At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'khalal' very often, as it is a bit advanced. However, it is good to recognize it as a word for 'a problem' with a machine. Imagine your computer stops working. You might hear someone say there is a 'khalal'. At this stage, just think of it as a formal way to say 'something is wrong'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'There is a khalal in my phone' (هناك خلل في هاتفي). It's like saying 'My phone has a glitch'. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is a noun and it usually comes with the word 'fī' (in) to show where the problem is. For example, 'khalal fī al-kumbīūtar' (a problem in the computer). This will help you understand basic technical issues if you are in an Arabic-speaking country and need to get something fixed. It's a useful 'emergency' word for when things aren't working right.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'khalal' to describe simple malfunctions in everyday objects. You are moving beyond just saying 'broken' (maksūr) and starting to describe internal problems. If your internet is not working, you can say 'khalal fī al-internet'. This shows you understand that the internet isn't physically 'broken' like a glass, but has a technical issue. You should also learn the common phrase 'khalal fanni' (technical glitch). This is very common in daily life. You might see it on a screen at the airport or on a website. At this level, you should be able to use 'khalal' as a subject in a sentence, like 'Al-khalal kabīr' (The defect is big). You are beginning to see how Arabic uses specific words for different types of problems, and 'khalal' is your first step into technical vocabulary. It's a great word to use when talking to a repairman or a teacher about why something isn't working.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'khalal' in both technical and slightly more abstract contexts. You can use it to describe not just broken machines, but also problems in a plan or a schedule. For example, if a project is failing, you might say 'There is a khalal in the plan' (هناك خلل في الخطة). You should also start noticing how it's used in news headlines. You'll see it used for 'security breaches' (khalal amni) or 'structural problems'. At this level, you should be able to use adjectives with it correctly, matching the masculine gender. You might say 'khalal wādih' (an obvious flaw) or 'khalal basīt' (a simple glitch). You are also learning that 'khalal' suggests a 'gap' or 'imbalance'. This understanding helps you when you read more complex texts. You can start using it in your writing to sound more professional. Instead of saying 'the system is bad', you can say 'there is a defect in the system', which sounds much more mature and precise in Arabic.
At the B2 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you should use 'khalal' with nuance. You understand that it refers to systemic failures and imbalances. You can use it in academic discussions, business reports, and social critiques. For instance, you can discuss 'khalal fī al-mīzāniyyah' (a deficit/imbalance in the budget) or 'khalal haykalī' (a structural defect). You should be able to distinguish 'khalal' from its synonyms like ''ayb' or ''atal'. You know that 'khalal' is about the internal logic or function of a system. You can also use the related verb 'khalla' or the form VIII 'ikhtalla' (to be disturbed/imbalanced). At this stage, you should be able to explain *why* something is a 'khalal' rather than just a 'khata' (mistake). Your sentences should be more complex, perhaps using the word to link causes and effects: 'The technical defect led to the cancellation of the mission.' This level of mastery allows you to participate in professional environments where precise language is required to diagnose and solve problems.
At the C1 level, you use 'khalal' as a tool for deep analysis. You are aware of its etymological roots in the concept of 'gaps' and 'interstices' and can use this to your advantage in literary or philosophical discussions. You might use it to describe a 'khalal' in someone's character or a 'khalal' in the fabric of society. You are comfortable with the plural forms and related derivations like 'takhallul' (penetration/permeation). You can use the word to describe subtle imbalances in power or logic. Your usage is sophisticated; you might write about the 'khalal' in a legal argument that allowed a defendant to go free. You also understand the cultural weight of the word—how it implies a loss of 'tawazun' (balance), which is a highly valued concept in Arabic thought. At this level, 'khalal' is not just a word for a bug in a computer; it's a way to describe any deviation from the natural or intended order of the universe.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'khalal' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can use it in high-level political discourse, classical literary analysis, and complex scientific reporting. You understand the most obscure collocations and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing. You might use it to describe the 'khalal' in a poetic meter or the 'khalal' in an ancient manuscript's physical state. You are also aware of how the word has been used historically in Islamic jurisprudence or classical philosophy to describe flaws in reasoning or evidence. You can navigate the most dense technical manuals or philosophical treatises where 'khalal' is used to define the boundaries of what is 'sahih' (correct) and what is 'fāsid' (corrupt). For you, 'khalal' is a precise scalpel used to dissect the failures of any system, no matter how complex or abstract. You use it with total confidence, knowing exactly which synonym to avoid and which adjective will provide the perfect shade of meaning.

