy when expressing sufficiency in Arabic.

The Arabic language is incredibly rich in synonyms, offering various shades of meaning for the concept of 'enough' or 'sufficient'. While كافي is the most common and versatile, knowing its synonyms allows you to express yourself with greater precision and elegance, especially in advanced writing or formal speech. Some synonyms emphasize completeness, others emphasize suitability, and some are used specifically in certain contexts like logic or law. Exploring these related words deepens your understanding of Arabic vocabulary networks.

وافٍ (Waafin)
Means comprehensive or fully adequate. Often used with explanations or answers (شرح وافٍ).
مجزٍ (Mujzin)
Means rewarding or sufficient in terms of compensation. Used for salaries or efforts (راتب مجزٍ).
ملائم (Mula'im)
Means suitable or appropriate, which sometimes overlaps with sufficient depending on context.

قدم المعلم شرحاً وافياً للدرس.

The teacher provided a comprehensive (sufficient) explanation of the lesson.

هذا العمل يتطلب عائداً مجزياً.

This work requires a rewarding (sufficient) return.

هذا الحل مناسب لمشكلتنا.

This solution is suitable (adequate) for our problem.

أعطاني إجابة شافية.

He gave me a healing/satisfying (sufficient) answer.

الكمية كافية ووافية.

The quantity is enough and comprehensive. (Common pairing)

Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on the context. If you are talking about a quantity of water, 'كافٍ' is perfect. If you are talking about an explanation that covers all points, 'وافٍ' is better. If you are talking about a salary that meets your needs and rewards your effort, 'مجزٍ' is the most accurate. If you are talking about an answer that resolves all doubts, 'شافٍ' (literally: healing) is beautifully expressive. Conversely, it is also helpful to know the antonyms: 'ناقص' (deficient/incomplete) or 'غير كافٍ' (insufficient). By mapping out these related words, you build a robust mental dictionary that allows you to express the exact degree and nature of sufficiency you intend, moving beyond basic communication into eloquent expression.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

هذا الطعام كافي.

This food is enough.

Basic masculine adjective modifying 'food'.

2

الماء كافي.

The water is enough.

Simple nominal sentence.

3

ليس عندي وقت كافي.

I don't have enough time.

Used with negation 'ليس عندي'.

4

هل هذا كافي؟

Is this enough?

Used in a basic question.

5

شكراً، هذا كافي.

Thank you, this is enough.

Common polite phrase.

6

السكر غير كافي.

The sugar is not enough.

Using 'غير' for negation.

7

لدينا خبز كافي.

We have enough bread.

Modifying an indefinite noun.

8

النوم كافي.

The sleep is enough.

Subject and predicate.

1

هذه المعلومات كافية.

This information is enough.

Feminine form 'كافية' used for non-human plural 'معلومات'.

2

أحتاج إلى وقت كافٍ للدرس.

I need enough time for the lesson.

Introduction of the formal 'كافٍ' (dropping the yaa).

3

الراتب غير كافٍ.

The salary is not enough.

Negation with 'غير' and formal spelling.

4

هل الكمية كافية؟

Is the quantity sufficient?

Feminine agreement with 'الكمية'.

5

ليس لدينا طعام كافٍ للضيوف.

We don't have enough food for the guests.

Genitive case after 'لدينا'.

6

هذا سبب كافٍ للذهاب.

This is a sufficient reason to go.

Nominative indefinite.

7

أريد دليلاً كافياً.

I want sufficient evidence.

Accusative case 'كافياً' with tanween.

8

الغرفة كبيرة بشكل كافٍ.

The room is big enough.

Using 'بشكل كافٍ' as an adverbial phrase.

1

لم أدرس بشكل كافٍ للامتحان.

I didn't study enough for the exam.

Adverbial use modifying a verb.

2

الشرطة ليس لديها دليل كافٍ للقبض عليه.

The police do not have sufficient evidence to arrest him.

Complex sentence structure.

3

يجب أن نحصل على دعم كافٍ من الإدارة.

We must get adequate support from management.

Used with modal verbs (يجب أن).

4

هذا المبلغ غير كافٍ لتغطية النفقات.

This amount is insufficient to cover the expenses.

Formal negation and vocabulary.

5

قدمت تفسيراً كافياً لما حدث.

She provided a sufficient explanation for what happened.

Accusative object.

6

الجهد المبذول غير كافٍ للنجاح.

The effort exerted is not enough for success.

Modifying a passive participle (المبذول).

7

تأكد من أخذ قسط كافٍ من الراحة.

Make sure to get an adequate amount of rest.

Collocation 'قسط كافٍ'.

8

الموارد المتاحة كافية حالياً.

The available resources are currently sufficient.

Feminine agreement with plural non-human.

1

يعتبر هذا الشرط كافياً لإلغاء العقد.

This condition is considered sufficient to cancel the contract.

Accusative after the verb يعتبر (considered).

2

لا يوجد مبرر كافٍ لتصرفاته الغريبة.

There is no sufficient justification for his strange actions.

Formal vocabulary 'مبرر'.

3

قدم الباحث رداً كافياً ووافياً على الانتقادات.

The researcher provided a sufficient and comprehensive response to the criticisms.

Use of the collocation 'كافياً ووافياً'.

4

الإنتاج المحلي غير كافٍ لتلبية طلب السوق.

Local production is insufficient to meet market demand.

Economic context.

5

بذلنا جهداً كافياً، والآن ننتظر النتائج.

We exerted sufficient effort, and now we wait for the results.

Accusative indefinite.

6

الخبرة وحدها ليست كافية للحصول على الوظيفة.

Experience alone is not sufficient to get the job.

Feminine agreement and negation with ليست.

7

نحتاج إلى ضمانات كافية قبل توقيع الاتفاقية.

We need adequate guarantees before signing the agreement.

Plural noun 'ضمانات' with singular feminine adjective.

8

تم توفير عدد كافٍ من المقاعد للجمهور.

A sufficient number of seats was provided for the audience.

Passive voice 'تم توفير'.

1

إن مجرد الاشتباه ليس دليلاً كافياً لإصدار مذكرة توقيف.

Mere suspicion is not sufficient evidence to issue an arrest warrant.

Legal terminology and complex syntax.

2

تفتقر الدراسة إلى عينة كافية لاستخلاص استنتاجات عامة.

The study lacks a sufficient sample to draw general conclusions.

Academic context.

3

الوعي البيئي غير كافٍ ما لم يقترن بتشريعات صارمة.

Environmental awareness is insufficient unless coupled with strict legislation.

Conditional structure 'ما لم'.

4

قدم الكاتب تحليلاً كافياً وشافياً للأزمة الاقتصادية.

The writer presented a sufficient and satisfying analysis of the economic crisis.

Advanced synonyms 'كافياً وشافياً'.

5

لا بد من توافر شروط كافية لضمان نجاح المشروع.

Sufficient conditions must be present to ensure the project's success.

Formal necessity 'لا بد من'.

6

الاعتذار وحده غير كافٍ لجبر الضرر الذي لحق بهم.

An apology alone is insufficient to repair the damage inflicted upon them.

Advanced vocabulary 'جبر الضرر'.

7

تم تخصيص ميزانية كافية لتطوير البنية التحتية.

A sufficient budget has been allocated for infrastructure development.

Passive structure in formal reporting.

8

هذا النص كافٍ بذاته لفهم نية المؤلف.

This text is sufficient in itself to understand the author's intent.

Reflexive phrase 'بذاته'.

1

في المنطق، يُفرق بين الشرط اللازم والشرط الكافي بوضوح.

In logic, a clear distinction is made between a necessary condition and a sufficient condition.

Philosophical/Logical terminology.

2

إن الاكتفاء بالحلول الترقيعية غير كافٍ لمعالجة الجذور البنيوية للأزمة.

Settling for patchwork solutions is insufficient to address the structural roots of the crisis.

Highly advanced vocabulary and metaphor.

3

لقد أورد المؤرخ أدلة كافية تدحض الرواية السائدة للأحداث.

The historian cited sufficient evidence refuting the prevailing narrative of the events.

Academic historical context.

4

لا يُعد هذا الإجراء كافياً لدرء المخاطر المحدقة بالاقتصاد الوطني.

This measure is not deemed sufficient to ward off the imminent risks to the national economy.

High-register verbs 'درء' and 'المحدقة'.

5

إن كان في هذا القول ما يكفي، فهو كافٍ لمن ألقى السمع وهو شهيد.

If there is enough in this statement, it is sufficient for whoever listens attentively.

Literary/Quranic stylistic influence.