خَلَل en 30 secondes

  • A formal noun meaning defect, flaw, or malfunction.
  • Commonly used in technical, economic, and social contexts.
  • Implies an internal system failure rather than external damage.
  • Essential for professional, academic, and news-related Arabic.

The Arabic word خَلَل (khalal) is a sophisticated and versatile noun that primarily denotes a defect, flaw, or malfunction within a structured entity. At its core, the word originates from the root Kh-L-L, which historically refers to the gaps or spaces between things. In modern usage, this concept of a 'gap' has evolved to signify any deviation from the ideal or intended state of a system, whether that system is mechanical, logical, social, or biological. When you use the word خَلَل, you are not just saying something is 'broken' in a generic sense; you are implying that there is an internal inconsistency or a breakdown in the harmony of parts that should work together. It is the 'glitch' in the software, the 'imbalance' in the economy, and the 'defect' in the manufacturing process.

Technical Context
In the world of engineering and IT, خَلَل is the standard term for a bug or a malfunction. If a server goes down or a car engine starts making a strange noise, an engineer would look for the khalal. It suggests a specific point of failure that needs diagnostic attention. For example, خلل فني (technical defect) is a phrase you will see on news tickers when a website is down or a flight is delayed.
Social and Economic Context
Beyond machines, the word is used to describe systemic issues in society. Economists speak of خلل هيكلي (structural imbalance) to describe a situation where a country's imports far exceed its exports, or where there is a mismatch between education and the job market. It implies that the 'structure' of the system has a fundamental flaw that prevents it from reaching equilibrium.
Medical and Psychological Context
In medicine, specifically mental health or neurology, خَلَل describes a functional disorder. خلل عقلي refers to a mental disturbance or imbalance. It is a formal way to discuss health issues that involve a departure from normal cognitive or physical functioning without necessarily using stigmatizing language.

أدى خَلَل في المحرك إلى توقف السيارة فجأة في منتصف الطريق السريع.

Translation: A defect in the engine caused the car to stop suddenly in the middle of the highway.

هناك خَلَل واضح في توزيع الثروات بين طبقات المجتمع.

Translation: There is a clear imbalance in the distribution of wealth among social classes.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in legal and security contexts. A خلل أمني (security breach or flaw) suggests that the protective measures in place had a gap that allowed for a violation. In essence, whenever there is a 'break' in the expected pattern or a 'weak link' in a chain of events, خَلَل is the most appropriate term to employ. It invites the listener to think about the 'why' and 'where' of the problem, rather than just the fact that a problem exists. Understanding this word allows you to navigate technical manuals, news reports, and high-level social critiques in Arabic with much greater ease.

Mastering the use of خَلَل requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a noun and its common pairings with adjectives. It is almost always used to identify a specific type of failure. In most sentences, it acts as the subject or the object of a verb related to discovery (like kashafa - revealed) or repair (like aslaha - fixed). Because it is a masculine noun, any adjectives following it must also be masculine. The plural form is خِلال (khilal), though in modern standard Arabic, the plural اختلالات (ikhtilalat) is often preferred when discussing multiple systemic imbalances.

Identifying the Source
When you want to say 'a defect in [something]', you use the preposition (في). For example: خلل في النظام (a defect in the system). This is the most common sentence pattern. You identify the location of the 'gap' or 'flaw' immediately after the word.
Describing the Severity
Adjectives like basit (simple/minor), khatir (serious/dangerous), or wādih (obvious) are frequently used with khalal. Example: كشف الفحص عن خلل خطير (The inspection revealed a serious defect). This adds a layer of evaluation to the diagnostic nature of the word.

يجب علينا إصلاح هذا الـ خَلَل قبل إطلاق المنتج الجديد.

Translation: We must fix this defect before launching the new product.

هل تعتقد أن هناك خَلَلًا في منطق هذه الحجة؟

Translation: Do you think there is a flaw in the logic of this argument?

العلماء يحاولون فهم الـ خَلَل الجيني المسبب للمرض.

Translation: Scientists are trying to understand the genetic defect causing the disease.

When writing formally, you can use خَلَل to describe organizational failures. For example, in a business report, you might write: تسبب الخلل الإداري في خسائر مالية (The administrative malfunction caused financial losses). This phrasing is much more professional than saying 'the manager made a mistake.' It points to the 'process' or 'system' as the source of the issue, which is a hallmark of objective professional Arabic. By integrating this word into your vocabulary, you transition from basic communication to nuanced, descriptive analysis.

You will encounter the word خَلَل in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. It is a staple of news broadcasts, technical support conversations, and academic lectures. Because it bridges the gap between everyday problems and technical failures, its frequency in modern media is very high. If you listen to an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will likely hear it within the first thirty minutes, especially during segments on technology, the economy, or security.

On the News
Journalists use khalal to describe events objectively. If a power grid fails, the headline will read: خلل في شبكة الكهرباء (A defect in the electricity grid). If a political treaty is falling apart, they might mention a خلل في التوازنات الإقليمية (an imbalance in regional balances). It provides a neutral, descriptive tone that avoids placing immediate blame while acknowledging a significant problem.
In the Workplace
If you work in an office environment in the Arab world, your IT department will use this word constantly. If the internet is slow, they might say هناك خلل في الاتصال (There is a glitch in the connection). It is the polite way to say things aren't working as they should without necessarily implying that someone broke them on purpose.

اعتذرت الشركة عن الـ خَلَل التقني الذي أصاب تطبيقها صباح اليوم.

Translation: The company apologized for the technical glitch that affected its app this morning.

أشار التقرير إلى وجود خَلَل في إجراءات السلامة داخل المصنع.

Translation: The report indicated the existence of a flaw in the safety procedures inside the factory.

In academic and philosophical circles, خَلَل is used to critique arguments or theories. A professor might point out a خلل في المنهجية (a flaw in the methodology). This usage highlights the word's ability to transition from the physical world to the world of abstract ideas. Whether you are reading a manual for a dishwasher or a treatise on social justice, خَلَل is the word that signals a point of failure that requires critical thinking and intervention.

While خَلَل is a versatile word, learners often make specific errors in its application, either by confusing it with similar-sounding words or by applying it to contexts where other terms are more natural. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and ensure your meaning is clear in professional settings.

Confusing Khalal with Khala'
A common mistake is confusing خَلَل (defect) with خَلاء (emptiness/void) or خَلا (except/past tense of 'to be empty'). While they share the same root letters, their meanings and grammatical roles are entirely different. Khalal is always a noun referring to a problem, whereas khala is often used as a preposition or a verb.
Overusing it for Human Errors
Another mistake is using خَلَل to describe a simple human mistake like a typo or a slip of the tongue. For these, ghalta or khata' are better. Khalal implies something deeper—a failure in the system or the 'logic' of the person's thinking. If you say someone has a 'khalal', it can sound like you are suggesting they have a mental disorder rather than just having made a mistake.

❌ Incorrect: فعلتُ خَلَلًا في الواجب المنزلي.

✅ Correct: ارتكبتُ خَطَأً في الواجب المنزلي.

Note: You 'commit a mistake' (khata'), but a 'defect' (khalal) 'exists' or 'occurs'.

Finally, be careful with the plural. While khilal is the dictionary plural, it is rarely used in modern speech because khilal also means 'during' or 'throughout'. To avoid confusion, most modern speakers and writers use the plural of the related word ikhtilal, which is ikhtilalat, when they want to talk about 'defects' or 'imbalances' in the plural. Stick to the singular khalal for most contexts to remain safe and clear.

Arabic is rich with synonyms for 'problem' or 'defect,' and choosing the right one depends entirely on the context. While خَلَل is specific to malfunctions and systemic gaps, other words emphasize different aspects of failure. Understanding these subtle differences will elevate your Arabic from functional to expressive.

Khalal vs. 'Ayb (عَيْب)
While both can mean 'defect', 'ayb is often used for physical flaws in objects (like a scratch on a car) or moral/social shame. Khalal is more technical and functional. You would say a car has an 'ayb in its paint, but a khalal in its engine.
Khalal vs. 'Atal (عَطَل)
'Atal specifically means a 'breakdown' or 'stoppage'. If your car won't start at all, it's an 'atal. If it starts but runs poorly because of a sensor issue, it's a khalal. Khalal is the underlying cause, while 'atal is the resulting state of being out of service.
Khalal vs. Naqs (نَقْص)
Naqs means 'shortage' or 'deficiency'. Use naqs when something is missing (like a shortage of vitamins or staff). Use khalal when everything is present, but it's not working correctly together.