6

الموارد الذاتية للمؤسسة غير كافية لمجابهة التحديات التنافسية الشرسة.

The institution's internal resources are insufficient to confront the fierce competitive challenges.

Advanced business terminology.

7

قدم الدفاع دفوعاً قانونية كافية لإسقاط التهم الموجهة لموكله.

The defense presented sufficient legal arguments to drop the charges against his client.

Advanced legal jargon 'دفوعاً'.

8

التعبير عن النوايا الحسنة، وإن كان مطلوباً، يظل غير كافٍ في غياب العمل الملموس.

Expressing good intentions, while required, remains insufficient in the absence of concrete action.

Complex concessive clause 'وإن كان'.

Collocations courantes

وقت كافٍ
دليل كافٍ
نوم كافٍ
جهد كافٍ
دعم كافٍ
مبرر كافٍ
سبب كافٍ
معلومات كافية
أدلة كافية
بشكل كافٍ

Phrases Courantes

هذا كافٍ

ليس كافياً

غير كافٍ

كافٍ ووافٍ

بشكل كافٍ

الحد الكافي

القدر الكافي

دليل غير كافٍ

وقت غير كافٍ

يكفي وكافي

Souvent confondu avec

كافي vs كافة (kaaffah) - meaning 'all' or 'entirety'.

كافي vs مكافأة (mukaafa'ah) - meaning 'reward' (different root ك-ف-ء).

كافي vs كفيف (kafeef) - meaning 'blind'.

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

كافي vs

كافي vs

كافي vs

كافي vs

كافي vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Can imply just barely enough, or fully satisfying, depending on tone and context.

formality

Highly versatile. 'كافٍ' is formal, 'كافي' is used in both formal (when definite/accusative) and informal (always).

Erreurs courantes
  • Writing 'كافي' instead of 'كافٍ' in indefinite nominative/genitive cases.
  • Using 'لا كافي' instead of 'غير كافٍ' for negation.
  • Failing to use the feminine 'كافية' with non-human plural nouns.
  • Using 'كافي' directly after a verb instead of 'بشكل كافٍ' for adverbs.
  • Confusing 'كافي' (enough) with 'كافة' (all/entirety).

Astuces

Drop the Yaa

Remember the 'Ism Manqous' rule. If the word is indefinite and in the nominative or genitive case, drop the final 'yaa' and write 'كافٍ'. This is a hallmark of good Arabic writing. Do not write 'وقت كافي' in a formal essay.

Dialect Shortcut

When speaking casually, forget the complex grammar rules. Just use 'kaafi' for masculine and 'kaafya' for feminine. Everyone will understand you perfectly. Formal rules are mainly for writing and formal speeches.

Use the Pair

To sound very eloquent, use the phrase 'كافٍ ووافٍ' (sufficient and comprehensive). It is a beautiful rhetorical device. Use it when someone gives a great explanation or a complete answer.

Negation

Do not use 'لا' (la) to negate adjectives directly. Say 'غير كافٍ' (ghayr kaafin) instead of 'لا كافي'. You can also use 'ليس كافياً' if it is the predicate of a sentence.

Adverbial Use

If you want to say you did an action 'enough' (like studying or sleeping), use 'بشكل كافٍ'. Do not just stick the adjective after the verb. 'درست بشكل كافٍ' is correct.

Non-Human Plurals

Always use the feminine singular 'كافية' for non-human plurals. 'أدلة كافية' (evidence), 'أموال كافية' (money), 'أسباب كافية' (reasons). This is a very common mistake for beginners.

Hospitality

Use 'كافي' politely when offered more food or tea. Arabs are very generous and will keep pouring unless you clearly state that you have had enough. Pair it with a smile and 'Shukran'.

Tanween Accusative

When the word is indefinite and accusative, the 'yaa' comes back and takes a tanween fatha: 'كافياً'. For example, 'كان الوقت كافياً' (The time was enough). Do not forget the alif at the end.

Use the Verb

Sometimes it is more natural to use the verb 'يكفي' (yakfee) instead of the adjective. 'هذا يكفي' (This suffices) flows very well in conversation and avoids the adjective grammar rules entirely.

Legal and Academic

In high-level texts, 'كافٍ' is often paired with 'دليل' (evidence) or 'شرط' (condition). Mastering this word is essential if you plan to read Arabic news, legal documents, or academic papers.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'CAFE' (kaafi). When you have a coffee at a cafe, it is 'enough' to wake you up.