Comparison:
1. خَلَل فني (Technical glitch - internal logic error).
2. عَيْب مصنعي (Manufacturing defect - physical flaw).
3. عَطَل مفاجئ (Sudden breakdown - stopped working).

In summary, خَلَل is your 'diagnostic' word. It points to the internal mechanism of a problem. If you are describing a situation where the gears of a system—whether literal or metaphorical—are not meshing correctly, خَلَل is the most precise and professional choice available in the Arabic language.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Neutre

""

Informel

""

Child friendly

""

Argot

""

Le savais-tu ?

The word for vinegar (Khall) comes from the same root because it 'penetrates' the food it preserves. Similarly, a close friend (Khalil) is someone whose love has 'penetrated' your soul.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈxal.al/
US /ˈkʰɑːl.əl/
Primary stress is on the first syllable: KHA-lal.
Rime avec
Jalal (جلال) Talal (طلال) Halal (حلال) Dalal (دلال) Malal (ملال) Balal (بلل) Zalal (زلل) Kalal (كلل)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'kh' as a simple 'k'.
  • Elongating the first 'a' to sound like 'khaaalal'.
  • Confusing the vowels with 'u' or 'i'.
  • Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
  • Failing to pronounce the double 'l' sound clearly if it were present (though here it is two separate 'l's with a vowel between).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in news and technical texts.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of case endings and proper adjective agreement.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation of 'kh' is the main challenge.

Écoute 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in formal speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

مشكلة خطأ نظام آلة توازن

Apprends ensuite

اختلال هيكلي تدارك معالجة تشخيص

Avancé

تخلل استئصال منظومة معياري انحراف

Grammaire à connaître

Noun-Adjective Agreement

خلل (M) + فني (M)

Prepositional Phrases with 'fī'

خلل في النظام

Case Endings (Nominative)

يوجدُ خللٌ

Case Endings (Accusative)

أصلحتُ الخللَ

Case Endings (Genitive)

بسببِ الخللِ

Exemples par niveau

1

هناك خلل في هاتفي.

There is a defect in my phone.

Simple 'There is' (Hunaka) structure.

2

الكمبيوتر فيه خلل.

The computer has a defect in it.

Using 'fīhi' (in it) to refer back to the computer.

3

هذا خلل بسيط.

This is a simple defect.

Adjective 'basit' follows the noun.

4

أين الخلل؟

Where is the defect?

Basic question structure.

5

الخلل في الساعة.

The defect is in the watch.

Definite noun 'Al-khalal'.

6

أنا أرى خللاً.

I see a defect.

Accusative case (khalalan) as the object of the verb.

7

لا يوجد خلل هنا.

There is no defect here.

Negative 'La yūjad' (There is not).

8

السيارة بها خلل.

The car has a defect.

Using 'biha' (in it - feminine) for the car.

1

حدث خلل فني في الطائرة.

A technical glitch occurred in the plane.

Verb 'hadatha' (occurred) is common with khalal.

2

هل يمكنك إصلاح هذا الخلل؟

Can you fix this defect?

Verb 'aslaha' (to fix).

3

الخلل في النظام الكهربائي.

The defect is in the electrical system.

Specific technical noun phrase.

4

وجدنا خللاً في المحرك.

We found a defect in the engine.

Past tense verb 'wajadna'.

5

هناك خلل في الصوت.

There is a defect in the sound.

Identifying the specific sense/area of failure.

6

التقرير يذكر وجود خلل.

The report mentions the existence of a defect.

Formal verb 'yadhkur' (mentions).

7

هذا الخلل يسبب مشاكل.

This defect causes problems.

Verb 'yusabbib' (causes).

8

أصلحتُ الخلل بسرعة.

I fixed the defect quickly.

Past tense with adverb 'bi-sur'ah'.

1

أدى الخلل التقني إلى توقف العمل.

The technical glitch led to the stoppage of work.

Phrase 'adda ila' (led to).

2

يوجد خلل في توزيع المهام.

There is a flaw in the distribution of tasks.

Abstract usage for management.

3

كشف الفحص عن خلل في البناء.

The inspection revealed a defect in the building.

Verb 'kashafa 'an' (revealed).

4

يجب معالجة الخلل قبل فوات الأوان.

The defect must be addressed before it's too late.

Passive-like structure 'yajib mu'alajat'.

5

هناك خلل واضح في هذه الحجة.

There is an obvious flaw in this argument.

Abstract usage for logic.

6

تسبب الخلل في خسارة كبيرة.

The defect caused a big loss.

Causal relationship.

7

نحن نبحث عن مصدر الخلل.

We are looking for the source of the defect.

Noun construct 'masdar al-khalal'.

8

الخلل ليس في الآلة بل في المستخدم.

The defect is not in the machine but in the user.

Contrastive structure 'laysa... bal'.

1

يعاني الاقتصاد من خلل هيكلي عميق.

The economy suffers from a deep structural imbalance.

Academic phrase 'khalal haykali'.

2

أشار الخبراء إلى خلل في توازن القوى.

Experts pointed to an imbalance in the balance of power.

Political context.

3

تم تدارك الخلل الأمني بسرعة.

The security breach was rectified quickly.

Formal verb 'tadaraka' (to rectify/catch up).

4

هذا الخلل الوظيفي يؤثر على الإنتاجية.

This functional malfunction affects productivity.

Adjective 'wadhifi' (functional).

5

يجب إصلاح الخلل في النظام التعليمي.

The flaw in the educational system must be fixed.

Social critique.

6

الخلل الجيني هو سبب هذا المرض.

The genetic defect is the cause of this disease.

Scientific context.

7

لاحظ المهندس وجود خلل في التصميم.

The engineer noticed the existence of a flaw in the design.

Verb 'lahadha' (noticed).

8

هناك خلل في المعايير المستخدمة.

There is a flaw in the standards used.

Abstract technical context.

1

تغلغل الخلل في مفاصل الدولة.

The defect/corruption has permeated the joints of the state.

Sophisticated verb 'taghalghala' (permeated).

2

يكمن الخلل في الرؤية الفلسفية للمشروع.

The flaw lies in the philosophical vision of the project.

Verb 'yakamunu' (lies/is hidden).

3

أدى هذا القرار إلى خلل في السلم الاجتماعي.

This decision led to a disturbance in social peace.

High-level social context.

4

لا يمكن تجاهل الخلل في هذه النظرية.

The flaw in this theory cannot be ignored.

Academic critique.

5

الخلل في الميزان التجاري يثير القلق.

The imbalance in the trade balance is raising concerns.

Economic terminology.

6

تم تشخيص الخلل النفسي بدقة.

The psychological imbalance was diagnosed accurately.

Medical/Psychological context.

7

يسعى القانون لمعالجة أي خلل في العقود.

The law seeks to address any flaw in the contracts.

Legal context.

8

ظهر خلل في التنسيق بين الوزارات.

A lack of coordination (defect in coordination) appeared between the ministries.

Administrative context.

1

إن الخلل الذي شابَ العملية الانتخابية قد قوض شرعيتها.

The defect that marred the electoral process has undermined its legitimacy.

Classical verb 'shāba' (to mar/taint).

2

تتضح معالم الخلل في البنية الفكرية لهذا النص.

The features of the defect in the intellectual structure of this text are becoming clear.

Literary analysis terminology.

3

لم يكن الخلل عرضياً، بل كان متجذراً في النظام.

The defect was not accidental, but rather deeply rooted in the system.

Philosophical/Systemic critique.

4

يستوجب هذا الخلل مراجعة شاملة للمنطلقات.

This defect necessitates a comprehensive review of the starting premises.

High-level academic language.

5

أفضى الخلل في المنظومة القيمية إلى أزمة هوية.

The flaw in the value system led to an identity crisis.

Sociological/Philosophical context.

6

الخلل في التقدير أدى إلى عواقب وخيمة.

The error in judgment (defect in estimation) led to dire consequences.

Formal narrative style.

7

ثمة خلل بنيوي يحول دون تحقيق التنمية.

There is a structural defect that prevents the achievement of development.

Advanced particle 'thamma' (there is).