Origine du mot

Arabic root ك-ف-ي (k-f-y)

Contexte culturel

Al-Kaafi is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam.

Iktifaa' Thati (self-sufficiency) is a major goal for many Arab nations regarding food security.

Crucial for politely declining more food without offending the host.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"هل تعتقد أن راتبك كافٍ لتغطية نفقاتك؟"

"هل لدينا وقت كافٍ لإنهاء المشروع؟"

"ما هو الدليل الكافي لإثبات هذه النظرية؟"

"هل نمت بشكل كافٍ الليلة الماضية؟"

"متى تقول 'هذا كافٍ' في العلاقات؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن وقت شعرت فيه أن ما تملكه غير كافٍ.

ما هي الشروط الكافية لتحقيق السعادة في رأيك؟

صف موقفاً قلت فيه 'هذا كافٍ' ووضعت حداً لشيء ما.

هل تعتقد أن الاعتماد على التكنولوجيا كافٍ لحل مشاكلنا؟

كيف تحقق الاكتفاء الذاتي في حياتك؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

This is due to a grammar rule in Arabic for words ending in 'yaa' (defective nouns). When the word is indefinite and in the nominative or genitive case, the 'yaa' is dropped and replaced with two kasras (كافٍ). If it is definite (الكافي) or in the accusative case (كافياً), the 'yaa' remains. In spoken dialects, people usually just say 'kaafi' all the time. It is only a strict rule for formal written Arabic.

You can use 'غير كافٍ' (ghayr kaafin) as an adjective phrase, for example, 'وقت غير كافٍ' (insufficient time). You can also use a full sentence with 'ليس' (laysa), like 'الوقت ليس كافياً' (The time is not enough). In spoken Arabic, you might hear 'مو كافي' (moo kaafi) or 'مش كافي' (mish kaafi). Choose the form based on how formal you want to be.

It is rarely used to describe people directly in terms of quantity. You wouldn't normally say 'رجال كافون' (enough men). Instead, you would say 'عدد كافٍ من الرجال' (a sufficient number of men). It is primarily used to describe things, concepts, time, money, and evidence. Using it directly for people sounds unnatural.

Both mean sufficient, but 'وافٍ' (waafin) carries a stronger sense of being comprehensive, complete, or fully detailed. For example, 'شرح وافٍ' means an explanation that covers absolutely everything needed. 'كافي' just means it meets the basic requirement. They are often used together as 'كافٍ ووافٍ' for emphasis.

To say you did something 'sufficiently' or 'enough', use the phrase 'بشكل كافٍ' (bishakl kaafin), which literally means 'in a sufficient manner'. For example, 'لم أنم بشكل كافٍ' (I didn't sleep enough). You cannot just put 'كافي' after the verb in formal Arabic. You must use this adverbial phrase.

No, كافي is an adjective (and technically an active participle). The verb form is 'كفى' (kafaa) in the past tense and 'يكفي' (yakfee) in the present tense. For example, 'هذا يكفي' means 'this suffices' or 'this is enough'. You can use either the verb or the adjective depending on the sentence structure you prefer.

In Arabic grammar, plural nouns that do not refer to human beings (non-human plurals) are treated grammatically as feminine singular. Since 'معلومات' (information) is a non-human plural, any adjective modifying it must be in the feminine singular form, which is 'كافية' (kaafiya). This is a fundamental rule of Arabic agreement.

While they look similar, 'كافة' (kaaffah) means 'all' or 'the entirety of', as in 'كافة الناس' (all the people). It comes from a related concept of encompassing everything, but it is used very differently from 'كافي'. Do not confuse the two; 'كافي' means enough, 'كافة' means all.

The most common and polite way is to say 'الحمد لله، هذا كافٍ' (Praise be to God, this is enough) or simply 'شكراً، كافي' (Thank you, enough). Adding 'الحمد لله' shows that you are full and satisfied with the blessing of the food. It is culturally appreciated and clearly signals the host to stop serving.

The root is ك-ف-ي (k-f-y). This root is associated with the concepts of sufficiency, adequacy, and sometimes protection or taking care of something. From this root, we get words like 'كفاية' (sufficiency), 'يكفي' (to suffice), and 'اكتفاء' (self-sufficiency). Knowing the root helps you understand and memorize related vocabulary.

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