8

الخلل في الرواية يضعف من مصداقيتها.

The flaw in the narrative weakens its credibility.

Critique of discourse.

Collocations courantes

خلل فني
خلل أمني
خلل هيكلي
خلل عقلي
خلل وظيفي
إصلاح الخلل
كشف الخلل
خلل في التوازن
خلل في النظام
تدارك الخلل

Phrases Courantes

خلل في الميزان

— An imbalance in the scales, often referring to justice or logic.

هناك خلل في ميزان العدالة.

خلل في الرؤية

— A defect in vision or a lack of clarity in a plan.

لديه خلل في الرؤية المستقبلية.

خلل في التنسيق

— A failure in coordination between parties.

فشل المشروع بسبب خلل في التنسيق.

بدون أي خلل

— Perfectly, without any glitches.

سارت العملية بدون أي خلل.

خلل في المعلومات

— An error or gap in the data provided.

هناك خلل في المعلومات الواردة.

خلل في الأداء

— A performance failure or inefficiency.

نلاحظ خللاً في أداء الموظفين.

خلل في التركيز

— A lack of focus or attention.

يعاني الطالب من خلل في التركيز.

خلل في الجينات

— A genetic mutation or defect.

المرض ناتج عن خلل في الجينات.

خلل في المعايير

— A double standard or flawed criteria.

هناك خلل في معايير التقييم.

خلل في القيادة

— A failure in leadership within an organization.

تعاني الشركة من خلل في القيادة.

Souvent confondu avec

خَلَل vs خلاء

Means emptiness or void; sounds similar but unrelated in meaning.

خَلَل vs خلا

Means 'except' or 'to be empty'; a preposition or verb, not a noun for 'defect'.

خَلَل vs خل

Means 'vinegar'; shares the root but contextually very different.

Expressions idiomatiques

"خلل في الموازين"

— A complete shift or failure in the expected order of things.

الحرب أحدثت خللاً في الموازين الدولية.

Formal
"خلل في النسيج الاجتماعي"

— A breakdown in the social fabric or community bonds.

العنصرية تسبب خللاً في النسيج الاجتماعي.

Academic
"خلل في البوصلة"

— Losing one's direction or moral guidance.

السياسة الحالية تعاني من خلل في البوصلة.

Metaphorical
"خلل في موازين القوى"

— A shift in the geopolitical balance of power.

التحالف الجديد غير خلل موازين القوى.

Political
"خلل في العقل"

— Insanity or severe mental instability.

تصرفاته تدل على خلل في العقل.

Formal/Literary
"خلل في المنطق"

— A logical fallacy or flawed reasoning.

كلامك فيه خلل في المنطق.

Neutral
"خلل في التقدير"

— A miscalculation or poor judgment.

كان الخلل في التقدير مكلفاً للغاية.

Formal
"خلل في الحسابات"

— A mistake in planning or actual math.

وقع خلل في حساباتنا للميزانية.

Neutral
"خلل في التوزيع"

— Inequity in how resources are spread.

هناك خلل في توزيع الثروة.

Economic
"خلل في التواصل"

— A breakdown in communication.

المشكلة ناتجة عن خلل في التواصل بيننا.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

خَلَل vs عيب

Both mean defect.

'Ayb is often physical/moral; Khalal is systemic/functional.

A scratch on a car is an 'ayb; an engine failing is a khalal.

خَلَل vs خطأ

Both refer to things going wrong.

Khata' is a human mistake; Khalal is a system failure.

Typing '2+2=5' is a khata'; the calculator app crashing is a khalal.

خَلَل vs عطل

Both used for machines.

'Atal is a complete breakdown; Khalal can be a minor glitch or imbalance.

If the car stops, it's an 'atal; if it uses too much fuel, it's a khalal.

خَلَل vs مشكلة

Generic term for problem.

Mushkila is broad; Khalal is a precise diagnostic term for a flaw.

Having no money is a mushkila; the bank's database error is a khalal.

خَلَل vs نقص

Both imply something is wrong.

Naqs is a shortage (missing something); Khalal is a malfunction (something is there but wrong).

Missing a bolt is a naqs; the bolt being the wrong size is a khalal.

Structures de phrases

A1

هناك خلل في [الاسم]

هناك خلل في هاتفي.

A2

حدث خلل [صفة] في [الاسم]

حدث خلل فني في الموقع.

B1

أدى الخلل إلى [نتيجة]

أدى الخلل إلى توقف العمل.

B2

يعاني [النظام] من خلل [نوع]

يعاني الاقتصاد من خلل هيكلي.

C1

يكمن الخلل في [فكرة]

يكمن الخلل في منهجية البحث.

C2

ثمة خلل [بنيوي] يحول دون [هدف]

ثمة خلل بنيوي يحول دون تحقيق العدالة.

B1

كشف [الفحص] عن خلل

كشف الفحص عن خلل في الجهاز.

B2

تم [تدارك] الخلل بـ [وسيلة]

تم تدارك الخلل بتحديث النظام.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news, medium in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Saying 'Ana khalal' for 'I made a mistake'. Ana ارتكبتُ خطأً.

    A person cannot be a 'khalal' in this way; it is something that exists in a system.

  • Using 'khala' (except) instead of 'khalal'. هناك خلل في الجهاز.

    'Khala' is a preposition; 'khalal' is the noun for defect.

  • Using feminine adjectives with 'khalal'. خلل فني (not فنية).

    'Khalal' is a masculine noun.

  • Confusing 'khalal' with 'khall' (vinegar). أصلحتُ الخلل.

    Context usually prevents this, but learners often mix up the short vowels.

  • Using 'khalal' for a physical break (like a broken leg). كسر (kasr).

    'Khalal' is for functional malfunctions, not physical snapping/breaking.

Astuces

Be Precise

Use 'khalal' when you want to sound like an expert diagnosing a specific problem rather than just complaining about one.

Gender Check

Remember that 'khalal' is masculine. Don't say 'khalal fanniyyah'; say 'khalal fanni'.

Economic Context

When reading about the economy, 'khalal هيكلي' (structural imbalance) is a key phrase to look for.

The 'Kh' Sound

Don't be afraid to make a rasping sound for the 'kh'. It's the most important part of the word's identity.

Balance is Key

Understand that 'khalal' is the enemy of 'tawazun' (balance), a core value in Arabic culture.

Professionalism

In a formal report, always prefer 'khalal' over 'mushkila' to describe internal failures.

News Triggers

When you hear 'khalal', pay attention to the word immediately after it; it defines the whole context (technical, security, etc.).

Gap Logic

Remember the root meaning 'gap'. A 'khalal' is a gap in the system where something went wrong.

Polite Reporting

Use 'yūjad khalal' (there is a defect) to report a problem without blaming a specific person.

Abstract Usage

Practice using 'khalal' for logic or arguments to reach a C1 level of expression.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Khalal' as a 'Hole-al'. A 'hole' in a system is a defect. If there is a hole in your logic, there is a 'khalal'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a complex machine with a missing gear, leaving a 'gap' (khalal) that stops the whole thing from working.

Word Web

System Defect Glitch Gap Imbalance Failure Logic Technical

Défi

Try to find one thing in your house that has a 'khalal' (a glitchy TV, a leaky tap, or a slow computer) and describe it using the phrase 'Hunaka khalal fī...'.

Origine du mot

From the Semitic root Kh-L-L, which primarily means to pierce, penetrate, or create a gap.

Sens originel : A gap or an opening between two things.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Contexte culturel

Calling a person 'mukhtall' (disturbed/having khalal) is a sensitive term for mental illness and should be used with clinical care.

English speakers might use 'glitch' for tech and 'imbalance' for society; Arabic uses 'khalal' for both, showing a unified view of systemic failure.

Used in modern Arabic literature to describe societal decay. Common in technical manuals translated into Arabic. Frequent in legal documents regarding 'contractual flaws'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Technical Support

  • هناك خلل فني
  • كيف أصلح الخلل؟
  • كشف الخلل
  • توقف بسبب خلل

Economics

  • خلل هيكلي
  • خلل في الميزان التجاري
  • تدارك الخلل المالي
  • خلل في التوزيع

Medicine

  • خلل جيني
  • خلل وظيفي
  • خلل في الهرمونات
  • تشخيص الخلل

Politics/Society

  • خلل أمني
  • خلل في توازن القوى
  • خلل اجتماعي
  • خلل في المنظومة

Logic/Debate

  • خلل في الحجة
  • خلل في المنطق
  • كلامك فيه خلل
  • توضيح الخلل

Amorces de conversation

"هل واجهت أي خلل فني في التطبيق الجديد؟"

"كيف يمكننا معالجة الخلل في تواصل الفريق؟"

"هل تعتقد أن هناك خللاً في النظام التعليمي الحالي؟"

"ما هو أخطر خلل يمكن أن يحدث في محرك الطائرة؟"

"كيف تكتشف الخلل في منطق الطرف الآخر أثناء الجدال؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن مرة واجهت فيها خللاً فنياً في وقت غير مناسب.

هل تعتقد أن هناك خللاً في الطريقة التي يقضي بها الناس وقتهم اليوم؟

صف خللاً هيكلياً تلاحظه في مدينتك وكيف يمكن إصلاحه.

تحدث عن أهمية التوازن وكيف يؤثر الخلل على حياتك الشخصية.

اكتب تقريراً قصيراً عن خلل أمني تخيلي في شركة كبرى.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

You can use it formally to describe a functional disorder (e.g., 'khalal عقلي'), but using it casually about a person can be offensive as it implies they are 'malfunctioning' or 'disturbed'.

'Khalal fanni' (technical glitch) is by far the most common, used in everything from IT to aviation.

It is a masculine noun, so adjectives like 'fanni' or 'wādih' must also be masculine.

You would say 'ladayya khalal' (literally: with me is a defect) or 'yūjad khalal fī...' (there is a defect in...).

Yes, 'ikhtalla' (to be imbalanced) is the most common related verb used in modern Arabic.

Literally and historically, yes, but in modern usage, it almost always means a functional or systemic defect.

'Khalal' is the noun for the defect itself; 'ikhtilal' is the state of imbalance or the process of becoming imbalanced.

The root is used, and the concept of 'khilal' (gaps) appears, though the modern technical sense is a later development.

It's better to use 'khata' matba'i' (printing error). 'Khalal' would imply the keyboard or software is broken.

In modern contexts, use 'ikhtilalat'. The classical plural 'khilal' is now mostly used as a preposition meaning 'during'.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write 'There is a defect in my computer' in Arabic.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'I fixed the technical glitch' in Arabic.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write 'The defect led to a big problem' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'The economy suffers from a structural imbalance' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'The flaw lies in the research methodology' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'Where is the defect?' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'A technical glitch occurred' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'We are looking for the source of the defect' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'The security breach was rectified' in Arabic.

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writing

Write 'There is a flaw in the trade balance' in Arabic.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'Simple defect'.

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writing

Translate: 'The car has a defect'.

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writing

Translate: 'An obvious flaw in the argument'.

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writing

Translate: 'Genetic defect'.

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writing

Translate: 'Imbalance in the social fabric'.

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writing

Write: 'A defect in the watch'.

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writing

Write: 'Can you fix the defect?'.

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writing

Write: 'The inspection revealed a defect'.

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writing

Write: 'Functional malfunction in the system'.

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writing

Write: 'The flaw permeated the state'.

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speaking

Say 'There is a defect' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Technical glitch' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Fix the defect' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Structural imbalance' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Logical flaw' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Where is the defect?' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Simple defect' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Source of the defect' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Security breach' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Social imbalance' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'In the computer' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'He found a defect' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The defect led to problems' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Functional malfunction' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Flaw in the vision' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'No defect' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'The car has a defect' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Obvious flaw' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'Genetic defect' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Imbalance in trade' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal fanni'. What kind of glitch?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to 'Aslaha al-khalal'. What happened?

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal haykali'. What domain?

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listening

Listen to 'Taghalghala al-khalal'. What did it do?

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listening

Listen to 'Hunaka khalal'. Is there a problem?

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal basit'. Is it big?

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listening

Listen to 'Kashafa al-khalal'. What did the person do?

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal amni'. Is it about health?

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listening

Listen to 'Thamma khalal'. Is there a defect?

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listening

Listen to 'Al-khalal'. Is it definite?

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listening

Listen to 'Wajadna khalal'. Did they find it?

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listening

Listen to 'Masdar al-khalal'. What is mentioned?

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listening

Listen to 'Khalal wadhifi'. Is it functional?

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listening

Listen to 'Ikhtilal'. Is it related to khalal?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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